Noni

On this page:

• Introduction
• What Noni Is Used For
• How Noni Is Used
• What the Science Says
• Side Effects and Cautions
• Sources
• For More Information

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about noni—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. 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. Noni has been traditionally used in Polynesia as a dye.

What Noni Is Used For

• 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.

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How Noni Is Used

• 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.

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What the Science Says

• 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. However, noni has not been well studied in people for any health condition.
• NCCAM-funded research includes a study on noni for cancer to determine its safety and potential effects on tumors and symptoms, as well as a laboratory study of noni’s effects on prostate cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

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Side Effects and Cautions

• 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.
• Although there have been few reported side effects from using noni, its safety has not been adequately studied.
• There have been reports of liver damage from using noni. It should be avoided if you have liver disease because it contains compounds that may make your disease worse.
• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about CAMA group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine., see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign.

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Sources

• Morinda. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on August 5, 2009.
• Mueller BA, Scott MK, Sowinski KM, et al. Noni juice (Morinda citrifolia): hidden potential for hyperkalemia? American Journal of Kidney Disease. 2000;35(2):310–312.
• Noni (Morinda citrifolia). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on August 4, 2009.
• Pawlus A, Bao-Ning S, Kinghorn A. Noni (Morinda citrifolia). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:1–8.

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