Noni
Background
- Noni is a small evergreen tree found in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India. It often grows among lava flows.
- Historically, noni has been used for thousands of years in Polynesia as a food source and for medicinal uses (usually applied to the skin).
- Today, noni is promoted as a dietary supplement to prevent cancer, prevent infections, treat high blood pressure, and help with other conditions.
- Only a few studies have investigated the effects of noni in people.
Health Benefits
- In laboratory research, noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. These results suggest that noni may warrant further study for various diseases. However, noni has not been shown to have beneficial effects on any health condition in studies of people.
Safety information
- Noni might be safe when used orally or on the skin in appropriate doses. Few side effects have been reported in studies of noni. However, several cases of liver toxicity have been reported in people who had consumed noni. It is unclear whether noni caused the liver problems. A complete picture of noni’s safety is lacking.
- Noni contains a substantial amount of potassium. People who need to restrict their intake of potassium should consult a health care provider before using noni.
- Noni should not be used during pregnancy. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use noni while breastfeeding.
Disclaimer
- Talk to your health care providers about any complementary health approaches before you use. It may be contraindicated with any medications you are currently taking.