Overview

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is an evergreen tree with large leaves and yellow fruit. It's found in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India.

Noni roots, stem, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit have all been used as medicine. The fruit juice in particular is very high in potassium. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and many other chemicals that might help repair damaged cells in the body and activate the immune system.

People use noni for cancer, high blood pressure, athletic performance, aging skin, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

The US FDA has issued multiple warnings to noni manufacturers for making health claims that aren't supported by research.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for NONI overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Noni juice is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. But there are several reports of liver damage in people who consumed noni tea or juice for several weeks. It isn't clear if noni was the cause of these side effects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni fruit extract is safe.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Noni juice is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. But there are several reports of liver damage in people who consumed noni tea or juice for several weeks. It isn't clear if noni was the cause of these side effects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni fruit extract is safe.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni is safe or what the side effects might be.


Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if noni is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney disease: Noni contains large amounts of potassium. This can be a problem for people with kidney disease. Don't use noni in large amounts if you have kidney problems.

High potassium levels: Noni contains large amounts of potassium. Drinking noni fruit juice might increase potassium levels in the blood.

Liver disease: Noni has been linked to several cases of liver damage. Avoid using noni if you have liver disease.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with NONI

    Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Consuming noni juice along with these medications for high blood pressure might make potassium levels too high.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)) interacts with NONI

    Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Consuming noni juice along with these medications for high blood pressure might make potassium levels too high.

  • Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with NONI

    Noni might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking noni along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with NONI

    Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Taking noni juice might decrease how well warfarin works to slow blood clotting. This could increase the chance of blood clotting.

  • Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics) interacts with NONI

    Noni contains large amounts of potassium. Some "water pills" can also increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with noni might cause too much potassium to be in the body.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with NONI

    Noni might lower blood pressure. Taking noni along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with NONI

    Noni might decrease blood levels of phenytoin. This could reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk of seizures.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Ranitidine (Zantac) interacts with NONI

    Noni juice can increase how much ranitidine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of ranitidine.

Dosing

Noni juice has most often been used by adults in doses of 3-4 ounces by mouth once or twice daily for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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