Immunomodulatory actions of a Polynesian herb Noni (Morinda citrifolia) and its clinical applications

Complement Ther Med. 2019 Dec:47:102206. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102206. Epub 2019 Oct 3.

Abstract

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) is a popular traditional medicinal plant consumed in various forms in several countries around the world as a complementary and alternative treatment due to its established health benefits. Noni is rich in bioactive substances and has significantly exhibited pro-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects. In this review, we highlight the pharmacological basis related to the phytochemicals and polysaccharides present in Noni and its potential therapeutic effects. We screened electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus for scientific literature. Our results indicate that Noni is beneficial for various diseases with its crude extracts showing therapeutic benefit for a wide range of pathological diseases. We believe that further pharmacological and toxicological studies in addition to well-designed controlled clinical trials can validate Noni to be an effective and novel natural product for prophylactic and therapeutic use of several diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Morinda / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / immunology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Polynesia

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Plant Extracts