Approximately the size of a potato the Noni fruit has a lumpy appearance and a waxy, semi-translucent skin that ranges in color as it ripens from green to yellow to almost white. Natives recognize it sight unseen because of the fruit's rancid smell when fully ripe. This smell decreases as the fruit is fermented and the juice is prepared. Fermentation is a natural aging process that increases the quantity and quality of naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms. The taste is also improved during this processing.

For several reasons the Noni fruit dropped out of sight for a while. The first contact with the Western Hemisphere came with Captain Cook, with it came European diseases that killed literally thousands of the islands natives whose immune systems had long been isolated from the disease and plagues of Europe. When missionaries came to the islands years later, they outlawed Huna (the Polynesians’ art of natural healing). It was not until the 1960s that these laws were officially repealed. Furthermore many Polynesian communities in the early and mid 1900 cut the Noni trees down in order to rid the residential areas of the unpleasant smell.

Noni contains Alkaloids, which are colorless, complex, bitter organic bases that are essential to maintaining healthy stasis in the body. One alkaloid in particular that the body produces is called xeronine, which is produced to activate enzymes, to regulate and give structure to proteins. Noni juice contains a small amount of this essential alkaloid although it contains very large amounts of a precursor to the essential alkaloid called proxeronine. Proxeronine is a colloid that, unlike most colloids, contains neither sugars, amino acids, nor nucleic acids and thereby has been overlooked by most biochemists. This compound proxeronine initiates the release of xeronine in the intestinal tract after it comes in contact with a specific enzyme that is also contained in the Noni juice. This particular chemical combination is believed to significantly affect cellular function, which can determine a whole host of physiological reactions. The enzymatic reactions that occur with taking Noni juice on an empty stomach are what is believed to set cellular repair into motion.

The medicinal research regarding Noni began in the 1950s and slowly increased since then. Some of the health related compounds found in Noni aside from those listed above include;

Terpenes: aid in cell rejuvenation. Acubin, alazarin and anthraquinone: all proven anti bacterial agents shown to fight against infectious bacteria strains. This supports its use to treat skin infections, colds and fevers. Ascorbic acid: is an excellent source of Vitamin C. As a whole the fruit is an extremely nutritious fruit. Soldiers during World War II were taught by Polynesians living on the island to eat the fruit to sustain strength. Scopoletin: Research at the University of Hawaii isolated this compound from the Noni fruit which has produced hypotension (lowering of blood pressure) in laboratory settings. Scopoletin dilates blood vessels, which lets the blood pass more quickly resulting in lower blood pressure levels. Anti-inflammatory and histamine inhibiting effects have also been observed from scopoletin.

The Maui News

Most recently in an article found in "The Maui News" dated July 18/01 the University of Hawaii has begin a study to determine the potential of the Noni plant as a treatment for cancer. Dr Brian Issell of the University has said that laboratory researchers have used Noni to stop cancer. They have been awarded a $340,000 grant from the National Institute of Health to conduct a two-year study on 30 cancer patients. (Elkins, Hawaiian Noni, 1998.)

Scientists are still puzzled over how exactly the sea was formed, since ancient times, the medical healing properties of the Dead Sea have been well known. Aristotle, Queen of Sheba, King Solomon and Cleopatra were all familiar with its beauty and medical powers. Roman pharmacologists used to recommend the application of Dead Sea bitumen to help heal gladiator wounds.

Minerals present in the Dead Sea salts in strong concentrations are magnesium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, phosphorus and sodium. These minerals are termed macrominerals as they are present in relatively high amounts in our body’s tissue. Also found are trace mineral, trace minerals or microminerals are often forgotten as they are minerals that are present and required in very small amounts in the human body, although, they are essential for assimilating vitamins.

Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth. Rock formations are made from mineral salts. Rock and stone are gradually broken down into smaller fragments by erosion, (a process that can take millions of years). The resulting dust and sand accumulate, forming the basis for soil. The soil passes these minerals to its plants, the plants are eaten by herbivorous animals and thus passed onto us.

Every living cell on this planet depends on minerals for proper function. Minerals, not unlike vitamins act as catalyst for many biological reactions within the body including, muscle response, digestion, metabolism and the utilization of nutrients in foods. Minerals coexist with vitamins and their work is interrelated.

We were once told to eat all our fruits and vegetables in order to gain all your vitamins and minerals well in actual fact even if you ate a well balanced diet you’d still be lacking vitamins, enzymes and minerals, why? The foods you eat are grown in soil that has little to no mineral content and most foods are processed in ways that destroy almost all their nutritional value (heat).

Kari-Ann Harrison, BBA
Product Specialist

References:
Kirschmann and Kirschmann, Nutrition Almanac, Fourth Edition, 1996.
Balch and Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Second Edition, 1997.
Colgan, The New Nutrition Medicine for the Millennium, 1995.
Lepore, The Ultimate Healing System, 1995

Scientific investigation of the constituents of Noni juice done by the Department of Food Science, Center for Advanced Technology, Rutgers University, revealed two known glycosides – Rutin and Asperulosidic Acid and a novel trisaccharide fatty acid ester. All together, this makes a polysaccharide (i.e. many sugars). A number of immune stimulating polysaccharides have been found in plants and some have been shown to have anti-tumor activity. The immune system has several mechanisms of defense against invading cells – bacteria, cancer, etc. The polysaccharides in Noni have been shown to stimulate a number of different mechanisms of the immune system causing different types of immune cells to work together in limiting tumor growth and size, rather than act directly on the cancerous tissues.Noni has also been demonstrated to work with and enhance conventional cancer chemotherapy. When Noni was used with smaller than usual does of chemotherapy, the life spans and cure rates of animals increased, as compared with normal dosages of chemotherapy alone.A second agent found in Morinda citrifolia, damnacanthal, an anthraquinone compound, isolated from the root. Currently, damnacanthal is being studied at the Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan, for its potent inhibitory activity towards tyrosine kinases. This is significant in melanoma cancers.Damnacanthal is also being studied in Germany and France for its potential sedative properties. Traditionally, Morinda Citrifolia has been used for centuries in many parts of the tropics, including the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Ethnobotanical data, from these areas, is plentiful regarding the uses of the fruit, leaves, and root. Noni fruit was in the ancient Hawaiians pharmacopoeia and Noni is still used by Hawaiians today for diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and numerous chronic conditions. Although scientific study is just beginning, there is some confirmation of Noni’s immune enhancing qualities.If we are to understand the reasons behind the long history of traditional uses, while we wait for scientific evidence, one can certainly look at the known nutritional components of Noni. One nutrient that stands out to me is Rutin. Rutin is part of the Vitamin C complex and is one of the bioflavonoids. The old name for bioflavonoids was Vitamin P. Vitamin P was also known as the capillary permeability factor – hence P for permeability. The primary function of bioflavonoids is to increase capillary strength and regulate absorption. Bioflavonoids prevent capillary hemorrhaging (bruising) and stop the appearance of purplish or blue spots on the skin. Rutin is very specific to reversing bruising and assists the body in prevention of easy bruising – i.e. capillary fragility. Bioflavonoids play significant roles in preventing and/or alleviating hypertension, respiratory infection, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, hemorrhaging, bleeding gums, eczema, psoriasis, cirrhosis of the liver, hemorrhage of the retina, radiation sickness, arteriosclerosis, and coronary thrombosis and assists in the treatment of edema and dizziness due to diseases of the inner ear. Noni is a rich source of Rutin so I can begin to understand the non-scientifically validated traditional uses.If you smoke now, or ever have, if you live with a smoker, or ever have, if you have high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, if you have a family history of cancer, then the polysaccharides and Rutin content in Noni would seem to be a great organic whole food to support bodies with such stresses.Another component of Noni is that it is a rich source of B Complex vitamins. In my opinion, we are a B Complex society. During stress (who has any of that?), illness, and surgery the need for B Complex nutrients increases. Consumption of sugar (no one does much of that!) and alcohol destroys the B Vitamins. Diabetes and alcoholics need more B Vitamins than most people. B Vitamins can only be stored for approximately four hours (under no stress, ideal conditions) so replacing B’s two or three times a day is critical.Let’s hit a couple of high points:Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine):

• Anti-beriberi. An anti-aging nutrient. Aids in digestion, i.e. protein. Assist in emotional stabilization. Relieves irritability and depression. Improves peristalsis - helps to correct constipation. Helps prevent edema (water retention). Helps heart muscle, brain, and entire nervous system. Catalyst in correction of yeast and wheat allergies.
• Found in Brewer’s yeast, blackstrap molasses, Noni, brown rice, organ meats, eggs, raw nuts.

  Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin):

  1. Useful in treatment of bloodshot eyes, abnormal light sensitivity, itching and burning eyes, and cataracts. Useful in skin conditions, mouth sores, burning tongue, cracks on lips and corners of mouth. Very useful in correcting oily hair and skin and premature wrinkles on arms and face.
  2. Can help correct splitting nails and aging symptoms, such as "disappearing upper lip".

  Vitamin B-3 (Niacin):

  1. Mellows the personality. Raises irritability threshold. Relieves depression. Neutralizes allergic reaction from peppers, pears, peaches, plums, and nectarines (this allergy can cause hiatus hernia). Sometimes useful in toothache and backache Reduces craving for nicotine and helps people stop smoking. B-3 with B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) will increase the body’s ability to remove novocain after dental treatments. Relief of acne. Anti-diarrhea. Beneficial in Meniere’s Syndrome Anti-migraine if taken at first signs. Useful in hypoglycemia. Vasodilator (widens blood vessels) and removes fat from arterial walls. Insomnia. Arthritis and joint mobility.
  2. Best source – Royal Jelly, Noni.

  Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid):

  1. Will stop citrus allergies. Stimulates adrenal gland and increases production of natural cortisones and adrenal hormones. Anti-stress and anti-aging. Helps hair – can change grey back to natural color. Helps to correct hypoglycemia. Helps to correct painful burning feet. Adrenal exhaustion. Emotional sensitivity that can cause asthma attacks.
  2. Best Sources – Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, Noni.

  Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine – depleted by estrogen therapy)

  1. Feeds pituitary gland to aid in balancing electrolytes. Fights edema. Fights mental depression and nervousness. Fights skin disorders and sore mouth and lips. Fights kidney stones. Helps with loss of muscle control. Helps prevent migraines. Fights senility. Aids in absorption of B-12 and all amino acids. Catalyst in correcting wheat allergy. Best Sources – Brewer’s yeast, wheat bran, wheat germ, organ meat, cabbage (raw), leafy vegetables, green peppers, carrots, raw peanuts, pecans, and Noni.
  2. B-6 is destroyed by cooking and food processing.

  Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) – only vitamin that contains mineral elements):

  1. Essential for production and regulation of red blood cells, prevents anemia. Promotes growth in children. Prevents such eye problems as burning, excess watering, and some types of diminished sight. Involved in vital metabolic and enzymatic processes. Aid in placement of Vitamin A in the tissue. Aids in production of RNA and DNA. Aids in proper thyroid function.
  2. Best Source – animal proteins (vegetarians must supplement B-12)

  Vitamin B-13 (Orotic Acid):

  1. Essential for biosynthesis of nucleic acid. Vital for regenerative processes in the cell. Metabolizes Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12. Can help prevent certain liver problems. Can help prevent premature aging. Being studied as a aid in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. B-12 is destroyed by water and sunlight.
  2. Best Sources – Root vegetables, certain root herbs, whey, soured or curdled milk, and Noni.

  Vitamin B-15 (Pangamic Acid):

  1. Antioxidant. Increases body’s tolerance to hypoxia (insufficient oxygen supply). Extends cells life span. Regulates fat metabolism. Neutralizes cravings for alcohol. Glandular stimulant. Lowering blood cholesterol. Aid in protein synthesis. Helpful in heart disease, angina. Helpful in asthma. Helpful for residents in big cities where pollution is a concern. B-15 is destroyed by water and sunlight.
  2. Food Sources – Whole grains, seeds, nuts.

  This supplies some of the information, but not all there is, on the subject of Morinda Citrifolia. The single, simple conclusion is that Noni is an excellent food source rich in vitamins and phytochemicals in a very compact administration. All the literature suggests that Noni, especially therapeutically, be taken on an empty stomach. Dose varies from one source to another. Therapeutic studies were based on 4 oz. per day taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals and 30 minutes before bed.

  We live in a complex world of multiple stressors and considering whole food concentrates, like Noni, is worthwhile for all of us and a great nutritional value.

  Rena Davis, MSc
  Clinical Nutritionist
  Biochemist
  

  Rena Davis, MSc is a Clinical Nutritionist and Biochemist and one of EYI’s most popular product consultants and trainers. She operates her own wellness clinic in St. Helens, Oregon, where she has recommended the full range of powerful EYI products to her patients for years. Total Healing is an alternative health care center where Rena, owner/practitioner for over 20 years, provides individualized health care for her clients. Rena is a firm believer in holistic health care and is an ardent student and teacher of the principles of wellness.