Question: Is Noni juice a healthy supplement?
I have heard people rave about Tahitian Noni juice, and I have heard others caution against it. Is Noni juice a healthy supplement, rich in antioxidants, or is it a hoax?
Lianne - About.com User
Answer: Noni juice, also known as Morinda citrifolia, is often sold as a wellness product. Noni is said to be helpful for a wide variety of conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual problems, arthritis and lung disorders.
I can't find any research to back these claims. Current research does show potential for noni as an anti-cancer agent. Noni is probably very safe as long as you stay with the recommended dosages.
The typical dosage for noni is four ounces of the juice or two tablespoons of concentrated liquid. There have been reports of possible liver problems in a few cases.
Sources: McClatchey W. "From Polynesian Healers to Health Food Stores: Changing Perspectives of Morinda citrifolia." Integr Cancer Ther. 2002 Jun;1(2):110-20.
Hornick CA, Myers A, Sadowska-Krowicka H, Anthony CT, Woltering EA. "Inhibition of angiogenic initiation and disruption of newly established human vascular networks by juice from Morinda citrifolia." Angiogenesis. 2003;6(2):143-9.
Stadlbauer V, Fickert P, Lackner C, Schmerlaib J, Krisper P, Trauner M, Stauber RE. "Hepatotoxicity of NONI juice: Report of two cases" World J Gastroenterol. 2005 Aug 14;11(30):4758-60.
