Morinda Citrifolia , a deciduos creeping vine with twining stems and white flowers which is native to Malaysia, Austrailia, and Polynesia, is gaining popularity in the west due to it's apparently wide ranging health benefits. Part of the Madder family, Morinda's thick, intertwined purple roots are harvested in the spring and fall for use in herbal medicine and to make the increasingly popular noni juice.
The Polynesian culture has long used morinda to treat a wide variety of symptoms ranging from respiratory problems, poor digestion, and high blood pressure to menstrual problems and immune deficiency. Rich in vitamin C, noni juice also contains the hill spectrum of amino acids, as well as naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, beneficial alkaloids , co-factors and plant sterols.
Recent research suggests that noni root compounds contain natural sedative properties and may lower blood pressure. Biochemist , Dr Ralph Heinicke, asserts that proxeronine, an alkaloid precursor to a vital compound called xeronine, helps in the normalization of abnormally functioning cells. Heinicke claims that noni juice provides a safe and effective way to increase xeronine levels, which can be decreased by anger, stress, trauma, disease and injury.
"Rich in vitamin C, morinda provides natural antioxidants that support the kidneys, increasing the flow of urine to flush toxins from the body. It works to correct problems with the structure of proteins and cells. Working at the cellular level, morinda solves problems within the body ranging from cancer to digestive distress." - From Prescription For Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis A Balch, CNC
Depression
Morinda contains antidepressant compounds in the form of two sugars, inulin and nystose, as well as succinic acid, a compound created from simple sugars. Morinda also contains xeronine, which brings about a feeling of well-being by opening brain receptor sites to receive more endorphin hormone.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is promising evidence that morinda helps reduce inflammatory conditions while strengthening bones and ligaments. People with rheumatoid arthritis report relief from pain and swelling as well as an increase in mobility.
Menstrual Problems
Traditional Chinese medicine has prescribed Morinda for centuries to treat irregular menstrual cycles in women, especially when accompanied by pain in the lower back or pelvic area.
Other Benefits
Studies show that noni stimulates the immune system, regulating cell function and cellular regeneration of damaged cells. It's also been shown to increase stamina and endurance and is thought to be beneficial in treating impotence and infertility.
Morinda works slowly, and is best taken daily over a period of six to eight weeks for best results.
References
Noni (Morinda Citrifolia), by Rita Elkins. M.H.
Prescription For Herbal Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
The Way of Herbs, by Michael Tierra "Ralph Heinicke, Ph.D., a biochemist, discovered that noni fruit contains an alkaloid ..." see page 171
Some chemical constituents of Morinda Citrifolia, by Levand O, Larson HO. Planta Med 1979;36:186-7.
Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A literature review and recent advances in Noni Juice research. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica ,an international montlhly journal, ISSN 1671-4083, 2002 Dec, Vol. 23, 1127-1141, by Wang, M-Y, West, B., Jensen, J., Nowicki, D., Su, C., Palu, K., Anderson, G.
About The Author
Cori Young is an herbalist living in the Pacific Northwest.
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