Morinda Citrifolia, a deciduous creeping vine with twining stems and white flowers which is native to Malaysia, Austrailia, and Polynesia, is gaining popularity in the west because of its apparently wide ranging health benefits. Part of the Madder family, Morinda’s thick, intertwined purple roots are harvested in the spring and fall for use in herbal medicine and to make the increasingly popular noni juice.

Did you know?

The Egyptian civilization has long used morinda to deal with a huge array of symptoms ranging from respiratory problems, poor digestion, and higher blood pressure to menstrual problems and immune deficiency. Full of vitamin C, noni juice also contains the hill spectrum of amino acids, in addition to naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, beneficial alkaloids, co-factors and plant sterols.

Recent research indicates that noni root compounds contain natural sedative properties and may lower blood pressure. Biochemist, Dr Ralph Heinicke, asserts that proxeronine, an alkaloid precursor to a vital compound called xeronine, helps in the normalization of abnormally functioning cells. Heinicke claims that noni juice provides a safe and efficient means to boost xeronine levels, which can be decreased by anger, anxiety, injury, injury and disease.

Let’s see…

Morinda comprises antidepressant compounds in the form of two sugars, inulin and nystose, as well as succinic acid, a compound created from simple sugars. Morinda also contains xeronine, which brings about a sense of well-being by opening brain receptor sites for more endorphin hormone. There is promising evidence that morinda helps reduce inflammatory conditions while strengthening ligaments and bones.

People with rheumatoid arthritis report relief from pain and swelling as well as an increase in mobility. Traditional Chinese medicine has prescribed Morinda for centuries to treat irregular menstrual cycles in women, especially when accompanied by pain in the lower back or pelvic area. Studies indicate that noni stimulates the immune system, regulating cell function and cellular regeneration of damaged cells. It’s also been shown to increase stamina and endurance and is supposed to be beneficial in treating impotence and infertility.