Noni juice or also known as Morinda Citrifolia extract comes from the fruit of  Morinda citrifolia, which contains antioxidant properties and may prevent the development of tumors by inhibiting DNA-carcinogen adduct formation, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Morinda citrifolia is commonly known as a perennial plant that is endemic to Southeast Asia and has been consumed by people for over 2,000 years.

Noni plant has attracted the attention of scientists from the pharmaceutical and food industry because of its versatility of adaptation and use of the plant's parts.

How Does Noni Juice (Morinda Citrifolia extract) Work?

According to a review of the noni juice (Morinda Citrifolia extract) published in the Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, chemical and nutritional analysis on M. citrifolia reveal that it contains a high nutritional value that may induce therapeutic effects.

The main industrial product of the plant is its fruit juice for beverages, dried fruits and leaves made into powder, and seeds that are turned into oil.

Noni juice (Morinda Citrifolia extract) is used as an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, hypotensive, and is also known to enhance the immune system, according to RxList. It could also reduce the total cholesterol and triglyceride in the body.

More so, it is used to reduce chronic pain, swelling, and painful inflammation. Morinda Citrifolia extract can also slow the absorption of small sugars to the gut and treat parasitic infections.

The medical website also reported that chewing the leaves of the noni plant will release and activate soluble dietary fiber that helps treat diabetes. RxList also noted that as of now, there still insufficient reliable information on the effectiveness of noni juice. Scientists who reviewed its therapeutic effects recommended further studies to understand its applications.

ALSO READ: WHO Endorses Protocol for Testing Herbal Medicines as COVID-19 Treatment


Side-Effects Associated in the Consumption of Noni Juice (Morinda Citrifolia extract)

According to WebMD, noni is possibly safe for most adults when taken by mouth, but consumption of the dried fruit might cause discomfort in the stomach.

Several cases also reported liver damage in people who consumed noni tea or juice for many weeks, although it is unclear whether the Morinda Citrifolia extract is the cause of these side effects.

The health website added that it is possibly safe to apply o the skin for most adults when it is used as an ingredient in an ointment.

RxList also added some possible side effects of consuming noni juice, like diarrhea, acute hepatitis, liver toxicity, and high blood potassium or also known as hyperkalemia.

Generally, noni juice is safe to consume but in case of side effects immediately contact a doctor for information and medical advice. Users may also contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report any side effects.

RELATED ARTICLE: Japanese Cornel Cherry (Cornus Officinalis) Can Make Kidney and Liver Healthy: Know Its Benefits and Uses

Check out more news and information on Herbal Medicine in Science Times.