Noni Fruit Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction

Noni fruit juice is a tropical beverage derived from a fruit called Morinda citrifolia. The noni fruit tree grows in Southeast Asian countries, especially in French Polynesia. Noni fruit is a small-sized edible fruit with a bitter flavour, smells like bad cheese, and appears like a grenade. Although noni fruit juice originated in tropical regions, it has become popular globally. The Burmese used noni fruit to prepare curries; the Australians ate it during the cool-dry seasons. Noni fruit juice was the first whole food approved under the novel food regulations of the European Union in 1997. Noni juice can be prepared both by homemade and commercial methods. The homemade method provides 100% pure noni juice. Today, noni fruit juice is considered a safe, functional food that may enhance the body’s immunity. In addition, Noni fruit juice may be a perfect blend packed with potent antioxidants that may help provide several health benefits^1,2.​​ Let us discuss the noni fruit juice benefits, its nutritional value, potential uses, and much more. 

Nutritional Value of Noni Fruit Juice

A 15 ml pure noni fruit juice serving may provide 3.5 kcal of energy³.​​ Nutritional value of Noni Fruit Juice per 15 ml is as follows:

• Sugar: 0.9 g
• Carbohydrate: 0.9 g
• Potassium: 10 mg
• Calcium: 2 mg
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Magnesium: 800 µg
• Iron: 35 µg
• Zinc: 300 µg
• Vitamin B3: 170 µg
• Vitamin C: 1.5 mg
• Vitamin B9: 12 µg

In addition, other bioactive compounds like quercetin, gallic acid, ursolic acid, limonene, xeronine, alizarin, beta-carotene, citifolinoside, scopoletin, damnacanthal, and monoterpene may be present in noni fruit juice. 

Properties of Noni Fruit Juice

Noni Fruit Juice may have the following health-benefitting properties: 

• It may act as an antioxidant 
• It may act as an immunity booster 
• It may aid in weight management 
• It may maintain bone health 
• It may reduce high blood pressure 
• It may have anti-cancer activity 
• It may help maintain oral hygiene 
• It may have anti-inflammatory properties^1,2.​​ 

Potential Uses of Noni Fruit Juice

The following are the potential health benefits of noni fruit juice: 

1. For Cancer

Noni fruit juice may have anti-cancer activity. Gastric cancer patients regularly took homemade noni fruit juice, and their condition improved. The effect of cancer reduction may be due to the Noni fruit juice². However, despite several claims about noni juice being cancer-effective, no human trials exist to back this claim. Therefore, it is essential to consult doctors for cancer treatment and not use it for self-medication.  

2. For Arthritis

Noni fruit juice may have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it may help improve joint pain and aid in the flexibility and mobility of the joints. One of the traditional names of noni in the Caribbean was “pain killer.” However, in a clinical trial¹, participants were given noni fruit juice. At the end of the trials, the patient’s pain intensity was significantly decreased, with complete relief of neck pain. Hence, noni juice may show certain benefits against arthritis. However, if you experience severe joint pain, consult your doctor and take appropriate treatment. 

3. For Weight Loss

In multiple animal studies¹, noni fruit juice has shown significant weight loss with a decrease in body fat. In a clinical study⁵ by Palu et al. 2011, it was found that when obese adults were given noni fruit juice, every participant experienced weight loss. This may help in managing body fat. However, the study could not determine how much noni juice contributed to weight loss. Hence, more clinical studies are needed to propose a firm conclusion about the uses of noni juice for weight loss. 

4. For Diabetes

The benefits of noni juice may include a lowering of blood sugar levels. In an animal study⁶ by Umezawa et al., 1992 was found that fermented noni fruit juice may significantly decrease fasting glucose levels. They suggested that noni fruit juice may act as insulin directly or increase peripheral tissue sensitivity to the storage of more insulin. However, this is an animal study; therefore, more human research is needed to suggest the potential uses of noni fruit juice for managing diabetes⁴.​​ 

5. For Skin Health

Noni juice benefits the skin and may be associated with enhancing skin health. In a clinical trial⁷, West et al. 2012, found that a noni juice-based skin care regimen in women effectively reduced fine lines, facial wrinkles, and firmness when applied on the face. In addition, there was no report of any skin irritation during or after the trial. Hence, drinking noni fruit juice may help to increase skin health. However, if you have any skin-related issues, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate. 

6. Other Potential Uses of Noni Fruit Juice

• A clinical trial with 10 people suggested that noni fruit juice may decrease high blood pressure (systolic high blood pressure)⁴. 
• A study found that heavy smokers with high cholesterol levels, when regularly taking noni fruit juice, may help decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Hence, drinking noni fruit juice might increase good cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk⁴. 
• Noni juice may have anti-depressant activity, which may help against depression and anxiety⁴.
• Animal studies state that noni fruit juice may positively impact the nervous system’s functioning⁴. 
• Noni fruit juice benefits may be associated with oral hygiene. It may be used as a promising tool for managing gingivitis, toothaches, mouth sores, and periodontitis^2,4. 

Though studies show the potential uses of noni-fruit juice in several conditions, these studies are insufficient, and there is a need for further research to develop the true scope of the benefits of noni-fruit juice on human health. Additionally, it is essential to consult a doctor before using noni fruit juice for any medical condition. 

I would suggest noni juice if you’re looking for a natural way to support your bones and potentially protect your hearing. Noni juice might have some unexpected perks! In a study done among post-menopausal women, those who drank noni juice showed a possible increase in bone resorption (which can help with osteoporosis) and also experienced less hearing loss. Plus, their mental health and overall quality of life improved¹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Noni Fruit Juice

Different types of Noni fruit juice are commercially available based on extraction techniques, such as traditional and non-traditional⁴. These include: 

• Noni beverage 
• Noni squash 
• Noni syrup⁴
• It can be used to make freeze-dried pills 
• Concentrated extracts 
• Powder¹ 

You should consult a qualified doctor before using noni fruit juice in large quantities. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation of noni fruit juice without consulting an ayurvedic physician. They will guide you with its form and dosage based on your health condition. 

In my opinion, sipping on some noni juice might help you go that extra mile or power through your workout with more energy. Human intervention studies have shown that noni juice may have a surprising benefit—it could boost physical endurance¹!

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of Noni Fruit Juice

Noni juice side effects may include: 

• Nausea 
• Irregular heartbeats 
• Muscle weakness 
• Hyperkalaemia (high levels of potassium in the blood)⁴.​ 

Therefore, it is advised to limit the consumption of noni-fruit juice to avoid such side effects. If such side effects appear, consult your doctor and get proper treatment. 

Precautions to Take with Noni Fruit Juice

Despite the various advantages of noni juice for good health, it is essential to follow certain precautions:  

• Noni fruit juice contains a high amount of potassium, which may cause hyperkalemia. Hence, patients with liver and kidney dysfunctions are not recommended to have noni juice⁴.​
• One must be cautious while giving it to small children and the elderly as it may cause nausea, weakness, and irregular heartbeats⁴.​
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women must avoid having noni fruit juice as it might delay or alter the growth of the foetus and babies⁴.​ 
• People should not use noni fruit juice to self-medicate. It is significant to consult a doctor and have it if recommended. 

I recently came across a fascinating study involving heavy smokers and noni juice. After 30 days of consumption, participants who drank noni juice experienced a significant decrease in levels of superoxide anion radicals and lipid hydroperoxide, which are indicators of oxidative stress. This suggests that noni juice may have antioxidant benefits that are good for individuals exposed to tobacco smoke⁸.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Interactions with Other Drugs

More human research and scientific evidence must be conducted to study the possible interaction between noni fruit juice and other drugs. Therefore, people should not assume that there are no interactions at all. Therefore, medical consultations with Ayurvedic doctors are recommended before including noni juice in a diet.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. ​​West B, Deng S, Isami F, Uwaya A, Jensen C. The Potential Health Benefits of Noni Juice: A Review of Human Intervention Studies. MDPI | Foods. 2018;7(58):1–22. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5920423/pdf/foods-07-00058.pdf 
2. ​Brown A. Anticancer activity of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit: a review. Phytotherapy research. 2012;26(10):1427–40. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22344842/ 
3. ​Chemical Constituents of Pure Noni Juice [Internet]. [cited 2022 Nov 27]. Available from: https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/noni/nutritional_analysis_juice.asp 
4. ​​Ali M, Kenganora M, Santhepete M. Health Benefits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Review. Pharmacognosy Journal. 2016;8(4):321–34. Available from: https://www.phcogj.com/sites/default/files/10.5530pj.2016.4.4.pdf 
5. Palu AK, West BJ, Jensen J. Noni-based nutritional supplementation and exercise interventions influence body composition. N Am J Med Sci. 2011 Dec;3(12):552–6. doi: 10.4297/najms.2011.3552. PMID: 22363077; PMCID: PMC3271418. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3271418/
6. Nayak BS, Marshall JR, Isitor G, Adogwa A. Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity of fermented fruit juice of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) in diabetic rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:875293. doi: 10.1155/2011/875293. Epub 2010 Oct 14. PMID: 20981320; PMCID: PMC2958566. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2958566/
7. West BJ, Sabin RA. Efficacy of a Morinda citrifolia based skin care regimen. Curr Res J Biol Sci. 2012;4(3):310–14. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267201851_Efficacy_of_a_Morinda_citrifolia_Based_Skin_Care_Regimen#:~:text=Digital%20images%20were%20analyzed%20with,baseline%20of%20both%20the%20semi%2D
8. Wang MY, Lutfiyya MN, Weidenbacher-Hoper V, Anderson G, Su CX, West BJ. Antioxidant activity of noni juice in heavy smokers. Chem Cent J. 2009 Oct 6;3:13. doi: 10.1186/1752-153X-3-13. PMID: 19807926; PMCID: PMC2765950. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19807926/

​Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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