Consumer Perceptions of Noni Juice Health Benefits during a 90-Day In-Home Use Test

Noni juice, made from the fruit of Morinda citrifolia, is a health-promoting food from the Pacific Islands with an extensive history of traditional use. Human clinical trials have revealed that noni juice has antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, regular noni juice consumers in Europe and traditional healers in Fiji were surveyed to identify potential noni juice health benefits. But to better understand the perception of its health benefits among those with no previous experience with noni juice, an in-home study was conducted in the United States. Three hundred and nineteen adults with untreated chronic health conditions were provided with a 90-day supply of a blinded (unlabeled) commercial noni juice product (Tahitian Noni® Juice), instructed to consume 4 fluid ounces (1/2 cup) each day, and responded to a questionnaire given on days 30, 60 and 90 to evaluate product appeal and perceived effectiveness. A total of 299 people (94%) felt that their health improved in some way after drinking TNJ for 90 days. More than 80% of the subjects reported feeling better or healthier in general. Most participants also concurred with more than two dozen additional positive health perception statements, especially on days 60 and 90. More than 70% of consumers also indicated that noni juice helped them feel better than other wellness supplements they had tried in the past, including other so-called “super fruit” products. These findings seem to corroborate the results of clinical trials and previous consumer surveys regarding the potential for noni juice to provide discernable health benefits when used consistently over time. Such findings may help guide additional placebo-controlled clinical trials in which specific effects may be evaluated more rigorously.

The Influence of Noni Fruit Juice on Immune System Function

Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has the potential to influence immune system function. This review discusses results from several human and animal studies that provide insight into the potential mechanisms of action by which noni juice exerts its immunomodulatory effects. Increased natural killer cell activity is a likely a major contributor to the improved health outcomes and increased survival times described in case reports and as observed in LLC and S180 tumor bearing mice. Increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production is also an important mechanism of action through which noni improves immune function. IFN-γ promotes natural killer cell activity and phagocytosis, activities both seen in human and bovine studies as well as in rodents. Noni promotes regulatory cytokine expression, such as IL-2 which stimulates CD4+ T cell differentiation. Noni juice appears to influence this process via kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor-kappa-beta signaling. As oxidative status is known to influence immune function, this review also discusses the notable antioxidant properties of noni juice that have been demonstrated in human trials.

Noni果的活性成分和生理功能的研究进展

主要介绍了Noni果中的主要活性成分及其生理功能的研究进展,并对未来的研究方向进行了展望。

HPLC法测定库克Noni果汁中游离态水溶性维生素

采用HPLC法测定Non i果汁中游离态的抗坏血酸(Vc)、硫胺素(VB1)和烟酰胺(VB5),其测定条件为:色谱柱为A lltim a C18柱,流动相为甲醇-0.01%磷酸(3:7,V/V),流速为1.0 mL/m in,进样量为20μL,柱温为室温,采用二极管阵列检测器在251 nm下检测。在上述色谱测定条件下三种维生素能得到良好分离。结果表明,该方法灵敏度高,定量准确,重现性好,回收率高。所测Non i果汁中三种维生素的含量分别为:Vc 0.354 mg/mL,VB10.066 3 mg/mL,VB50.131 mg/mL。说明Non i果汁中三种必需维生素含量丰富,可作为维生素缺乏的营养补充剂;所建立的测定方法可作为一种Non i果汁生产质量控制方法。

库克Noni果汁多糖含量及分子量测定

建立测定库克Noni果汁中多糖含量及分子量的方法。通过醇沉法分离Noni果汁多糖,进一步分离纯化得到均一多糖组分;用精制Noni果汁多糖测得该多糖对葡萄糖的换算因子,对多糖含量进行定量测定;并通过SE-HPLC(Size Exclusion-High Performance Liquid Chromatography)法测定了该多糖的相对分子量。结果表明,多糖含量测定方法简便可行,供试液在4 h内显色稳定,重现性较好,平均回收率为99.3%,RSD为1.93%(n=3);测得该多糖的相对分子量为1140 KDa。

诺丽(NONI)果与叶中总黄酮的提取工艺

利用L9(34)正交试验法研究了Noni果与叶中总黄酮的提取工艺条件及其含量测定。结果表明:对Noni果中总黄酮的提取效果影响最大的因素是提取时间,其次是乙醇浓度和提取温度,影响最小的是料液比。总黄酮的最佳提取工艺条件为提取温度为75℃,提取时间为4.0h,提取溶剂为75%的乙醇,料液比为1∶30,Noni果粗提物中总黄酮的含量为22.91mg/g。对Noni果叶中总黄酮的提取效果影响最大的因素是提取温度,其次是料液比和乙醇浓度,影响最小的是提取时间。总黄酮的最佳提取工艺条件为提取温度为85℃,提取时间为4.0h,提取溶剂为80%的乙醇,料液比为1∶35,其总黄酮的得率为33.04mg/g。

Noni基因组DNA提取及RAPD分析

针对Noni含有大量的多糖、多酚等次生代谢物设计其DNA的提取方法,得到的Noni基因组DNA纯度高、完整性好。对5个Noni品种进行RAPD分析,结果表明,国外品种(库克、泰国、马来西亚)和国内品种(西沙、三亚)各聚为一类。

Noni果汁饮料黄酮的分析研究

目的研究NONI果汁饮料中黄酮含量的测定方法。方法采用分光光度法,对Noni果汁中黄酮洗脱剂种类和浓度进行选择和优化。结果以40%左右的乙醇对Noni果汁中黄酮进行洗脱,分离效果最好,并测试Noni冻干粉、野生Noni发酵果汁、菠萝Noni复合饮料、种植Noni果汁的黄酮含量分别为0.38%、0.11%、0.069%与0.035%。结论建立的方法简便、易于操作,能准确检测各类Noni果汁饮料中黄酮的含量。

海巴戟果实诺丽(NONI)生理功能研究进展

海巴戟(诺丽)被波利尼西亚人作为民间药物而广泛使用已有2000多年历史。近几年,国内外学者对其生理功能做了较为深入的研究。现就其对肝损伤的保护、免疫调节、抗肿瘤、抗氧化等方面的研究进展做一综述,并对应用前景进行了展望。

Hepatotoxicity of NONI juice: Report of two cases

NONI juice (Morinda citrifolia) is an increasingly popular wellness drink claimed to be beneficial for many illnesses.No overt toxicity has been reported to date. We present two cases of novel hepatotoxicity of NONI juice. Causality of liver injury by NONI juice was asses-sed. Routine laboratory tests and transjugular or percutaneous liver biopsy were performed. The first patient underwent successful liver transplantation while the second patient recovered spontaneously after cessation of NONI juice.A 29-year-old man with previous toxic hepatitis associated with small doses of paracetamol developed sub-acute hepatic failure following consumption of 1.5 L NONI juice over 3 wk necessitating urgent liver transplantation. A 62-year-old woman without evidence of previous liver disease developed an episode of self-limited acutehepatitis following consumption of 2 L NONI juice for over 3 mo. The most likely hepatotoxic components of Morinda citrifolia were anthraquinones. Physicians should be aware of potential hepatotoxicity of NONI juice.

Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) and memantine attenuate periventricular tissue injury of the fourth ventricle in hydrocephalic rabbits

This study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Morinda citrifofia L. （Rubiaceae） commonly known as noni, and memantine （a N-methy-D-aspartate receptor inhibitor） on hydrocephalus-induced neurodegenerative disorders. Kaolin was injected into the cistern magna of male adult New Zealand rabbits to establish a hydrocephalus animal model. Memantine （20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally; memantine-treated group） or noni （5 mL/kg, intragastrically; noni-treated group） was administered daily for 2 weeks. Microtubule-associated protein-2 and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were performed to detect neuronal degeneration and apoptosis in the periventricular tissue of the fourth ventricle of rabbits. Microtubule-associated protein-2 staining density was significantly decreased in the hydrocephalic group, while the staining density was significantly increased in the memantine- and noni-treated groups, especially in the noni-treated group. Noni treatment decreased the number of caspase-3-positive cells in rabbits with hydrocephalus, while memantine had no effect. These findings suggest that noni exhibits more obvious inhibitory effects on hydrocephalus-induced neurodegenerative disorders than memantine in periventricular tissue of the fourth ventricle.

诺丽Noni果活性成分及效用综述

主要介绍了诺丽Noni果中的主要活性成分及其生理功能的研究进展,并对未来的研究方向进行了展望。

Cytotoxic effects of Thai noni juice product ethanolic extracts against cholangiocarcinoma cell lines

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxic activity and molecular mechanism(s)of two Thai noni juice(TNJ)products ethanolic extracts against cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)cell lines and non-cancerous cells,and to explore phenolic acid compositions of TNJ products.Methods:Phenolic acid profiles of TNJ Chiangrai(TNJ-Cr)and TNJ Buasri(TNJ-Bs)ethanolic extracts were determined by HPLC.The cytotoxicity of TNJ ethanolic extracts on cancer and non-cancerous cells was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and trypan blue assays.Mechanism(s)underlying the anti-CCA activity of TNJ ethanolic extracts were determined by cell cycle,apoptosis,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation assays.The expression levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and ERK signaling were evaluated by Western blot analysis.Results:Phenolic acid profiles of both TNJ ethanolic extracts showed that the p-hydroxybenzoic,vanillic,and protocatechuic acids were the major phenolic acids in TNJ products.Cytotoxicity assays revealed that the TNJ-Cr and TNJ-Bs ethanolic extracts reduced viability of CCA cell lines through induction of apoptosis by up-regulation of p53 and Bax proapoptotic proteins.Both TNJ ethanolic extracts promoted ROS generation by activating the ERK1/2 signaling in well-differentiated CCA cells KKU-213B.Meanwhile,TNJ ethanolic extracts did not induce ROS production in poorly differentiated CCA cells KKU-100.Both TNJ ethanolic extracts showed no toxicity to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Conclusions:TNJ ethanolic extracts could inhibit CCA cell proliferation by inducing ROS generation and apoptosis and may be applicable for combination therapies in CCA treatment.

Lignans from <i>Morinda citrifolia</i>(Noni) Fruit Inhibit Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase and Monoacylglycerol Lipase <i>in Vitro</i>

Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has exhibited a variety of biological activities in human clinical trials, indicating that it influences multiple systems of the body. Since the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found to modulate the activity of other organ systems. To investigate noni’s potential impact on the ECS, extracts from freeze-dried noni fruit were evaluated in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibition assays. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the greatest activity against both enzymes. Lignans in this extract also inhibited enzyme activities, with americanin A being the most active in both assays. Americanoic acid and 3,3’-bisdemethylpinoresinol were the next most active compounds. These results suggest that lignans in noni fruit may influence endocannabinoid levels within the body via FAAH and MAGL inhibition. This reveals another set of probable mechanisms of action by which noni juice affects human health.

Mineral and Trace Element Concentrations in <i>Morinda citrifolia</i>L. (Noni) Leaf, Fruit and Fruit Juice

Fruit and leaf of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) have been used traditionally as food and for medicinal purposes by South Pacific populations since over two thousand years. Recently noni fruit juice became very popular as health beverage worldwide. Manufacturers and distributors of noni juice often praise the high content of minerals and trace elements in conjunction with the geological situation of the origin of the raw noni material. We therefore performed an investigation about the metal concentration of noni fruit, leaf and soil samples from 42 different locations in French Polynesia, and of 16 commercial noni juices. Median concentrations of metals in noni fruit, leaf and fruit juice appeared in a normal range compared to other fruits, however, the variance between different locations was considerable. Noni fruits from lime soil were poorer compared to volcanic soil in most metals. Self-prepared noni juices did generally not serve for more then 10% of the daily requirement of trace elements and minerals per 100 ml. The metal concentration in noni fruit puree was higher compared to clear juice and reached 10% and 34% of the daily requirement in 100 ml for manganese and chromium respectively. The concentrations of toxic metals (As, Cd, Pb) were below 2% of the maximum permitted levels (MPL) in all of these juices. For one of the commercial noni juices the MPL for lead was exceeded (170%) and some others were close to it. Most metals showed a good correlation regarding the concentration in noni fruit versus leaf, but not for soil versus fruit or juice. The concentration of magnesium, manganese, zinc and germanium in the commercial juices was highly correlated to the potassium concentration, indicating that these elements are useful to detect a dilution of noni juices.

The Influence of <i>Morinda citrifolia</i>(Noni) Fruit Juice on Collagen Deposition in the Skin: A Minireview

The fruit of Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni, has an extensive history of use as a food and medicine throughout the tropics. Among its many uses, noni was believed to promote skin health. In vivo wound healing studies reveal that noni fruit juice ingestion increases collagen production and deposition via increased expression of extracellular matrix protein genes. Noni juice also appears to promote fibroblast proliferation. In vitro studies indicate that noni juice also protects fibroblasts via activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and protects extracellular matrix collagen by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases. In vitro and in vivo study findings are corroborated by a clinical trial where hospitalization times were reduced, and wound granulation quality was improved in pediatric burn patients. The findings of other human studies also indicate that noni juice has the potential to protect skin collagen. These include reduced plasma reactive oxygen species in cigarette smokers, lowered skin glycation levels in overweight and obese adults, as well as reduced skin glycation levels among noni juice consumers within the general population. These in vitro, in vivo and human studies reveal that there are multiple mechanisms of action through which noni juice promotes collagen synthesis and inhibits collagen degradation. The procollagen properties of noni juice aid wound healing, increase skin elasticity, and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

<i>Morinda citrifolia</i>(Noni) Fruit Juice Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2)

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has claimed millions of lives. This disease is caused by a coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which requires the binding of its spike protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for infection of the host cell. Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has antiviral activity that involves enhancement of immune system function. SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE2 interaction experiments were carried out to further investigate the antiviral properties of noni juice and its major iridoids. Noni juice inhibited binding by approximately 69%. Scandoside was the most active of the three iridoids evaluated, reducing average spike protein-ACE2 interaction by 79.25%. The iridoids worked synergistically towards inhibiting spike protein binding when assayed together, improving activity by more than 22% above the expected level. But the modest activity of the most abundant iridoid, deacetylasperulosidic acid, indicates that other phytochemicals (i.e. scopoletin, quercetin, rutin and kaempferol) are also involved. Our results suggest that the presence of several biological active phytochemicals in noni juice enhances resistance to SARS-CoV-2 by interfering with its ability to bind ACE2. This is a new and significant anti-viral mechanism of noni juice that does not directly involve its immunomodulatory properties.

Noni Seed Oil Topical Safety, Efficacy, and Potential Mechanisms of Action

Background: Noni fruit and leaf juices were used to treat acne in Polynesian folk medicine. However, the potential benefit of noni seed oil (NSO) for human skin health is not as well known. Objective: The topical safety of NSO was evaluated in a repeat insult patch test with 49 adult volunteers. Comedogenicity was evaluated in 23 adolescent volunteers for four weeks. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined in-vitro with COX-2 and 5-LOX enzyme inhibition assays. Results: No reactions to NSO were observed in any of the volunteers. NSO also reduced the number of open and closed comedones in the comedogenicity test. NSO inhibited COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes in a concentration dependent manner, but with COX-2 inhibition being more pronounced than 5-LOX. Conclusion: Noni seed oil is safe for topical use and is non-comedogenic. It also has potential anti-inflammatory activity, being a dual inhibitor of COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes. These results indicate the potential utility of NSO for skin care applications, as well as warrant further investigation of efficacy in 5-LOX and COX-2 related pathophysiological conditions.

Evaluation of Nutrient, Antinutrient and Phytochemical Properties of Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia) Concentrate, Pulp, and Seed

The study assessed the nutrients,anti-nutrients and phytochemical properties of noni concentrate,pulp,and seed.Noni plant is a small evergreen tree,used for both medicinal purposes and for food.Six kilograms(6 kg)of matured,ripe noni fruit(Morinda citrifolia),was harvested by hand picking,from Green Health Farm,Imo State,Nigeria.It was divided into three equal parts,for the purposes of sample preparation and analysis.Noni pulp:One portion of the noni fruit sample was cleaned,washed and drained to remove debris and thereafter,was spread on a clean tray and allowed to air dry,at room temperature.This practice encouraged further ripening and softening of the fruit.The seeds were then removed and the fruit crushed,to extract the pulp.The pulp was packaged in an air tight container and kept in the fridge for further analysis.Noni concentrate:The second portion of the noni fruit samples was cleaned,washed and allowed to air dry on a raised table,under room temperature.With the aid of a juice collection box,the juice was extracted and stored in a clean dry container for further analysis.Noni seed:The third portion of the noni fruit samples was cleaned,washed,to remove debris and thereafter,was crushed by hand to select the seed.The seeds were separated from the pulp by a strong spray of water,and then washed to further remove pulp on the seed.The seeds were dried for 2 days in open air and further oven dried and then grounded to a fine powder and packaged for analysis.The results of the proximate composition of noni seed,pulp and concentrate showed significant difference(p<0.05)in the protein content of the seed,pulp and concentrate.The crude protein increased from 0.02%to 4.53%.The seed had the highest protein content(4.53%).There was significant difference(p<0.05)in the moisture content of the seed,pulp and concentrate.The moisture content of the seed(8.27%)was lower than that of pulp(92.55%)and concentrate(88.38%).The crude fiber contents of the seed,pulp and concentrate were all significantly different(p<0.05).The seed had 28.7%crude fiber value while pulp and concentrate had 0.03%and 1.95%respectively.The ash content of noni seed was significantly(p<0.05)higher(3.07%),in respect to pulp(1.06%)and concentrate(0.79%).The crude fat values of the pulp(3.98%)and concentrate(2.99%)were higher than the seed(2.00%)and all were significantly different(p<0.05).Noni seed had the highest nutrient,anti-nutrient and Vitamin B2 content.The high fiber content and phenolic compound found in noni seed make it a functional food.

海巴戟(Noni)的花器结构和花期规律的研究

采用田间和室内相结合,固定植株跟踪观察法,观察研究海巴戟(Noni)花器结构和花期规律。结果表明:不同品种间其花器结构无明显差异;在海南,海巴戟周年开花,单花的开花周期为35h,初开、盛开和谢花三个过程,每年的7月份为盛花期;单花序从初花至尾花开放持续时间平均45 d,平均开花数20朵,授粉方式为自花授粉。论文还就花器的结构特例,花器结构对授粉方式的影响和海巴戟的果实形态是否为聚合果进行了讨论。