Noni 

This fact sheet provides basic information about noni—common names, uses, 

potential side effects, and resources for more information. Noni is an evergreen 

shrub or small tree that grows throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific 

Ocean, from Southeast Asia to Australia and especially in Polynesia. Noni has 

been traditionally used in Polynesia as a dye. 

Common Names—noni, morinda, Indian mulberry, hog apple, canary wood 

Latin Name—Morinda citrifolia 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Noni has a history of use as a topical preparation for joint pain and 

skin conditions. 

•	 Today, people drink noni fruit juice as a general health tonic, as well as for 

cancer and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

How It Is Used 

•	 Traditionally, the leaves and fruit of noni have been used for health purposes. 

•	 Today, the fruit is most commonly combined with other fruits (such as 

grape) to make juice. Preparations of the fruit and leaves are also available 

in capsules, tablets, and teas. 

What the Science Says 

•	 In laboratory research, noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, 

and tumor-fighting properties. These results suggest that noni may warrant 

further study for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

However, noni has not been well studied in people for any health condition. 

•	 Recent NCCAM-funded research includes a study on noni for cancer to 

determine its safety and potential effects on tumors and symptoms. The 

National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on noni for breast 

cancer prevention and treatment. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Noni is high in potassium. People who are on potassium-restricted diets 

because of kidney problems should avoid using noni. 

•	 Several noni juice manufacturers have received warnings from the U.S. Food 

and Drug Administration about making unsubstantiated health claims. 

•	 Although there have been few reported side effects from using noni, its 

safety has not been adequately studied. 
 

•	 There have been reports of liver damage from using noni. It should be avoided if you have 

liver disease because it contains compounds that may make your disease worse. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you 

use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. 

Sources 

Morinda. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

February 7, 2007. 

Noni (Morinda citrifolia). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on 

February 7, 2007. 

Pawlus A, Bao-Ning S, Kinghorn A. Noni (Morinda citrifolia). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of 

Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:1-8. 

Mueller BA, Scott MK, Sowinski KM, et al. Noni juice (Morinda citrifolia): hidden potential for hyperkalemia? American 

Journal of Kidney Disease. 2000;35(2):310-312. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

•	 What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

•	 Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D398 

Created October 2007 

Updated June 2008 

*D398*