Morinda Citrifolia, A Natural Remedy

A Summary by Mirna Sakina


It is commonly known as Great morinda, Indian mulberry, Beach mulberry, Tahitian Noni, or since recently: Noni (from Hawaiian), Nono (in Tahitian), Mengkudu (from Malay), Nonu (in Tongan), and Ach (in Hindi), is a shrub or small tree in the family Rubiaceae. Morinda citrifolia is native to Southeast Asia but has been extensively spread by man throughout India and into the Pacific islands as far as the islands of French Polynesia, of which Tahiti is the most prominent. It can also be found in parts of the West Indies.

The fruit is one such that more than suffices the requirements of a Nutritional Supplement of great advantage. Though in the ancient cultures this fruit was widely used for its health restorative properties, over the years us popularity diminished due to the unpleasant smell that eminates from the ripened fruit and so humanity lost for a while the amazing gift of Health and Well Being that Nature had endowed it with in the form of Morinda citrifolia.


Here are some researches and findings by the scientists:

1. Dr. Ralph Heinicke of the Pineapple Research Institute in the United States of America,
He was the first who isolated a crystalline material from this fruit Morinda citrifolia that is responsible for the synthesis of Xeronine, which plays the sterling role of helping the Human body properly assimilate Proteins and thus regulate the structure and function of the various Cells of our body. Healthy cells build healthy tissues which in turn build healthy organs and healthy organs contribute to healthy body systems and so helping the individual lead a life of Health and Well Being.

In 1993 Dr. Ralph Heinicke in his research on Morinda citrifolia isolated another component found to be present in Morinda citrifolia — Damnacanthal. This Damnacanthal was shown to introduce normal cell growth in pre-cancer cells.

2. Dr. Mona Harrison MD, formerly assistant dean of Boston University School of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer D.C.General Hospital
She found out that Morinda citrifolia enhanced the function of the Thyroid and the Thymus glands, thus helping the body fight off infections and other problems of the Immune System. She believes that the frequency modulations in the body’s Energy, brought about by Morinda citrifolia, helps to fight depression and also acts as a true Adaptogen - i.e. It enhances the body’s Self Healing Mechanism to restore normalcy rapidly. Further more scientific studies from the 1960’s to 1980’s revealed the Analgesic qualities of Morinda citrifolia and proved that Morinda citrifolia helped the Circulatory, Digestive and Respiratory systems of the body, in addition to improving the texture of the Skin and the growth and repair of Hair.

3. In 1994, Mr. A. Hirazumi, a scientific researcher from the University of Hawaii
Based on the finding of Dr. Ralph Heinicke in 1993, he established the Anti-Cancer activity of Morinda citrifolia on intraperitoneally implanted Lewis Lung Carcinomo Syngenic Mice. Later on a team of Japanese researchers studied the induction of normal phenotypes in RSA-Transformed cells by Damnacanthal from Morinda citrifolia. These initial studies indicate the potential of Anti-Cancer activity of the Morinda citrifolia fruit on laboratory animals and the possible mechanism of its action. Pioneering research work on Morinda citrifolia is being done at the University of Hawaii, Keio University and Osaka University in Japan, The University of Antwerp in Belgium and Rutgers University - NJ. U.S.A.. to name a few. In fact, research on Morinda citrifolia is presently being carried out in over 40 Universities around the globe.

4. It is interesting to note what Dr. Scott Gerson MD has to write about Morinda citrifolia and India:
“Several years ago, I was researching material for a book on Medicinal Plants of India and became interested in a family of plants known as Rubiaceae. Of particular interest was a plant known in Sanskrit as Ach which was attributed special properties by ancient physicians. The fruit of this Ach plant or as we now know it as Morinda Citrifolia has a rich history in India, where it has been used for tens of centuries in the system of medicine known as Avurveda. This holistic medical tradition was established in the north western part of India by people called Aryans who were reputed to be a rather cosmic civilisation. Morinda Citrifolia was especially esteemed by the ancient Aryan physicians because it protected the skin from becoming dry and cracked from the sun. My investigations of the published scientific literature on Morinda Citrifolia yielded more than 100 articles pertaining to this medicinal plant.”

This fruit finds place in our ancient medicinal texts or Ayurveda and Siddha and in Tamil Nadu at one time, this tree was a must to grow in even Temple along with the Tulsi and Bail trees, for it was believed that the Goddess of all Gods made her abode in it.

Morinda citrifoia widespread success is based upon the theory that it acts as an Adaptogen. In essence, Morinda citrifolia contain a natural food supplement that helps “Sick” cells return to normal. If the body is releasing too much or too little of natural substances, the result is weakened or sick cells. An Adaptogen helps regulate the amount of the substance the body releases.”

It is important however to remember that the adaptogens from Morinda citrifolia are food supplements and not a medicine or drug.

However, as seen from many of the testimonials, Morinda citrifolia can help medication to be more effective with smaller doses, thus decreasing the normal side effects from certain medications.”

Continuous research on Morinda citrifolia has established, that Morinda citrifolia in addition to being rich in the content of proxeronine which is used by the body to strengthen and revitalise its cells, is also rich in Vitamin A, B, B2, B6, B12, C & H, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Folk Acid. Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper and other minerals like Chromium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Sodium, Potassium, Carbohydrates like Fructose and Glucose and also has the distinction of being the only known Natural Health Product to contain more than 150 isolated Neutraceuticals.

In China, Samoa, Japan, and Tahiti, various parts of the tree (leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, roots) serve as tonics and to contain fever, to treat eye and skin problems, gum and throat problems as well as constipation, stomach pain, or respiratory difficulties. In Malaysia, heated noni leaves applied to the chest are believed to relieve coughs, nausea, or colic.

The noni fruit is taken, in Indochina especially, for asthma, lumbago, and dysentery. As for external uses, unripe fruits can be pounded, then mixed with salt and applied to cut or broken bones. In Hawaii, ripe fruits are applied to draw out pus from an infected boil. The green fruit, leaves and the root/rhizome have traditionally been used to treat menstrual cramps and irregularities, among other symptoms, while the root has also been used to treat urinary difficulties.


Sources: WorldNoni.Org, Wikipedia

ROLE OF NONI IN TENDINITIS

Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. It can also be seen in systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Tendinitis can occur in any tendon, but some commonly affected sites are the shoulder, the wrist, the heel (Achilles tendonitis), and the elbow.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually in proximity to a joint (hip pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, or pain in other joints)
• Pain is worse with movement or activity
• Pain at night

Role of Noni

Noni has been reported to have a broad range of health benefits for various diseases and complains.

Major components – Noni contains all the vitamins like Vitamin A , Vitamin B complex, vitamin C, Vitamin E. It contains all the trace minerals. A number of major components have been identified in the Noni plant such as scopoletin, octoanoic acid, potassium, vitamin C, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones (such as nordamnacanthal, morindone, rubiadin, and rubiadin-1-methyl ether, anthraquinone glycoside), sitosterol, carotene, vitamin A, flavone glycosides, linoleic acid, Alizarin, amino acids, acubin, L-asperuloside, caproic acid, caprylic acid, ursolic acid, rutin, and a putative proxeronine.

Noni is a selective COX-2 inhibitor

There are several other ways in which Noni may alleviate the undesirable symptoms of arthritis. Pain is the number one complaint with arthritis.

Researchers at an independent research facility found that indeed Noni was a selective inhibitor of COX-2 enzyme. In addition, the Noni did no damage to the COX1 enzyme.

Role of Scopoletin present in Noni in arthritis and inflammation

Another reason for Noni’s pain fighting qualities may stem from several of its constituents. Noni has been shown to contain Scopoletin, which has anti inflammatory effects. Scopoletin is needed in the body for smooth joint movement. It also produces anti-histamine effects.

How Noni works

The natural integrity of Noni is only part of the reason for its effectiveness. There are two additional reasons contribution to Noni's effectiveness for a broad range of conditions:

1.Unique Combinations of Substances

For a fruit, Noni has an impressive combination of ingredients. It has a rich complement of vitamins and minerals; including A, B vitamins (including the rare B-12), C, E, Iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc and several trace minerals. It also has 17 of 20 amino acids. Terpenes, fungicides, adaptogens, glycosides, polysaccharides and other unique ingredients that even in small amounts can have significant physiological effects can be found in Noni. Studies show that NONI stimulates the immune system, regulates proper cell function, increases the ability of cells to absorb and utilize nutrients, inhibits tumor growth, and regenerates damaged cells. Probably the most unique ingredient is an alkaloid called xeronine. Xeronine has several important functions including regulating the many proteins in the body, activating inactive enzymes and improving cellular function. Noni also contains a substance called proxeronine, which can be stored in the liver according to Dr. Ralph Heinecke. Proxeronine, in turn, can be used to make xeronine, as needed.

2.Synergy of its Substances

The many known, and even some of the unknown substances, come together in a way that supports the needs of many of our internal systems, concurrently. As the word synergy implies, these substances work far better in combination than they do separately. Many of the ingredients in Noni are found in varying amounts in other foods or herbs. There seems to be no known food or herb with either the rich list of substances or the high amounts of key substances all put together in one super food. Noni aids the body's natural healing abilities.

Tahitian Noni Juice's Nutrition and Bioactive Contents (Kandungan Nutrisi & Bioaktif Tahitian Noni Juice)

Taken from noni.web.id

Tahitian Noni Juice mengandung 89% Sari buah murni Noni ( Morinda Citrifolia ) ditambah dengan 11% Anggur dan Blueberry, tidak menggunakan bahan pengawet dan zat kimia, diproses dengan menggunakan teknologi canggih. Mengandung 230 senyawa yang sangat bermanfaat bagi kesehatan, 157 senyawa adalah micro nutrisi essensial (Super Nutrisi) antara lain sebelas (11) vitamin, sebelas (11) mineral, tujuh belas (17) asam amino, yang terpenting diantaranya adalah :

Vitamin A1*, B1, B6, B12, C*, E*, Dll

Mineral Magnesium, Calsium, Phosphor, Besi, Selenium, Seng, Kalium, Natrium

Asam Amino Pencegahan degenerasi sel, diantaranya Arginine,Cystin, glycine, dll

Nitric Oxide Sebagai neuro transmitter yaitu untuk meningkatkan sinyal inter dan intra celuler (NOBEL 1998)

Dammnacanathal Anti Kanker dan anti biotik alami

Alizarin Pemutus hubungan pembuluh darah ke tumor

Terpenoid Anti mikroba; eugenol – anti kanker asam ursolic: anti kanker
(Leukemia) anti mikroba (AIDS), anti inflamasi, anti histamin, anti alergi.

Glycoside Perawat Jantung, Flavonol Glycoside

Scopoletin Menurunkan tekanan darah, anti bakteri, peneumonia, anti alergi

Proxeronine Sangat vital bagi penyehatan sel, anti mikroba / anti inflamasi / anti
oksidan / anti kanker.

Anggur OPC, EGCg, resveratol, pterostilbene (anti kolestrol) dan anti oksidan.

Polysaccharida Anti mikroba, anti kanker, dll

Blueberry Anti oksidan EGCg, anti kolestrol

ROLE OF NONI IN OBESITY

From World Noni Research Foundation

ROLE OF NONI IN OBESE PATIENT

• The levels of the fat-soluble antioxidants, vitamin E and carotenoids were significantly lower in patients with severe obesity as compared to normal weight subjects, whereas no differences in the concentrations of the B vitamins, folic acid and B12. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between increased intake of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E, carotenoids and vitamin C and reduced morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease. This association has been explained on the basis of the LDL oxidative modification process, which involves the initiation of atherogenesis and its protection by oxidation of the LDL lipids. Extensive studies have shown an inverse association between CAD (coronary artery diseases) events and vitamin E and carotenoids intake. It has been demonstrated the ability of b-carotene to protect LDL against oxidation both in healthy subjects and in diabetic patients, with an emphasis on b-carotene derived from natural sources.
• Noni is rich in all vitamins -Vit A, Vita C, Vita B complex, and with beta carotenoids. Noni contains all the trace minerals and all essential amino acids. Besides that it contains more than 150 PHYTONUTRIENTS. All this unique combination is only found in NONI. So it acts like a powerful antioxidants. So any obese paitent if taking Noni then it helps to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques as it protects LDL lipids against oxidation. Noni juice is purely natural, the extract of Noni fruits. Flavonoids are a vast group of polyphenolic substances; with high antioxidant properties. Noni is rich with Flavonoids.
• A significant reduction in plasma antioxidants in obese patients suggests a so far unrecognized CAD (coronary artery diseases) risk factor in these patients. Only a limited number of studies have dealt with antioxidants and obesity. Hence supplementation of Noni to the obese patient will prevent them from the attack of coronary artery diseases (CAD).
• Lower serum levels of vitamin E were demonstrated in subjects with abdominal obesity. Vitamin E and b-carotene were significantly lower in plasma of obese boys and LDL of obese girls. Supplementation with Noni to obese children will fulfill the demand of vita E, and B-carotene in their body.
• Another mechanism that potentially relates obesity to low antioxidants and enhanced oxidation involves hyperinsulinemia. Physiologically, severe obesity is characterized by hyperinsulinemia. Hence Noni supplementation helps to maintain the antioxidant level in the blood and thus prevents from arising of condition of hyperinsulinemia.
• Low plasma antioxidants have been linked to oxidative modification of LDL, a process necessary for the generation of atherosclerotic plaque. Noni prevent the oxidative modification of LDL cholesterol by its high antioxidant properties.
• There is an inverse relationship between plasma antioxidant vitamin carotenoids and vitamin E and cardiovascular diseases. Hence Noni prevents the possibility of many cardiac diseases in case of obese patients by its high power antioxidant properties. Indeed, some studies have shown enhanced oxidative stress and low concentrations of plasma antioxidants in patients with obesity.
• As apparent from the preceding sections of this review, obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, supplements that induce weight loss are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes. One such supplement is chromium which is available as chromium picolinate. The exact mechanism of action of chromium is not completely understood, but it has been shown that this trace element inhibits insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets. It should be recalled that hyperinsulinemia is a characteristic feature of obesity and it has been hypothesized that high plasma insulin levels may be responsible for excessive body weight gain. It has also been proposed that chromium may act as an insulin sensitizer in type 2 diabetes. It is interesting to note that the chromium concentration in the body appears to decline with age. Along with the age-associated deficiency in antioxidant defense systems, the age-dependent reduction in chromium levels may play a role in the high incidence of type 2 diabetes in elderly individuals. Noni contains this trace mineral chromium and those takes Noni daily helps them a lot from not only their obesity but also from the future diabetes situation.
• CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) may significantly help reduce body fat, and there's even recent evidence to support that it increases muscle tissue. In a general sense, what it's doing is keeping little fat cells from getting big... perhaps by blocking certain enzymes that let fat cells swell." A study report suggests that CLA could help people lose weight, primarily by reducing overall fat mass. Noni contains the essential fatty acids including Linoleic acid. Hence taking Noni a long term basis helps to reduce body fat more quickly and effectively

· In the body, the amino acid tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP(5-hydroxy tryptophan), which is converted to serotonin. 5-HTPis a precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter that signals our brains to feel happy and content. 5-HTP is normally used then to induce quality sleep and fight depression. It is theorized that many people are overweight because their bodies have a decreased conversion of the essential amino acid tryptophan to 5-HTP and, as a result, have lower levels of serotonin. Noni contains the amino acids tryptophan in rich quantity and that get convert to serotonin in our body and thus helps to increase the body serotonin level . 5-HTP is believed to cause a feeling of early satiation. In other words, you may get full faster, causing you to eat less. Thus, 5-HTP is believed to be especially helpful for people who have a difficult time controlling how much they eat, specifically high-sugar and/or carbohydrate foods.

Weight problem and Tahitian Noni Juice

For reducing weight, I also take Tahitian Noni Juice (TNJ).
So beside the routine dosage I take in the morning and in the evening, I mix TNJ with my drinking water everyday.

What I've heard from a user, he lost 7 KG in just four days! Hmmm, interesting.
Each day he used 1000 cc of TNJ. For every 250 cc of TNJ, he mixed it with 750 cc of drinking water. So everyday, he drank 4000 cc of the mixed liquid.

In my next posting I'll tell you how noni works on obesity.

ROLE OF NONI IN DIABETES

Taken from World Noni Research Foundation

For thousands of years Morinda citrifolia, a fruit bearing plant commonly known as Noni, has been used in an effort to battle a wide array of health challenges. In recent years, the health-enhancing properties of this plant have been harnessed and made available for the benefit of people.

This miracle from paradise has been described as one of the most important health discoveries of the twentieth century. Noni has earned this praise through its powerful ability to help with a variety of health conditions and act as a natural immune system booster.

Thousands of people worldwide have attributed improvements in their health to the tremendous, and often life-saving benefits found in Noni. Recent scientific research in both clinical and laboratory settings validate the efficacy of this ancient fruit. In addition, doctors and health care professionals around the world are praising Noni as their patients win battles against chronic conditions many have suffered from for years.

The role immune system in diabetes

Research has shown that if the immune system starts to turn on itself - perhaps the result of an autoimmune disorder - it may cause a complete obliteration of the pancreas’ beta cells or at least a reduction in the number of functioning beta cells. This then affects the amount and purity and effectiveness of the body’s insulin. However, if the immune system is able to ward off an attack, the integrity of the body’s insulin will be maintained.

More refined tests now make it possible to detect faulty immune antibodies in the blood well in advance of a person showing symptoms of diabetes. In some adults, these destructive antibodies may be present years before diabetic symptoms appear. This lag time is known as the “prediabetic stage.”

Noni controls diabetes

One such health challenge that many have found Noni to help with is diabetes. Doctors and researchers suggest that Noni has the ability to help strengthen the immune system which, in turn, can help the body maintain strong insulin levels. As a result, many Type I and II diabetics have finally found relief from this often deadly disease in the form of Noni.

Many of the effects of diabetes can be controlled. While there is no cure for the disease, studies show that by keeping one’s blood sugar as close to normal as possible significantly reduces diabetes’ long-term complications.

What way Noni HELP IN DIABETES

The miracle of Xeronine - Xeronine, the alkaloid of Noni in the presence of insulin activate the peripheral cell membrane insulin receptors and helps for the normal intracellular absorption of glucose as well as corrects the intracellular post receptor defect of the action of insulin for carbohydrate metabolism and thus prevents the insulin resistance condition in diabetes cases.

Noni the cell-rejuvenator - Noni is believed to fortify and maintain the cell structure; this can be accomplished by Noni acting as an adaptogen that can aid “sick” cells in repairing themselves. Xeronine and other nutraceuticals present in Noni may convert the abnormal inactive insulin molecule present in type 2 diabetes mellitus to an active form by modifying its cell rigidity and functional level to maintain its normal function of carbohydrate metabolism in our body.

Noni works as a ‘Healthy, Immune System Promoter - One of the Noni’s effects is on the pancreas and immune system. Current studies have revealed that Noni may help promote a healthy immune system or by either enhancing an already functioning system or by stimulating a sluggish one. Noni activating our body immune system may improve the non functioning beta cells of the pancreas to an active form to produce the normal insulin from the beta cells and also maintain a normal insulin level in the blood to the response of the carbohydrate diet.

Low Glycemic Index – A 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to fiber in Noni juice helps balance blood glucose level. Glycemic index refers to a method of classification by which a number is assigned to foods based on how they affect blood sugar levels. Foods that contain the same amount of total carbohydrate may have a different glycemic index. For example kidney beans increase blood sugar levels more significantly than Soya beans, because of its higher glycemic value. Noni has a very low glycemic index and hence it reduces the risk of chronic conditions of diabetics

Noni might have the role by modifying our body immune system keeps the sensitivity of beta cells of the pancreas intact to produce an adequate amount of insulin in response to elevated blood glucose level by keeping and maintaing the balance of release of the neuro-endocrine signals of the brain.

Noni may help the diabetic complications like care of diabetic gangrene by its powerful healing effects and also helps diabetic poly neuropathy symptoms by providing number essential micronutrients, vitamins, essential minerals and amino acids that it contains.

Noni may also help relieve diabetic complications through its ability to stimulate the body’s production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide and Scopoletin one ingredient in noni helps also reduce the diabetic hypertension. Both may also be important factors in decreasing symptoms such as poor circulation and vision problems.

Hence it’s the GOD’S gift to the human society .

Moea Spa, spa products from Tahitian Noni

I always love spa products, and since I consume Tahitian Noni Juice everyday, I also try its spa products too.

You can visit the website here to see the products.
Products available in Indonesia are only:
1. Sugar Scrub
This scrub is different from other scrub. It has sugar crystal, contains macadamia and kukui nut essential oil. The aroma is vanilla.

After scrubbing, our skin will glow as the sugar cane polishes it, so it's better we apply this after we take a bath, not before the bath. Just wash the body after applying. If your skin is very wet, sugar crystal will melt. It won't clog your bathroom drainage.

This is very good for your dry skin. Use 1-2 times a week.

2. Body Butter
Next, after you dry up, apply Body Butter only on specific dry skin area, e.g. elbow, knee, heels.
It contains noni seed oil and tiare flower.

3. Body Souffle
Apply this all over your body to get smooth skin after you take a bath. It has banana aroma and contain macademia nut oil, noni seed oil, cocoa seed butter and shea butter which give you extraordinary moisture and protect the skin.

With only those products, you can still enjoy the effect of spa. It's do-it-yourself spa.
Now, relax and enjoy your time.

If you want to have those, please contact me :)

Tahitian Noni Juice

My uncle's improved health condition encouraged me to consume Tahitian Noni Juice.

It has been five months and five bottles of Tahitian Noni Juice (TNJ). I started consuming it in September 2007, due to my health condition.
In August 2007, I found out that my blood sugar level, uric acid, SGOT and SGPT level were high.
My asthma reoccurred, my skin in the leg area has brown spot, and I have wounds on my right thumb that haven't been healed for months.

Below problems have been fixed at the same time:
- wound healing
- typhoid, I had this early Dec 2007

To heal the wounds, I apply TNJ to the wound using cotton whenever I have free time. Gradually I could see the change, the wounds started to heal as it got dry and thinning.
It was even better when I had typhoid fever in early December 2007.
To lower the fever, I took 20ml of TNJ every two hours for three days. I realized the effect to my wounds after I recover from the fever. No scar on my thumb after the wounds healed! See the pictures.
So beside getting better from my typhoid without getting hospitalized (thrombosit level was back to normal), this also improved my unhealed wounds.

Amazing.....



See the black scar on the thumb - Black scar gone (End of Dec 2007)


These are the areas that I still want to improve:
- blood sugar level
- uric acid level
- weight loss

I go to my diabetes doctor every month to control my condition. He prescribed me glucophage XR (two tablets at night) and allopurinol (1 tablet at night) for mid January to mid February. My last lab result (mid Jan) showed normal blood sugar level, but uric acid level is still high.

To get more information on Tahitian Noni Juice, go to www.tni.com