Noni
The market for noni products is approaching $100M, but how much of this is driven by product hype versus scientific evidence? I explore the science and medical history of this medicinal plant.
Noni (scientific name: Morinda citrifolia) is an edible and medicinal plant found in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). It is a tree native to Southeast Asia that reaches heights of up to 6 meters and is adorned with bright green, oval leaves. Noni is notable for its distinct fruit, which is ovoid and, upon ripening, emits a strong, unpleasant odor reminiscent of butyric acid and with an astringent flavor. A unique feature of its seeds is the presence of an air sac at one end, contributing to their buoyancy and aiding in the widespread distribution of noni trees across the Indo-Pacific islands.
Noni has been a staple in traditional medicine, with each part, from roots to seeds, finding use in various remedies. Research on the plant has explored several therapeutic applications.
Medicinal History
Noni is used in traditional medicine for both internal and external ailments, utilizing its root, stem, bark, leaves, and fruit. It has been used as a medicinal plant throughout Polynesia, Southeast Asia, parts of Australia and the Caribbean. Of note, the leaves are most prevalently used in medical preparations, which is in contrast to the predominant use of noni fruit juice in Western commercial markets.
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