Originally published in July 2002 icon

The Fruit of Life?

Morinda citrifolia, or Noni, is a knobbly fruit widespread in tropical countries from Tahiti through Asia and back to Hawaii. In the Caribbean it is called 'dog dumpling', but this sounds a lot less appetising! It can be eaten as the natural fruit but is more widely consumed in liquid form.

Noni contains a number of enzymes and alkaloids in quite large quantities. It would appear from several research studies to have four main benefits:

Firstly, it directly stimulates the immune system increasing the production of both B - and T-lymphocytes. Furthermore, Noni contains pro-Xeronine, which can be converted to Xeronine by natural enzymatic action in the body's tissues. Xeronine, produces a strong immune response to cancer cells in laboratory experiments.

Secondly, it appears to inhibit tumour development. Research conducted by Drs. Hirazumi and Furasawa at the Department of Pharmacology in the University of Hawaii, showed conclusively that the high polysaccharide content of Noni inhibits tumours in mice. Bromelain, an alkaloid and enzyme also found in pineapples and used in some dietary cancer therapies, is found in high levels in Noni and it is known to weaken the walls of cancer cells. The undoubted strength of Noni lies in this multi-polysaccharide, alkaloid and high phytochemical content. Dr DL. Davis, the senior science advisor to the US Public Health Service is very clear that, "phytochemicals can take tumours and diffuse them". Thirdly, Noni helps regulate cell function and cell regeneration. Dr Neil Solomon MD, PhD. conducted research with mice and showed that those fed Noni live live 123% longer than normal.

Noni is a knobbly fruit widespread in tropical countries

He believes this is due to Noni enhancing the body's natural healing processes and balancing the body's pH. Noni, in its concentrated form, provides a strong residue of alkaline ash in the body when consumed. This would serve most people well as their normal Western lifestyle and diet produces an acid body. A slightly alkaline pH is essential for the peak efficiency of the cellular biochemistry, and for the effective functioning of the immune system.

In a paper 'The Pharmacologically Active Ingredient of Noni', R.M. Heinicke of the University of Hawaii concludes that Xeronine protects and keeps the shape of protein molecules, which after passage into the cell, can be better used to make healthy tissue. Xeronine may also help protein molecules pass into cells by enlarging the membrane pores and, so the theory runs, the bigger the pores, the larger the protein molecules 'feeding' the cells and so the healthier they become. The juice must be drunk on an empty stomach as the pepsin and acid of the stomach will destroy Xeronine and pro-Xeronine. In fact, you should not eat anything for about two hours before and about half an hour after taking Noni.

Finally, Noni acts as an analgesic for headaches and as a healing agent for open wounds. Researchers in France have found that it is 75% as effective as morphine sulphate without the addictive side effects. In South East Asia, Noni is drunk to aid digestion and neutralise foreign bacteria in the stomach. And it is also used to put on cuts and wounds to speed up the healing process.

As an aside, there is a marketing war going on between Tahitian and Hawaiian Noni products! For example, "Hawaiian Noni is 100% pure Noni while Tahitian is a juice, not 100% pure, and made from concentrate" (Hawaiian Noni web-site). To give the reader some feeling for the marketing fervour surrounding this product, there are almost 43,000 web sites for Noni!

One suspects the decision may have already been taken to 'disapprove' Noni

There is one cloud on the horizon. The European Union, who only recently decided to halt the sale of vitamins and minerals beyond those on a prescribed, agreed list of just 20 or so (and even those in small doses), is also looking to cut a plethora of 'health products', one of which is Noni. The EEC wants to categorise these products as speciality foods' and these can only be sold if the producers give evidence on their benefits by submitting copious documentation. Even then, one suspects the decision may have already been taken to 'disapprove' Noni.

It seems odd to me that the EEC allow the sale of cigarettes but might not allow the sale of a concentrated natural fruit. But what do I know; I'm only a biochemist and nutritionist!! But then I admit I'm biased. I am also a Noni convert and drink it every day. If you are thinking of buying Noni juice you might like to look at the Natural Selection Product of Choice. You can do this by  clicking here.          At Last - t  he definitive, research based book on how to build a diet to help beat cancer. Click here to read about it.

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