Noni is a valuable folk medicine, widely used by people in the treatment of common diseases. The roots, leaves, and bark of the Noni tree are all medicinal herbs with strong medicinal properties; in which, the Noni fruit is the most commonly used part with the effect of supporting the treatment of rheumatic bone and joint pain, laxative, diabetes, stabilizing blood pressure,…
General information
Name, nomenclature
Other names: Ngao tree; wild noni; mountain noni; Noni Fruit
Scientific name: Fructus Morindae citrifoliae. Coffee family (Rubiaceae).
Natural characteristics
Noni fruit is a type of aggregate fruit with many single fruits stuck together. The fruit is oval, slightly elongated, about 4 cm to 8 cm long, about 2.5 cm to 5 cm wide, the stem is about 0.5 cm to 1 cm long. The fruit falls off easily when ripe. The fruit is green, firm, the outside has many rough polygonal eyes, each eye is a single fruit, inside is a layer of soft, opaque white flesh surrounding an oval seed. The oval seed is about 0.5 cm to 1 cm long, the outer shell is shiny brown, the seed core is white, containing a lot of fatty oil.
When ripe, the fruit turns white or light yellow, soft, juicy, easily pulpy, has a strong, slightly pungent smell, and turns dark brown when exposed to air for a long time. When dried, the slices are round or oval, dark brown, tough, hard, and difficult to break.
Distribution, harvesting, processing
Noni trees grow wild in the West Indies, Southeast Asia, and East Polynesia. In our country, this plant is mainly distributed in the provinces of the South Central and Southern regions such as Quang Binh, Quang Tri, An Giang, Binh Duong, etc.
Noni fruits are harvested all year round, when the fruit is ripe or about to ripen. After that, the fruit is washed, cut into round slices about 3 mm to 5 mm thick, dried in the shade, in a ventilated place, or lightly dried until dry.
The dried fruit is stored in a dry, cool place, in a sealed package.
Noni Fruit Image
Parts used
Old or ripe fruit. Can be used fresh or dried.
Chemical composition
Biochemical analysis of Noni fruit extract includes: Cellulose (19.33%), reducing sugar (5.27%), protein (2.8%) and lipid (8.75%).
Noni fruit contains about 100 different chemical active ingredients such as morinda diol, soranjidiol, rubichloric acid, alizarin a-methyl ether and rubiadin 1-methyl ether,…
Antioxidant enzyme activity includes: Catalase (C-ase) and Peroxidase (P-ase).
The activity of C-ase enzyme in Noni fruit is very high, reaching 32,626 U/mg protein, this is an iron-containing enzyme that catalyzes the reaction of decomposing Hydrogen Peroxide (a strong oxidant produced during the body’s metabolism) into water and oxygen. In the antioxidant enzyme system, C-ase is one of the most important enzymes. The activity of this enzyme in Noni fruit is higher than that of some other plants such as green pineapple 2.38 U/mg protein, cucumber 3.03 U/mg protein, young aloe vera peel 25.33 U/mg protein, ginger root 0.06 U/mg protein,…
The P-ase activity of Noni fruit is also very high (68.818U/mg protein). This antioxidant enzyme also contributes to preventing cell toxicity by decomposing Hydrogen Peroxide formed during metabolism. In addition, this enzyme also catalyzes oxidation reactions of many types of polyphenols and aromatic amines, forming different products.
In addition, Noni fruit also contains some familiar antioxidants such as: Vitamin C about 121 mg/100g, reduced Glutathione (GSH) about 2,270 µM/g,…
The presence of Flavonoids in Noni fruit extract shows strong antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. Notably, there are 2 types of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi.
Uses
According to traditional medicine
Taste, meridians
- Nonai fruit has a pungent, spicy and hot taste, cool properties.
- Indicated in the Kidney and Large Intestine meridians.
Functions, indications
- Nonai fruit has the effect of laxative, laxative, diuretic, menstrual regulation, blood circulation, blood stasis, cough relief.
- Indications: Constipation, urinary incontinence, menstrual regulation, treatment of uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, fever reduction, cough treatment, asthma, bone and joint pain, chronic headache. In addition, it is also used to enhance immunity, increase the body’s resistance.
According to modern medicine
Improve cardiovascular health
Hypertension is one of the most common medical problems of concern today. On the market, there are many preparations that support the treatment of hypertension with ingredients extracted from parts of the Noni tree such as roots, stems, fruits, etc. The combination of biologically active compounds Rutin and Scopoletin found in Noni leaves and fruits has the effect of significantly reducing blood pressure, causing hypotension, improving blood circulation and blood lipid disorders.
Reduce the negative effects of cigarette smoke and prevent cancer
Cigarette smoke contains many harmful chemicals that affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as all other cells of the body due to containing many strong toxic oxidants and increasing free radicals. With the rich antioxidant content of Noni fruit, studies conducted on heavy smokers showed that using about 118ml of Noni juice every day continuously for a month can reduce the number of free radicals in the body by 30%.
In addition, the sulfated polysaccharides in this fruit have anti-cancer properties, disrupting the interaction of glycosaminoglycans of some carcinogenic proteins, reducing the level of chemicals that can cause lung cancer in smokers by 45%.
Support to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes
Studies show that it increases insulin sensitivity in cell tissues and promotes insulin production in the pancreas, playing an important role in stabilizing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Scientists have noted a significant reduction in blood sugar and HbA1c values (an index that measures the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells) after four weeks of using Noni juice.
In addition, Beta-carotene, Vitamins A, B and antioxidants in Noni fruit will help the body produce Scopoletin and Nitric oxide, thereby helping to reduce symptoms related to diabetes, preventing acute and chronic complications of this disease.
Support treatment of bone and joint pain and osteoporosis
Noni fruit extract with Methanolic ingredients not only increases bone regeneration to help improve bone loss in people with osteoporosis, but also reduces inflammatory chemicals to help reduce swelling and pain in degenerative diseases of the spine and joints, arthritis,…
Noni fruit supports the treatment of swelling and pain in musculoskeletal diseases.
Strengthening immunity
The active ingredients of Flavonoids in Noni fruit stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes and increase the production of cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ), and stimulate the expression of Tyrosine Hydroxylase, nerve growth factors and Nitric oxide production in spleen cells to help strengthen the body’s immunity.
Helps reduce diarrhea, prevent constipation
Ripe yellow Noni fruit juice used daily helps increase contractions of the digestive system. Therefore, when constipated, we can drink 2 spoons of Noni juice to help laxative and make bowel movements easier due to increased intestinal contractions.
For diarrhea, you can use fresh grilled Noni fruit to eat. The astringent taste of Noni fruit with lots of Tannin will help improve your bowel symptoms.
Beautify the skin
Noni fruit juice is a good method for beautifying and caring for the skin. The nutrients in this fruit stimulate collagen production and prevent the formation of wrinkles on the skin.
In addition, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Noni fruit will work at the cellular level and are effective in treating acne, burns, skin allergies and hives.
In addition, Noni fruit is rich in essential fatty acids, which help prevent the production of abnormal cells, helping to restore and maintain youthful, healthy skin.
Dosage & usage
Fresh Noni fruit has many different uses, we would like to introduce you to the most common uses:
- With ripe fruits, you can eat them directly after washing them to support the digestive system and regulate menstruation.
- Roasted Noni fruit reduces coughs, bronchial asthma, colds or dysentery, they also have good effects on people with diabetes and unstable blood pressure.
- Using fresh Noni fruit to soak in wine is also very popular among the people.
- Using fresh, ripe Noni fruit to treat warts: You can apply sliced Noni fruit to the wart, make sure the skin area is dry and not an open wound. Then cover it tightly, changing the Noni slices 2-3 times a day will help the warts and skin tags fall off.
Some ways to process fresh Noni fruit:
Make Noni juice:
- Use 1kg of fresh, ripe, yellow Noni fruit, wash and puree.
- Mix pureed Noni with 200g of white sugar. Put in a glass jar, cover and leave for about 5 days.
- After 5 days, add 1.2l of 40-degree white wine to the jar, mix well. Then, strain the fresh Noni juice and put it in a clean glass jar for use.
- How to use: Use one teaspoon each time, 2-3 times a day, after meals. If it is difficult to drink, you can dilute it with boiled water and let it cool.
Noni soaked in sugar:
- Prepare fresh, green Noni fruit with water, drain, cut into 2-4 pieces. Then, put it in a jar to soak with sugar (the dosage for soaking 1kg of Noni is equivalent to 400g of white sugar).
- Cover the jar and leave it in a dry place for about a month before you can take it out to use.
- How to use: Drink about 1-2 spoons of Noni soaked in sugar every day before meals to help you eat more deliciously.
Soaking Noni in wine:
- Prepare young Noni fruit, wash it, drain it, cut it in half. Then dry it in the sun for 2 to 3 days until the fruit wilts.
- Put the dried Noni fruit in the jar with a ratio of 1kg of Noni and 2l of white wine (40 to 45 degrees of wine).
- Cover the jar tightly, leave it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. After soaking for about 1 month, you can use it.
- How to use: Drink 1 small glass of Noni wine before meals. Drink 1-2 times a day to ensure the best health.
Experienced remedies
Remedy for migraine and chronic headache
The remedy includes: 20g Noni fruit, 12g Gotu kola, 12g Cu gau, 10g Hau muoi tran. Put the medicine into 500ml of filtered water and boil until 250ml of medicine remains. Drink 2 times a day and drink while the medicine is still hot for best results.
Remedy for back pain, numbness and aches
The remedy includes: 1kg young Noni fruit, 2l of 40-degree white wine. After washing the Noni, put it in 2 liters of wine to soak. Soak the Noni fruit in wine for 3 months before taking it out for use. Drink 30ml to 50ml of wine every day to help reduce joint pain, muscle aches and numbness.
Remedy for diarrhea, fever and dysentery
The remedy includes: 3 to 5 fresh Noni fruits, wash the Noni and put it in 500ml of filtered water to boil. Boil until there is 200ml of medicine left, divide into 2 doses per day. Use continuously for 1 to 3 days, monitor the condition of the disease, if the disease progresses more seriously during use, stop taking the medicine and take the patient to a medical facility for treatment.
Remedy for insomnia, sedation, nervous breakdown and high blood pressure
The remedy includes: 20g dried Noni fruit, 20g grapefruit peel, 20g Cassia tora, 11g Smilax glabra, 7g Gotu kola, 3 slices of fresh ginger. Put the medicine into 500ml of water and boil until there is 250ml of medicine left. Drink the medicine every day to monitor the improvement of the disease.
Remedy for menstrual disorders
The remedy includes: 20g dried Noni fruit, 12g Cyperus rotundus, 20g Motherwort, 6g Licorice. Add the decoction to 750ml of filtered water and boil into a decoction. Divide into 3 doses per day to stabilize the menstrual cycle.
Note
With many useful uses in treating some diseases, when using Noni fruit, you still need to pay attention to some of the following issues:
Side effects of Noni fruit
Up to now, there has been no research that has recorded that using Noni fruit causes side effects that are dangerous to the health of the user. However, in cases of allergies to the active ingredients in Noni fruit, you need to consult a doctor before using.
In addition, people with liver and kidney problems should be careful when using any drugs, including Noni fruit. In addition, do not abuse the dosage to avoid causing unwanted side effects.
Suitable subjects for using Noni fruit
Not all subjects are suitable for using Noni fruit and preparations from this fruit. Some subjects suitable for using Noni fruit include:
- People with bone and joint pain, migraines and chronic headaches.
- People with unstable blood pressure.
- People with unstable blood sugar.
- Cases of colds, asthma, cough and rash.
- Cases of menstrual disorders, yeast infections.
- Cases of insomnia, physical weakness, stress and fatigue.
For serious diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, it is necessary to combine the use of natural herbs with specialized treatments according to modern medicine to achieve the best therapeutic effect.