Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is an evergreen tree with large leaves and yellow fruit. It's found in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India.
Noni roots, stem, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit have all been used as medicine. The fruit juice in particular is very high in potassium. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and many other chemicals that might help repair damaged cells in the body and activate the immune system.
People use noni for cancer, high blood pressure, athletic performance, aging skin, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
The US FDA has issued multiple warnings to noni manufacturers for making health claims that aren't supported by research.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using noni for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Noni juice is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. But there are several reports of liver damage in people who consumed noni tea or juice for several weeks. It isn't clear if noni was the cause of these side effects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni fruit extract is safe.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Kidney disease: Noni contains large amounts of potassium. This can be a problem for people with kidney disease. Don't use noni in large amounts if you have kidney problems.
High potassium levels: Noni contains large amounts of potassium. Drinking noni fruit juice might increase potassium levels in the blood.
Liver disease: Noni has been linked to several cases of liver damage. Avoid using noni if you have liver disease.
Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Consuming noni juice along with these medications for high blood pressure might make potassium levels too high.
Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs))
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Consuming noni juice along with these medications for high blood pressure might make potassium levels too high.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Noni might lower blood pressure. Taking noni along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Noni might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking noni along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Noni might decrease blood levels of phenytoin. This could reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk of seizures.
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Noni juice can increase how much ranitidine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of ranitidine.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Taking noni juice might decrease how well warfarin works to slow blood clotting. This could increase the chance of blood clotting.
Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Noni contains large amounts of potassium. Some "water pills" can also increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with noni might cause too much potassium to be in the body.
Herbs and supplements that might harm the liver (Hepatotoxic herbs): Noni might harm the liver. Taking it with other supplements that can also harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Examples of supplements with this effect include garcinia, greater celandine, green tea extract, kava, and kratom.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Noni might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Potassium: Noni juice contains a lot of potassium. Drinking noni juice along with potassium supplements might increase potassium levels too much.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Noni juice has most often been used by adults in doses of 3-4 ounces by mouth once or twice daily for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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