Health-Related Research

Chemical Constituents of Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
Following is a partial list of chemical constituents isolated from noni, and their proposed or documented medicinal qualities or cultural significance. The table was assembled from the literature presented in the “Noni Bibliography”. There are reportedly numerous other compounds isolated from the noni plant that may have significant biological activity and are currently under investigation.
*Noni Plant organ(s) : FRUIT and FRUIT JUICE
Compound(s)1 : Alkaloids (xeronine)
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : In theory, xeronine enhances enzyme activity and protein structure
Discussion & Notes:
*According to some authorities, the existence and the proposed effects of the so-called alkaloid,xeronine, and/or the compound,pre-xeronine, have not been substantiated.

Compound(s)2 : Polysaccharides (glucuronic acid; galactose; arabinose; rhamose; glycosides; trisaccharide fatty acid ester)
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : Immuno-stimulatory; immuno-modulatory; anti-bacterial; anti-tumor; anti-cancer.
Discussion & Notes: A promising area for research and a highly beneficial set of compounds.
Compound(s)3 : Scopoletin
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : Dilates vasculature & lowers blood pressure; anti-bacterial & anti-fungal; anti-inflammatory; analgesic; histamine-inhibiting; arthritic conditions; allergies; sleep disorders; migraine headaches; depression; Alzheimer’s disease
Discussion & Notes: Potentially wide applications
Compound(s)4 : Vitamins and Minerals: magnesium; iron; potassium; selenium; zinc; copper; sulfur; ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : The positive medical effects of the vitamins and minerals in noni juice are well documented. For any questions or medical and health concerns, consult a physician or dietician.
Discussion & Notes: Noni juice is an excellent source of vitamin C.

*Noni Plant organ(s) : FOLIAGE & CELL SUSPENSIONS
Compound(s)1 : Anthraquinones(damnacanthal
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : Antiseptic & antibacterial effects in digestive tract (Staphylococcus, Shingela, Salmonella).
Discussion & Notes: Internal application.

Compound(s)2 : Glycosides (flavonol glycoside; iridoid glycoside, “citrifolinoside”)
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : Anti-cancer effects: (DPPH free radical scavenging activity; inhibition of UVB-induced Activator Protein-1 activity in cell cultures.
Discussion & Notes: Discovery reported in 2001.

*Noni Plant organ(s) : ROOTS
Compound(s)1 : Anthraquinones(damnacanthal)
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : Inhibits formation of lung carcinoma in mice
Discussion & Notes:. Research from University of Hawai’i at Manoa

Compound(s)2 : Morindin and Morindone
Proposed or documented effects of compounds : Dyes, yellow and red colorants used for tapa cloth; anti-bacterial.
Discussion & Notes: Culturally significant.