The Noni Fruit

The noni fruit, also known as Indian mulberry, is an exotic superfood still fairly unknown here, with a long history and many uses. Noni comes originally from Polynesia and grows in tropical regions such as Hawaii, the Polynesian islands and the coastal areas of Central America. For over 2,000 years the indigenous people of these regions have used the fruit and revered it as the „queen of plants" or the „fruit of the gods". Even if the taste does not quite live up to these venerable names, what it contains more than makes up for it.

The noni fruit contains a wide range of nutrients, among them vitamins, minerals and plant compounds.

Vitamins:

• ‍Vitamin C: supports the immune system and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
• B vitamins: vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), niacin (B3), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folate) matter for energy metabolism, for the working of the nervous system and for cell division, among other things.
• Vitamin A: as beta-carotene, important for eyesight, for the immune system and for skin health.
• Vitamin E: a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Minerals:

• Potassium: the fruit contains relatively high amounts of potassium, which matters for regulating blood pressure and for the working of muscles and nerves.
• Calcium: important for bone health and muscle contraction.
• Magnesium: plays a part in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including protein synthesis and muscle and nerve function.
• Iron: needed to carry oxygen in the blood and to produce energy.
• Phosphorus: essential for strong bones and teeth and for producing energy in the cells.
• Zinc: supports the immune system, wound healing and metabolism.
• Copper: involved in using iron and in forming red blood cells.
• Selenium: an antioxidant that supports cell health.
• Manganese: important for bone metabolism and for forming connective tissue.

Plant compounds:

• Antioxidants: such as flavonoids and phenols, which can help neutralise free radicals.
• Iridoids: specific bioactive compounds such as damnacanthal and scopoletin, credited with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
• Beta-sitosterol: a plant sterol that can influence cholesterol levels.
• Polysaccharides: complex carbohydrates that can modulate the immune system.
• Xeronine and proxeronine: alkaloids credited with various health benefits, although the scientific evidence is limited.
• Terpenes: organic compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anthraquinones: such as morindone and rubiadin, which could have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Amino acids:

• Essential amino acids: noni supplies some essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, tryptophan, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine, which are needed for protein metabolism.
• Non-essential amino acids: such as glycine, serine and tyrosine, which matter for various metabolic functions.

Fibre:

• Supports digestion and encourages a healthy gut flora.

Fatty acids:

• Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid): important for cell function and skin health.
• Oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid): can have positive effects on cholesterol levels.
• Caproic and caprylic acid: medium-chain fatty acids with antimicrobial properties.

Enzymes:

• Proteases: enzymes that can help break down proteins.
• Peroxidases: involved in antioxidant processes in the body.

That is a long list, and still not a complete one. The content of vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants is highest. It shows that this fruit certainly has what it takes to be a superfood. Now that we know what is in it, let us look at what it can do for our body.

Because of its rich nutrient profile, the noni fruit is credited with various health effects.

Traditionally noni is used for:

• Easing pain: to treat headaches, joint and muscle pain.
• Wound healing: as a compress or paste to treat skin infections and wounds.
• Digestive problems: to ease stomach complaints and constipation.
• The immune system: to strengthen the body generally and to prevent illness.
• Reducing inflammation: some studies even suggest that noni could have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Antioxidant properties: the fruit contains antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which can neutralise free radicals in the body.
• Raising energy and wellbeing
• Lifting mood
• Better sleep
• Support with cardiovascular disease

It is important to note that many of the effects credited to the noni fruit rest on traditional use or on limited scientific studies. There is currently not enough clinical evidence to confirm these health benefits fully.

Noni can be used in various ways:

• Noni juice: the most common form.
• Capsules and tablets: the dried, powdered fruit, for easier dosing.
• Teas: made from the leaves or the fruit.
• External use: creams or ointments with noni extract for the skin.

Noni is mainly taken as a juice. As I have already mentioned, the taste takes some getting used to. Fortunately the daily dose is quite small, so the juice is manageable all the same.

Since noni is mostly taken as a juice, we will concentrate on the juice here. Start with no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons of juice a day. You can slowly raise the amount to 40 ml a day. It matters that you always take the juice on an empty stomach. Try to drink it neat as far as you can. Once opened, the bottle should be kept in the fridge and used up within three weeks.

There is no clear guidance on how long to take it or on when the effect sets in. What there is are many reports from experience suggesting that the effect appears after about three weeks.

You can get noni juice in health food shops, wholefood shops or online. There are large differences in quality, though. Always take a direct juice. Direct juices are pure and not diluted with water or other liquids such as juices. Diluting improves the taste but unfortunately not the effect. Better to take the pure juice — you get used to the taste over time. Look for an organic noni juice free of contaminants as well.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classed noni juice (30 ml a day) as safe. I do not want to leave unmentioned, though (even if no direct link has been shown), that there are reports of toxic effects on the liver in connection with drinking noni juice. People with liver disease should therefore be careful.

Noni contains high amounts of potassium. People with kidney problems, or anyone taking medicines that affect potassium levels, should avoid noni.

Noni can interact with certain medicines, particularly those affecting the liver.

We are all so different and unique that it is always possible for one person or another not to tolerate a food well. So always listen to your body. If you notice that something is not doing you good, better not to take it. With strong reactions, please see a doctor at once.

Despite the many effects credited to it, there are so far only a few scientifically sound studies on noni. Even so, it is worth looking briefly at what is known.

Preclinical studies

Laboratory studies and animal experiments have observed some potential effects of noni:

• a stimulating effect on the immune system
• antioxidant properties
• inhibiting the growth of cancer cells (breast, lung and melanoma cells) in the petri dish
• lengthening the survival time of mice with implanted lung carcinoma after injection of noni juice

These findings from basic research cannot be transferred directly to people, though.

Clinical studies

So far there are hardly any clinical studies on how effective noni is in people.

Some studies have shown positive effects in sport and performance:

• improved endurance
• raised energy
• faster recovery

A large survey of over 8,000 participants found subjective improvements in general wellbeing in 75% of them. That study lacks scientific methodology, however.

Even though there are not yet many scientific findings on what the noni fruit does, after more than 2,000 years of proven traditional use for wellbeing and health it has certainly earned the name superfood. In the end everyone has to try it out for themselves.