Indian Noni: Benefits, History & Potential Health Applications

Indian noni, also known as Indian mulberry, is a shrub with medicinal properties. It can be found throughout southeast Asia, Australia and many of the islands in the Pacific, including Hawaii.

History

• The early Polynesians spread the use of Indian noni throughout the Pacific. They used it to heal deep cuts and broken bones.

Cancer

• Further human studies are needed, but researchers have found that a compound in Indian noni, damnacanthal, may prevent cancer cells from forming.

Tuberculosis

• Researchers in the Philippines report that phytosterols (plant steroids) in Indian noni may kill tuberculosis bacteria.

Active Compounds

• Other active ingredients in noni include xeronine, which may promote cellular health, and scopoletin, which may help lower blood pressure and may have antibacterial properties.

Fun Fact

• Indian noni is also used as a dye. Firefly Forest states that the bark produces a red dye, while the roots produce a yellow dye.

Regulation

• The Food and Drug Administration has sent warning letters to several manufacturers of noni products for touting "cures" without adequate research to back up the claims.