Benefits of Noni Juice for Skin, Hair, and Health

Specialty: Weight Loss Nutrition, Female Wellbeing, Sports Nutrition, Corporate Wellness, Whole Food Cooking

Alexandra Dusenberry is registered dietitian nutritionist and certified personal trainer based in San Diego, California. She works with clients around the world to help them reach their health and fitness goals. She believes that food is me... more

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is an ancient medicinal plant indigenous to Southeast Asia and Australasia. It is now commonly used as a dietary supplement for its various health benefits.

Most parts of the noni tree are used to treat a long list of ailments such as inflammation, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Noni is also believed to help in the treatment of cancer and obesity.

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of noni have been used to treat various infections. It is reported to aid in cell repair as it has anti-aging properties. Noni Juice is also known to improve endurance and reduce fatigue.

In this post, we discuss everything you need to know about noni juice. Keep reading.

What Are The Benefits Of Noni Juice?

Noni juice or Tahitian noni juice gets its name from the city of Tahiti, which is the largest island in French Polynesia. It is also called the Hawaiian noni juice. It is replete with antioxidants that are a major reason for its benefits. The juice fights free radicals and inflammatory ailments like cancer, diabetes, and joint pains. These antioxidants also offer anti-aging benefits to the skin and hair.

1. May Aid In Cancer Prevention

Several laboratory studies have shown that noni juice can have anticancer effects and even aid in chemotherapy. An unidentified substance in unpasteurized noni was found to possess anticancer properties (1). However, further research in humans is required.

Taking 1-4 oz of noni juice can also reduce cancer risk in smokers. It achieves this by blocking the carcinogen DNA from the genomic (the complete set of genes in an organism) DNA (38937' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >2). Studies have also shown that noni juice may help prevent breast cancer in mice (3).

2. May Fight Inflammation

Fermented noni juice was found to contain quinone reductase. This is an enzyme that possesses great anti-inflammatory traits (6335' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >4). Another German study states that noni preparations can ease inflammation and even reduce arthritic pains (5). Noni fruit is a great source of some very important anti-inflammatory molecules that can stall the progression of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. The juice has also been found to have therapeutic effects on gout (6).

3. May Promote Heart Health

Noni juice has been found to lower cholesterol levels. Smokers who took the juice saw substantial reductions in their cholesterol levels (7). In fact, herbal medicine has been using noni for several years to treat cardiovascular illnesses, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (8).

4. May Aid Diabetes Treatment

Studies show that noni juice can improve insulin action during diabetes. The nutrients in the juice act synergistically with insulin to aid diabetes treatment (9). Further studies suggest that noni juice can be included as a functional health food in the diets of individuals with diabetes (10).

5. Might Aid Weight Loss

There is some evidence that noni juice can aid weight loss (11). The juice is also rich in various other nutrients. It can take care of your nutritional needs should you cut down other high-calorie foods from your diet.

6. May Improve Brain Health

Noni juice is known to prevent brain cell degeneration due to the presence of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. The juice may also protect the neurons from harm.

A Japanese study states that noni juice can protect the brain from a stress- induced decline of cognitive function (12).

Noni juice has a therapeutic effect on other related issues like stress, anxiety, and depression (13).

7. May Improve Skin Health

Noni juice has analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These play a big role in enhancing skin health. The juice is also said to contain essential fatty acids that are the building blocks of fats and oils in the body. These essential fatty acids improve the functioning of cell membranes and enhance skin health. The skin cells start to readily absorb the nutrients and also flush out toxins that may interfere with cell function (14).

Some sources claim that noni juice contains proxeronine that helps in the production of another compound called xeronine. Xeronine keeps the cells healthy and brings abnormal cells back to normalcy. Noni juice was also believed to have been used for treating acne in Polynesian folk medicine. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

8. May Improve Digestive Health

Noni juice is particularly rich in vitamin A (15). It is believed that this nutrient may promote the digestive system, though more research is needed. As per anecdotal evidence, the juice can stimulate bowel movements.

The juice can help treat other gastric problems like constipation, gas, and bloating. It also promotes intestinal mucosal integrity and helps in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (16). The juice may also help treat other gastric problems like constipation, gas, and bloating.

9. May Improve Vision

Although research is limited, some sources state that the antioxidants in noni may improve vision. They may also help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts (17). However, it is important to consult your doctor before using noni juice to improve your vision.

10. May Strengthen Hair

Certain compounds in noni, like glycerol and butyric acids, may play a role in hair health. Research is limited, however. The fatty acids in the juice are also believed to strengthen the hair follicles and help treat any related issues (like hair fall). Drinking noni juice may improve the quality of hair too. Noni juice can be applied topically to treat scalp issues like dandruff.

11. May Aid Cellular Repair

Noni contains colorless alkaloids that aid cellular repair and help the body maintain a healthy cell turnover rate. The xeronine in the juice could further help with cell health and functioning. However, more research is needed in this regard. Noni juice is also known to help in the repair of connective tissues (18).

12. May Help Prevent Parasitic Disease

Noni juice had shown efficacy in treating leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by sandflies that can affect the internal organs (19).

13. May Help Relieve Age-Related Spinal Damage

Certain sources state that noni can help improve the degeneration of the spinal cord. The disorder can be caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin B12 (20). Symptoms include weakness and uncomfortable sensations in the body, and difficulties with vision and thinking. Noni is rich in several nutrients and may help treat most of these symptoms. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

14. May Reduce Muscle Spasms

Noni juice is believed to contain K+ ions. These ions induce muscle contractions and stimulate the blockage of calcium channels. This may help treat muscle spasms (21). However, there is a lack of sufficient information in this regard. Consult your doctor before taking noni juice for treating muscle spasms.

15. May Help Relieve Fatigue

Noni juice may help fight fatigue as its nutrients may help boost energy levels in the body. The intake of noni juice is also believed to enhance endurance, flexibility, and balance.

Even individuals with cancer, upon ingestion of noni juice, had reported less fatigue (22). Research suggests that noni may have ergogenic (performance enhancing) potential. The juice can also improve overall physical performance and keep fatigue at bay (23).

16. May Improve Liver Health

Studies have revealed that noni juice can protect the liver from extrinsic toxin exposure. The juice inhibits the inflammatory response and suppresses the elevated activities of liver enzymes. In fact, a high dosage of noni juice pretreatments wasn’t found to induce any kind of liver damage (24).

Certain sources stress on the hepatotoxicity of noni juice, but studies have confirmed otherwise (25). Noni juice had also protected against induced liver damage in female rats (26).

However, it is important to exercise caution. Noni contains anthraquinones that are believed to cause liver toxicity. Research is limited. Consult your doctor before intake.

17. May Have Antipsychotic Properties

A Malaysian study states that noni may have antipsychotic properties and may aid the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The stereotyped behavior in mice (induced by apomorphine and methamphetamine) had improved with ingestion of noni juice (27).

18. May Help Treat Bacterial Infections

Noni juice might have been used for thousands of years for treating bacterial infections. It contains important phytochemicals (28).

Noni extracts are also known to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginoasa. This effect of noni juice can be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds like acubin, alizarin, and other anthraquinones (29).

The ethanol and hexane extracts of noni (just like noni juice) also possess an antitubercular effect as they inhibit the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (30).

Noni may also help treat skin infections (like candida). However, more research is warranted in this regard.

19. May Boost Immunity

Noni juice has been found to increase the production of IFN-gamma cytokines. These are compounds that improve immunity (31). The properties of noni may also accelerate wound healing.

These are the health benefits of noni juice. In the following section, we will further discuss the juice.

More About Noni Juice

Noni is basically a fruit that has been around for 3,000 years. The fruit is also called the Indian mulberry. It is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia or the French Polynesian islands. In fact, early Polynesians understood its value and even consumed it in times of famine. This juice is derived from the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia, a tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. The noni tree often grows among lava flows. It has been used both for dyeing clothes as well as a folk remedy for numerous treatments. The juice was earlier sold in the capsule form. The pulp powder of the noni fruit was the first commercial product brought into the Hawaiian market by Herbert Moniz of Herb’s Herbs in 1992.

Noni is also called “Dog dumpling” in Barbados, “Mengkudu” in Indonesia and Malaysia, “Pace” in the islands of Java, “Kumudu” in Bali, and “Apatot” in the Philippines. It is a green fruit that turns yellow as it ripens (and gives off a pungent odor).

Today, noni is also found in India, Australia, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and South America. But the one from Tahiti is considered to be of the highest quality. Another fruit considered similar to noni in terms of the benefits is acai berry, which is a native of South America (Brazil). There are conflicting reports as to which is better of the two.

Let us now look at the nutritional profile of noni juice.

What Is The Nutritional Profile* Of Noni Juice?

The actual noni fruit is unsuitable for consumption because of its bitter taste. Moreover, the fruit is highly sweetened and processed to create a desirable taste. This further decreases the nutritional value of the fruit juice. If you consider the noni juice in its purest form, it comprises of the following nutrients.

SUPPLEMENT FACTSSERVING SIZE: 1TBSP(15 ML.)SERVINGS PER CONTAINER: 35

PURE NONI FRUIT JUICE 15,000MG(15ML) ***

** PERCENT DAILY VALUES (DV) ARE BASED ON A 2,000 CALORIE DIET.***DAILY VALUE NOT ESTABLISHED.

• 5 calories
• 9 grams of carbohydrates (about 1% of daily value)
• 5 milligrams of vitamin C (2% of daily value)
• 170 micrograms of niacin (about 1% of daily value)
• 12 micrograms of folate (about 1% of daily value)
• 2 milligrams of calcium (about 1% of daily value)
• 800 micrograms of magnesium (about 1% of daily value)
• 35 micrograms of iron (about 1% of daily value)
• 10 milligrams of potassium (about 1% of daily value)
• 300 micrograms of zinc (2% of daily value)

*values sourced from USDA, pure noni

Some of the major nutrient groups of noni juice include:

Macronutrients: Noni fruit (in the form of powder) is an excellent source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, with a 100 gram serving providing 55% and 100% of the dietary reference intakes (DRI), respectively. It is also a good source of protein, providing about 12% DRI of this nutrient. Noni pulp is low in total fats, providing just 4% of DRI. Noni juice has relatively lower amounts of macronutrients.

Micronutrients: The main micronutrients of noni pulp powder are vitamin C, offering 42% DRI, and substantial amounts of niacin (vitamin B3), iron, and potassium. It also contains vitamin A, calcium, and sodium in moderate amounts.

Phytochemicals: Noni fruit juice does contain phytochemicals, but there are no established DRI values for the same. A particular phytochemical called xeronine present in noni fruit juice is known for its ability to relieve pain in the body. Noni juice is also packed with proxeronine, the precursor of xeronine. It is activated in the large intestine where it is absorbed by the cells of the body.

Anthraquinones: These are important antiseptic and antibacterial plant chemicals found in noni juice that have proven to be effective in killing pre-cancer cells. They stimulate the immune response to cancer by activating the body’s T- cells (which are the body’s “cancer killers”).

Scopoletin: This is another important chemical component of noni juice that has wonderful health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It regulates serotonin, which is the body’s feel- good hormone, and wards off feelings of anxiety and depression. It also binds to melatonin to regulate sleep, hunger, and body temperature.

You can have noni juice in the comfort of your home. Preparing it is simple.

How To Prepare Noni Juice At Home

Preparing the juice is a simple process. You need a noni fruit, a blender, a strainer, and 5 ounces of cold water.

• Firstly, let the unripened fruit rest for a few days. When the fruit feels soft, it means it is ready for use. Ensure you use the fruit before it turns completely white.
• Add cold water to a blender and place the fruit in it. You can also crush it with your hands in case the fruit is too large for the blender.
• After blending, strain the juice, and remove the seeds.
• The juice could still be thick. Mix it with some more water so that it gets easier to drink.
• Since the juice has an unappealing taste, you might want to add some fruit to the juice. You can add a few slices of orange or pineapple (or even coconut milk) to it. Honey is also a good option.

How To Pasteurize Noni Juice?

You can also use the pasteurized juice, which can last longer. Here is how you can pasteurize the juice:

• Pour the juice into a jar and place it in a pot of boiling water, such that the water level covers the juice but does not reach the mouth of the jar. Once the temperature is 180o F, allow the juice to boil for 30 minutes.
• Check the pH of the juice with the help of a litmus paper. A properly fermented juice should not have a pH of more than 3.5. A high pH value indicates contamination.

Should Noni Juice Be Refrigerated?

This fermented noni juice can be stored at room temperature for an indefinite period, but refrigerating it ensures optimum freshness.

How To Drink Noni Juice?

The juice must be taken on an empty stomach at least half an hour before a meal. This allows it to get absorbed faster. You can also add the juice to your favorite juice.

How To Make Noni Tea?

Even the leaves of the noni fruit have benefits. You can use the leaves to prepare noni tea (simply steep them in hot water and drain) that helps heal digestive issues.

How To Use Noni Juice For Skin?

Noni juice may help treat dermatitis of the face. Simply apply the juice to the affected areas and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with fresh water. A similar remedy may also help treat the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

How To Use Noni Extract As A Poultice?

Wrapping the leaves around sore joints can work as a poultice to ease arthritis pains.

Where To Buy Noni Juice?

You can buy the juice at your nearest supermarket or megastore like Walmart or Walgreens. You can also buy it online. Tahitian Noni Juice is one very good brand. You can check the reviews on the site page to understand how authentic the brand is. You might also want to go for noni enzyme or noni capsules. Ensure the juice you buy is 100% pure and organic. Ensure there are no preservatives.

Here are a few ways you can check if the noni juice is of good quality:

• Shake the bottle. If bubbles form and dissipate quickly, it means there is more water content than the juice itself.
• If the color of the bubbles is brown, it indicates purity.
• Turn the bottle upside down. Any residue at the bottom tells you the juice is good.
• Pure noni juice has a strong smell.

Dosage And Safety Of Noni Juice

How Much Noni Juice Should I Drink?

The ideal dosage for noni juice is 30 to 750 ml a day. A double-blind clinical safety study on noni juice has provided data that drinking up 750 ml of Tahitian Noni Juice is considered safe (32).

Remember that noni juice should be made only from certified, organic noni fruit. It shouldn’t be made from reconstituted pulp, puree, or concentrate. Ensure the juice is free of additives as well. You can add noni juice to your smoothie or fruit juice recipes. It only adds to their value. It also is important to know that one can’t simply drink noni juice whenever they please.

How Safe Is Noni Juice?

The effectiveness of noni in numerous treatments has been proved only in certain studies. But researchers are investigating its beneficial effects, and a huge amount of evidence (both anecdotal and substantiated) sure does promote noni’s beneficial effects.

One particular variety of noni juice that we need to look at is Tahitian noni juice. After safety testing, the European Union had approved it as a novel food in 2002. Hence, when we talk about the benefits, we are referring to this variety. The increasing popularity of the juice resulted in a review in the Journal of Food Science where data from clinical studies, toxicity tests, and chemical test have found it safe for consumption (32).

Noni juice could cause certain side effects too. We will discuss them in the following section.

What Are The Side Effects Of Noni Juice?

Noni juice may cause problems in people with kidney issues and liver ailments. It may not be safe during pregnancy as well.

Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Limited research is available here. Noni is known to have been used to cause abortions. Hence, avoid the juice if you are pregnant. Stay away from it even if you are breastfeeding as not enough is known about the consequences.

Kidney Issues

Noni contains high levels of potassium. Individuals with kidney disease may develop high levels of potassium in the blood after taking the juice. This can lead to complications (33).

Liver Disease

Though we saw studies supporting the use of noni juice for liver health, other equally authentic reports have discouraged its use (34). Please consult your doctor before you use noni in this aspect.

Conclusion

Traditionally, the noni plant has been used to cure or prevent many diseases. Its various biological compounds exhibit antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti- parasitic effects. Some of these compounds boost the immune system and increase endurance and relieve fatigue. The juice from noni plant can be used to improve skin texture and hair growth.

More research is being done to further understand the benefits of the juice. The juice may cause certain adverse effects too. Hence, if you have any medical condition, consult your doctor before consuming it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of noni tea?

Learn more

Some of the benefits of the tea include improved digestion and better skin health. The tea is made from noni leaves steeped in warm water. However, limited research is available in this regard.

What is noni seed oil good for?

The noni seed oil may help address inflammatory skin conditions and other joint issues like arthritis and rheumatism.

Does noni juice expire?

Yes. If you have prepared it at home, the juice will last for 6 months after it has been opened (must be stored in the refrigerator). If not opened, the juice can last up to 2 years.

What does noni juice taste like?

The juice tastes pungent and strong, similar to red wine or extra sharp cheddar cheese.

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