Common Names: noni, morinda, Indian mulberry, hog apple, canarywood

Latin Name: Morinda citrifolia

Background

• Noni is a small, evergreen tree that grows in tropical regions such as the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India.

• In traditional medicine systems, noni has been used for colds, infections, fever, and digestive complaints. Nearly every part of the plant—including the roots, bark, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit—has been used for healing purposes.

• Today, noni is widely marketed as a dietary supplement and is promoted for supporting immune and digestive health, boosting energy and vitality, improving skin appearance, and addressing other health concerns.

How Much Do We Know?

• Research involving people is limited, and only a small number of clinical studies have examined the health effects of noni.

What Have We Learned?

• Laboratory and animal studies suggest that noni contains compounds with antioxidant, immune-supporting, antimicrobial, antifungal, and potential anticancer properties. While these findings are promising and justify additional research, studies conducted in humans have not yet confirmed clear health benefits for any specific condition.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Noni juice may be safe for short-term use, such as up to three months. However, there have been reports of liver damage in individuals who consumed noni juice or tea for several weeks. It remains uncertain whether noni was the direct cause of these cases.

• There is not enough dependable evidence to determine the safety of noni fruit extract.

• Reliable information is also lacking regarding the safety of applying noni preparations directly to the skin.

• Noni is naturally high in potassium. Individuals with kidney disorders or those who must limit potassium intake should consult a health professional before using noni products.

• Noni may interact with certain medications, including drugs that raise potassium levels, lower blood pressure, or affect liver function. Anyone taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines should speak with a health care provider before using noni or other herbal supplements, as interactions can occur.

• There is insufficient information to determine whether noni is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Keep in Mind

• Be proactive about your health by informing your health care providers about any complementary or herbal products you use. This helps ensure coordinated and informed decisions about your care.

• Herbal products are regulated differently depending on their ingredients, intended use, and method of administration (such as oral or topical use). Many products taken by mouth are sold as dietary supplements, which are subject to less strict regulations than prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

• Dietary supplements are not reviewed or approved for safety and effectiveness before being marketed. Regulatory authorities may take action if safety concerns arise. Manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring their products meet applicable safety, quality, and labeling standards before sale.

For More Information

• Using dietary supplements responsibly

• Understanding how supplements and medications may interact

• Tips for interpreting scientific research articles

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers information about complementary and integrative health approaches, along with access to publications and searches of federal scientific and medical literature databases. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or practitioner referrals.

Toll-free (U.S.): 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1

PubMed®

PubMed is a database maintained by the National Library of Medicine that provides citations and summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. It is a valuable resource for locating research on complementary health practices.

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The Office of Dietary Supplements works to expand knowledge about dietary supplements by reviewing scientific evidence, supporting research, sharing findings, and educating the public. Resources include general publications and fact sheets on specific supplement ingredients.

Key References

• Agarwal G, Carcache PJB, Addo EM, et al. Current status and contemporary approaches to the discovery of antitumor agents from higher plants. Biotechnology Advances. 2020;38:107337.

• Chanthira Kumar H, Lim XY, Mohkiar FH, et al. Efficacy and safety of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) as a potential anticancer agent. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2022;21:15347354221132848.

• Kitic D, Miladinovic B, Randjelovic M, et al. Anticancer and chemopreventive potential of Morinda citrifolia L. bioactive compounds: a comprehensive update. Phytotherapy Research. 2024;38(4):1932–1950.

• Noni. NatMed Pro database. Accessed July 15, 2024.

This material is in the public domain and may be freely reproduced.

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your health care provider regarding treatment decisions. Mention of any specific product or therapy does not constitute endorsement.