Noni Fruit

Introduction : "Noni" is the native Hawaiian name for the small evergreen tree Morinda citrifolia, and its fruit. It is called the "painkiller" tree in Vietnam, Africa and the Caribbean; and Australians call it "cheese-fruit" for the overpowering smell. The Sanskrit name for Morinda citrifolia, Ayushka, meaning longevity, resonates with Western research findings. Noni is renowned in India for its unique ability to improve opposite conditions and virtually any ailment from which you suffer. For example, Noni has been hailed as a cure for low blood pressure--and also high blood pressure. It exhibits promising anti-cancer and immune system strengthening potential.

Plant Description : The Noni or morinda plant is an evergreen tree that grows 10 to 20 feet tall in open coastal regions, and in forests with altitudes up to 1,300 feet. It has large evergreen leaves and its small white flowers sprout at various times during the year. The flowers then developed to a translucent, juicy, fruit commonly called Noni. In India the juice and whole fruit are used in herbal remedies.

Fruit Description : Noni fruit has a lumpy texture, looks similar to a hand grenade, and has a rancid taste and smell when fully ripened. The fruit is covered with reddish-brown pits that contain seeds. Each seed has an attached air sac that allows it to float for months in the ocean. It is thought that this is how Noni may have been transported to various countries centuries ago. Noni plant was considered sacred for its medicinal properties its nutritional value and use as a dye.

Distribution : It traditionally grown in a wide range of environments including rocky terrains, fertile lowlands, sandy areas but it is found in most of the islands terrain of the South pacific of Tahiti, Hawaii, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan Philippines, Vietnam, India, Africa, Guam and West Indies. It grows best in mineral-rich volcanic ash.

Parts Used : Virtually every part of the noni plant is used for its individual medicinal properties – fruit, seeds, flowers, roots & bark.

Chemicals : Some of the health-related compounds that have been isolated from noni are Morindone, Morindine, Acubin, Terpene compounds, L. Asperuloside various Anthraquinones, Alazarin, Caproic acid, Caprylic acid, Scopoletin, Damnacanthal, and Alkaloids.

History : Thousands of years ago, ancient sea-going people journeyed across the oceans in great outrigger canoes to settle what is now known as French Polynesia. Space in the canoes was limited; they brought only what they needed to survive. Noni was a prized cargo in these canoes because of its healthful properties and was considered queen of the 'canoe plants' used to establish new villages.

    The fruit of the Morinda citrifolia plant was an important source of food for the early Polynesians, who consumed it in times of famine. Australian aborigines were fond of the fruit, and people in Burma cooked unripe fruits in curries and ate the ripened fruit raw with salt. The seeds, leaves, bark, and roots were also eaten by people versed in the healing properties of this odd plant. Amazingly, every part of the Morinda citrifolia plant is used.

Traditional Medicinal Uses :