Noni Juice Side Effects

Noni juice is manufactured from the fruit of the small noni tree (Morinda citrifolia), native to Polynesia and the Pacific Islands. Noni is also known as the Indian mulberry. The juice, described as bitter-tasting and foul-smelling, is said to treat a wide variety of health conditions. Noni juice may have some health benefits, but it also comes with unsubstantiated claims as well as side effects.

Uses

• Historically, the leaves and fruits of the noni tree have been used in traditional medicine as a topical preparation for skin conditions and joint pain. Noni has also been used in Polynesia as a dye. Noni fruit juice is popular today as a general health tonic, and for cancer and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Noni fruit is commonly combined with other fruits to make the juice.

Side effects

• The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that noni is high in potassium. Therefore, it should be avoided by people on potassium-restricted diets due to kidney problems. Noni should also be avoided by people who have liver disease; compounds in noni can make the disease worse. Liver damage in people using noni has been reported.

The claims

• According to the Mayo Clinic, noni is purported to be beneficial in treating a wide range of health conditions. These include MS (multiple sclerosis), cancer, arthritis, high blood pressure, pain, diarrhea, AIDS and bad breath. The many beneficial claims are generally based on testimonials offered by people selling the product.

FDA warning

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to several manufacturers of noni juice for making unsubstantiated health claims about their products. You are advised to inform your health-care provider about any complementary and alternative products you plan to add to your diet.

The science

• According to the NCCAM, laboratory research has shown noni to have immune-stimulating, antioxidant and tumor-fighting properties. These positive results indicate that noni may warrant further research for cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Clinical opinion

• The Mayo Clinic believes that when a product is promoted to treat almost every kind of ailment, it is probably based on hype. There is no evidence that noni juice is beneficial for good health. Some studies have shown noni juice to have antioxidant properties, but apple juice and orange juice contain more antioxidants than noni.