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Common Names: noni, morinda, Indian mulberry, hog apple, canary wood

Latin Name: Morinda citrifolia

Traditional use: Noni has been traditionally used in Polynesia as a dye.

Noni is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean, from Southeast Asia to Australia and especially in Polynesia.

In laboratory research, noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. These results suggest that noni may warrant further study for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Recent NCCAM funded research includes a study on noni for cancer to determine its safety and potential effects on tumors and symptoms. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

• Noni has a history of use as a topical preparation for joint pain and skin conditions.
• Today, people drink noni fruit juice as a general health tonic, as well as for cancer and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Traditionally, the leaves and fruit of noni have been used for health purposes. Today, the fruit is most commonly combined with other fruits (such as grape) to make juice. Preparations of the fruit and leaves are also available in capsules, tablets, and teas.

• Noni is high in potassium. People who are on potassium restricted diets because of kidney problems should avoid using noni.
• Several noni juice manufacturers have received warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about making unsubstantiated health claims.
• There have been few reported side effects from using noni.
• Avoid Noni if you have liver disease because it contains compounds that may make your disease worse.

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