About Noni Juice & Cancer

The Noni plant, also known as Indian mulberry, great morinda, nono, and Mengkudu, is a small tropical plant, which grows in shady forests and sandy shores. Noni juice is extracted from the fruit, which contains high levels of dietary fiber and carbohydrates. Many naturopaths and traditional cultures attribute the noni plant and its juice with healing properties. Despite claims, consumption of noni has not been found to cure cancer, although it may aid in strengthening the immune system.

Facts

• Noni, or Morinda citrifolia as it is called by its scientific nomenclature, is a small tropical fruit tree, which makes up part of the family Rubiaceae. Although native to Asia, Morinda citrifolia grows in the Pacific Island region, most notably in Tahiti. Varieties can also be found in Hawaii and parts of Asia, South America and the Caribbean. The plant produces a small white flower and potato sized green fruit characterized by a pungent odor. The fruit may be consumed cooked or raw. Noni fruit is widely available in liquid concentrate or juice.

History

• It is widely believed that the inhabitants of French Polynesia brought the Noni plant with them from Southeast Asia approximately 2000 years ago. Captain James Cook documented the fruit's use in the late 1700s. During the Second World War, soldiers based in Polynesia were instructed by the natives to consume Noni in order to gain strength. Noni has been consumed for centuries as a folk remedy. The leaves, when made into a tea are used to treat digestive and stomach problems. Traditional Polynesian medicine uses Noni for treating constipation, skin inflammation, infection, along with gum and throat problems. Heated Noni leaves are used in Malaysia to treat chest and respiratory problems. David Marcus, of Hawaiian Herbal Blessings Inc., first introduced Noni juice commercially in 1995. Today there are more than 200 companies marketing Noni juice.

Features

• The noni plant has been found to contain high levels of vitamin C, niacin, iron and potassium. Researchers list 23 different phytochemicals (these are chemicals found in plants which may help prevent disease) contained within the plant. Among these is the alkaloid damnacanthal, which inhibits the tyrosine kinase and has been found to have anti-cancer properties within mice. Studies have shown noni juice inhibiting the formation of cancer cells in rats. Similarly, laboratory experiments show that Noni juice may provide some benefit in exercise endurance. These studies have not yet been confirmed by expert-reviewed clinical trials, so no conclusive supposition can be made as to whether the Noni plant has any effect in treating cancer within humans.

Benefits

• Noni has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, immunological, and analgesic effects within in-vitro and animal studies. Reportedly, consumption of Noni may aid in the treatment of colds, diabetes, hypertension, depression, menstrual cramps, respiratory ailments, fever, gastric problems and arthritis. There is, however, no solid evidence that Noni is effective in treating any of these conditions. Noni is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin A. The American Cancer Society does recommend a diet rich in antioxidants to prevent cancer, but again, it is not a miracle cure.

Warning

• Noni is not recommended for pregnant women, women who are nursing or those with liver or kidney disease. Historically, the fruit has been used to induce pregnancy termination. It also contains high amounts of potassium which is dangerous for those with chronic renal insufficiency. Noni may contribute to liver toxicity due to the presence of anthraquinones.