Herb's Introduction
Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as Noni, is a small, evergreen tree belonging to the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and Australia but is now found widely throughout the tropics. This resilient plant is known for its ability to thrive in a wide range of harsh environmental conditions, including infertile, sandy, and rocky soils, and can withstand salt-laden winds, making it a common sight on shorelines. The plant is a significant source of traditional medicines in Pacific island societies, where various parts of the plant—including the fruit, leaves, roots, and bark—have been used for centuries.
Name in Different Countries
Morinda citrifolia goes by a multitude of names across the globe, reflecting its widespread distribution and cultural significance. Some of its most notable names include: Common Name: Noni, Indian Mulberry, Great Morinda Bengali: Ach, Bartundi, Hurdi, Surangi Burmese: Mhanbin, Neihpahsae, Yaiyae Chinese: Hai ba ji, Wu ning, Luo ling Dutch: Noni, Kaasvrucht, Stinkend kaasvrucht (Cheese fruit, Stinking cheese fruit) French: Nono German: Indische Maulbeere, Indischer Maulbeerbaum Gujarati: Saraoji, Surangi Hindi: Aal, Aach, Ak, Ashi, Barraal, Bartundi, Surangi Kannada: Al, Mulgul, Tagase maddi Malay: Bengkudu, Mengkudu, Pacel Malayalam: Kattapitavalam, Manjanathhi, Mannanatti, Mannapavatta Marathi: Aal, Ach, Al, Aval, Nagakuda, Nagakunda, Surangi Nepalese: Hardikath Oriya: Pindre Portuguese: Pau-azeitona Russian: Моринда Ситрифолиа, Моринда лимонолистная Sanskrit: Achuka, Achchhuka, Ashyka, Ashyuka Sinhalese: Ahugaha, Yhugaha Spanish: Huevo de reuma, Mora de la India, Noni Tagalog: Bankudo Tamil: Mancanaari, Munja pavattay, Nunaa, Periyanuna, Vellainunaa Telugu: Maddi chettu, Mogali, Molagha, Molugu, Mulugu, Togaru, Togarumaddi, Togarumogali Thai: Mata suea, Yae yai, Yor, Yo ban Urdu: Achu Vietnamese: Cây nhàu, Trái nhàu Visayan: Bancudo, Bangcudo, Nino
Terminology
Morinda citrifolia is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee. It is scientifically classified as Morinda citrifolia L. The term "Noni" has become the most widely recognized common name for the plant and its fruit, particularly in the health and wellness industry. The fruit is also colloquially known as "cheese fruit" or "vomit fruit" due to its pungent, often unpleasant odor when ripe. The term "Indian Mulberry" refers to its origins and its superficial resemblance to a mulberry fruit.
Availability
As a tropical plant, Morinda citrifolia is widely available in its native and naturalized regions across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It is also cultivated in many other tropical and subtropical areas. For commercial purposes, Noni is available globally in various forms, including fresh fruit (though less common due to its short shelf life), juice, pulp, powders, capsules, and teas. The plant parts, such as dried leaves and bark, are also available from suppliers for traditional or herbal medicine purposes. The availability of processed noni products, particularly juice, is widespread in health food stores and online, making it accessible to a global market.
External Look
Plant: Noni is a small, evergreen tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of 3-10 meters. It has a relatively smooth, grey or light brown bark. The twigs are light green and four-angled. Leaves: The leaves are large, simple, and opposite, with a glossy, dark green surface and deep veins. They are elliptic to elliptic-ovate in shape and can be quite large, ranging from 20 to 45 cm in length. Flowers: The flowers are small, white, and tubular. They are clustered together in ovoid or globose heads. Fruit: The fruit is the most distinctive feature of the plant. It is a multiple fruit (a syncarp), which is oval-shaped and can be 5-14 cm long. When young, the fruit is green, but as it ripens, it turns yellowish-white and becomes soft and fleshy. The ripe fruit has a unique and distinctively strong, pungent odor, which has led to its nicknames. The fruit's surface is covered with distinct, polygon-shaped sections. Inside, it contains many brown seeds, each with an air chamber that allows them to float and be widely dispersed by ocean currents.
Healing Properties
Noni has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries, with every part of the plant believed to possess therapeutic properties. While modern scientific research is ongoing, traditional uses and some preliminary studies suggest a range of potential healing benefits: Antioxidant Properties: Noni is rich in potent antioxidants, which help protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. This can contribute to overall health and may help prevent chronic diseases. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Traditional use and some animal studies suggest that noni may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in managing conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Immune System Support: Noni is a good source of Vitamin C and other compounds that can help modulate and support the immune system. Pain Relief: Traditionally, noni has been used as an analgesic, or pain reliever, for conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Antimicrobial Activity: Extracts from different parts of the plant have shown antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects in laboratory settings, suggesting potential use against various infections. Digestive Health: Noni fruit and juice have been traditionally used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including constipation and other bowel disorders.
Advantages
The advantages of Morinda citrifolia stem from its versatility and rich phytochemical composition. Nutritional Richness: The fruit contains various micronutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, niacin (B3), iron, and potassium. Traditional and Modern Uses: It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and its popularity as a modern dietary supplement makes it widely accessible. Adaptability: The plant's ability to grow in a wide range of climates and soils makes it a sustainable resource. Phytochemical Diversity: All parts of the plant—root, stem, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit—contain a wide array of bioactive compounds, such as lignans, flavonoids, iridoids, and alkaloids, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects. Multiple Applications: Beyond its medicinal and nutritional uses, noni has other applications, such as a source of dyes (from the root bark) and for use in skincare and cosmetics.
Uses
Morinda citrifolia is utilized in various forms for different purposes: Herbal Medicine: Traditionally, different parts of the plant are used to treat a wide range of ailments. The fruit is used for digestive issues, fever, and skin inflammation. Leaves are applied as poultices for wounds, sprains, and bruises. The roots are used to treat arthritis and have been historically used as a source of red dye. Dietary Supplement: Noni juice is a popular health drink, often blended with other juices to mask its bitter taste. It is consumed for its purported benefits related to immune support, anti-inflammatory effects, and overall wellness. Noni is also available in powder and capsule form, making it a convenient supplement. Culinary: Although the ripe fruit has a strong smell and bitter taste, it is sometimes eaten as a famine food in some cultures. The unripe fruit is occasionally used in curries and other cooked dishes. The young leaves can also be eaten as a vegetable. Dye and Other Products: The root bark produces a yellowish-red dye, while the bark of the trunk yields a brownish dye. The wood is also used for fuel and poles.
Using way
Noni Juice: The most common way to consume noni is as a juice. A daily intake of 30-60 ml of pure noni juice is considered safe for most people. It is often recommended to take it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. To improve the taste, it can be mixed with other fruit juices like grape or orange juice. Powder and Capsules: Noni fruit or leaf powder can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. Capsules offer a convenient way to get a standardized dose of the extract. The dosage for these forms should follow the instructions on the product label. Topical Application: In traditional medicine, crushed leaves or fruit pulp are applied topically as a poultice to aŒect areas for pain, inflammation, and skin issues. Tea: Noni leaf tea is another traditional way to consume the plant. Important Note: While noni is considered safe for most people in moderate amounts, there have been some reports of liver damage linked to its consumption. Individuals with kidney disease or liver conditions, or those taking medications that affect potassium levels or liver function, should consult a healthcare professional before using noni due to its high potassium content and potential for liver toxicity.
Conclusion
Morinda citrifolia, or Noni, is a remarkable plant with a long and rich history of use in traditional medicine. Its resilience and widespread presence across tropical regions have made it a valuable resource for centuries. From its distinctively pungent fruit to its leaves and roots, every part of the Noni plant has been utilized for its potential healing and nutritional properties. The numerous names it holds in different languages are a testament to its cultural significance. While traditional knowledge highlights its benefits for a wide range of ailments, modern scientific research continues to investigate and validate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects. As a dietary supplement, particularly in the form of juice, Noni has gained global popularity. However, as with any herbal remedy, it is crucial to use it responsibly and consult with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, to ensure safe and effective use.
