Noni: from traditional medicine to modern science

Welcome to the first of a series of science insights on plants with medical properties that have been used traditionally for hundreds of years.
In this episode Viola introduces Morinda Citrifolia or as it is most commonly known “Noni” plant. We will review all the scientific evidences which have been carried out in recent years to understand the traditional uses of this plant and its mechanism of function.
We will look at the plant composition and summarise the research which supports its raditional use in diabetes, ischaemia, hypertension, gout, COPD, cognitive impairment.
There are also many strong evidences of Noni as an anti-cancer compound, for which we have dedicated an entire full episode (you will be able to watch this in the coming weeks).
Would you like to find out whether science supports the medical claims of a herbal product your grandmother uses? Write us the name of your plant at info@naturegoingsmart.com
The medical uses of Noni pt. 1
Did you like this video?
This original content has been offered for free without advertisements thanks to our readers’ contributions. You, too, can support us in many ways. Check out how here! Thank you
Copyright, Nature Going Smart. May not be re-printed without permission.
References:
Basar S, Uhlengut K, Hogger P, et al (2010). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) fruit. Phytother Res, 24, 38-42.
Brown AC (2012). Anticancer activity of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit: a review. Phytother Res, 26, 1427-40.
Dussossoy E, Brat P, Bony E, et al (2011). Characterization, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Costa Rican Noni juice (Morinda citrifolia L.). Ethnopharmacol, 133, 108-15
Harada S, Fujita-Hamabe W, Kamiya K, et al (2010). Morinda citrifolia fruit juice prevents ischemic neuronal damage through suppression of the development of post-ischemic glucose intolerance. J Nat Med, 64, 468-73.
Hornick CA, Myers A, Sadowska-Krowicka H, et al (2003). Inhibition of angiogenic initiation and disruption of newly established human vascular networks by juice from Morinda citrifolia (Noni). Angiogenesis, 6, 143-9.
Li J, Stickel SL, Bouton-Verville H, et al (2008). Fermented Noni Exudate (fNE): a mediator between immune system and antitumor activity. Oncol Reports, 20, 1505-9.
Muto J, Hosung L, Uwaya A, et al (2010). Morinda citrifolia fruit reduces stress-induced impairment of cognitive function accompanied by vasculature improvement in mice. Physiol Behav, 101, 211-7.
Palu A, Deng S, West B, et al (2009). Xanthine oxidase inhibiting effects of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit juice. Phytother 3, 552-6.
Potterat O, Hamburger M (2007). Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit–phytochemistry, pharmacology, safety. Planta Med, 73, 191-9.
Serafini MR, Santos RC, Guimarães AG, et al (2011). Morinda citrifolia Linn leaf extract possesses antioxidant activities and reduces nociceptive behavior and leukocyte migration. J Med Food, 14, 1159-66.