The tree grows naturally in areas of Southeast Asia, where the fruit and juice are part of traditional medicine.

The fruit contains potent antioxidants that may provide some health benefits for the body, such as supporting a healthy immune system and relieving inflammation.

Noni is mainly marketed as a juice or juice blend.
Noni juice is juice from the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia, or noni tree. The noni tree grows about 3-10 metersTrusted Source high throughout the tropical regions.

The leaves and the fruit of the tree are traditional foods in the cultures near where they grow, including in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Noni is also a traditional medicine in many of these cultures.

The fruit has a strong, bitter flavor. People who use noni process the fruit into a puree, paste, or juice, and use it alone or with other ingredients. People may also ferment noni juice by adding sugar and a starter culture.

Health benefits

Pain Relief  : In the 1970's a notable American biochemist, Dr Ralph Heinicke, had a ground-breaking revelation while studying pineapple enzymes. He discovered an alkaloid he called xeronine, which he found to play an important role in the management of pain. Xeronine is formed in the large intestine, where a chemical reaction occurs between proxeronine and proxeronase, Dr Heinicke discovered that these two compounds exist in abundance in the Noni fruit. Whilst our own bodies make xeronine, it is very difficult to measure because as soon as it is made it is used, with large amounts being used in times of physical and mental stress. Regarding pain relief, xeronine converts certain brain receptor proteins into active sites for the absorption of endorphins. According to Dr Heinicke, without xeronine all life would cease to exist and all healthy cells need xeronine to function correctly.

Other analgesic compounds found in this fruit are anthraquinones which are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial. In a study by Portland State University’s School of Community Health it was noted that “the analgesic efficacy of Noni extract was about 75% as strong as morphine, yet non-addictive and side effect free."

Immune System Support :  Whilst Noni has been used traditionally to combat all manner of infections, fevers, respiratory problems and digestive disorders, many studies have now been undertaken to explain how Noni supports immune health. Researchers are finding that Noni activates multiple immune cells including dendritic cells – these important cells identify foreign invaders and help to mount a high powered adaptive immune response. This was highlighted in a May 2009 study showing that Noni activated dendritic cells and consequently boosted the production of "B cells" that make antibodies against specific invaders. Boosting the adaptive immune system can be helpful in fighting the flu, as well as other infections.

Another study by the Oncology Research Institute of Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, South Carolina, showed that Noni boosts natural killer cells - a critical part of the innate immune system.

Blood Pressure : High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading causes of heart disease, whilst low blood pressure (hypotension) can be indicative of heart or thyroid problems. Noni contains the phytonutrient scopoletin which has been found stimulate blood pressure normalisation – if it is too high it can bring it down and if it is too low it will help to raise it. Research shows that scopoletin dilates blood vessels, allowing the blood to circulate with more ease, leading to the lowering of blood pressure. In cases of low blood pressure it is always recommended you contact your health care professional to address the root cause.

Anxiety : Neurons in the brain need GABA to induce calmness when over-excitement occurs. GABA also works to produce endorphins which fight depression and anxiety. Research shows that Noni acts as a natural sedative and anti-anxiety superfruit that supports GABA production and activity in the brain. A recent study found that Noni supports GABA mechanisms in the nervous system, naturally allowing it to calm down and thereby reducing anxiety.

Digestive Health : Noni can provide the building blocks for digestive enzymes and help the gut to synthesise digestive enzymes. Poor production of these enzymes can be the result of a diet high in processed foods and can affect the body’s ability to absorb many important nutrients. Low digestive enzymes can also lead to indigestion and excess gas.