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Protocols: Noni (Morinda citrifolia L)

Description: Noni, a small blossoming shrub with rounded branches and dark, glossy evergreen leaves, has long been hailed as a miracle plant in indigenous populations in Polynesia, Asia, Australia and Africa where morinda grows and is cultivated both as a edible fruit and as a medicine. Noni fruit shares many chemical similarities to pineapple. The fruit of the noni plant is waxy and yellowish-white in color with a rotten cheese smell. Noni is highly complex chemically and contains over 140 different nutraceuticals which can be isolated.

Method of Action: Assists in the normalization of abnormally functioning cells by delivering to the body the essential biochemical compound proxerine, which cells then assemble into the alkaloid xeronine. May enhance the function of the thyroid and thymus glands resulting in a strengthened immune system. Noni may also exert an effect on brain hormones and neurotransmitters, Noni fruit contains damnacanthal which may encourage genes in precancerous cells to "believe" they are healthy cells, thereby preventing prolonged multiplication of the cells. Scopoletin, a phytonutrient constituent of noni, dilates previously constricted blood vessels.

Indications and Usage: (Information based partially on case reports in literature and partially on formal research findings.) General "adaptogen". Appears to enhances function of imtnune system. May inhibit tumor growth through indirect enhancement of host immune system involving macrophages and/or lymphocytes and be useful as an adjunct in cancer recovery. Dilates constricted blood vessels to aid in reducing high blood pressure without causing hypotensive reaction. Antibacterial agent (Possibly due to anthraquinones, alkaloids, morinclin and alazarin components.) with affinity for salmonella typosa, shigella species, pseudomonas aeruginosa, proteus morganii, staphylycoccus aureus, bacillus subtllis and escherichia coli (E. coli). Analgesic properties. (Xeronine may stimulate endorphins.) Inflammatory ailments such as arthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and some allergies. May lower and normalize blood sugar levels in Type II diabetes. Bell's palsy. Noni has also been used with success in treating Cluster and Migraine Headache, Bell's Palsy, elevated cholesterol, digestive problems, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, HIV and AIDS, mild to moderate depression (high serotonin-binding) and weight loss.

Contraindications: None known at present. Noni has not exhibited any toxic effects in animal or human studies.

Dosage and Administration: If treating specific condition(s) starting dose is two 250 mg capsules or two ounces of liquid before breakfast and dinner. After one month of use decrease evening dose to one 250 mg capsule or one ounce of liquid. After month seven or if being taken on a preventive basis only take one 250 capsule prior to breakfast and dinner. Maximum dose: four 250 mg capsules or four ounces of liquid daily. Capsules should be taken with eight ounces of fluids, except alcoholic or caffeinated drinks. Critical enzyme proxeroninase may be broken down in digestive process. Use enteric coated capsules if available. Do not use if product (liquid or capsules) is dark black. Products should be brown in color. Noni supplement should also contain naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, beneficial alkaloids, plant sterols, enzymes, cofactors and phytonutrients. No additives, artificial ingredients, or preservatives should be added. Tahitian and Hawaiian noni are usually best quality available in the U.S.

Clinical Effect In: Moderately rapid action in days to weeks. Patient should commit, however, to taking noni for six months at highest therapeutic level prior to discontinuing as ineffective.

Adverse Reactions: Gastrointestinal upset. Bad-taste reaction. Loose stools. Flatulence. Occasional histamine reactions in individuals allergic to this plant class. Discontinue use if rash develops and contact your physician. If you suspect that an herb or other supplement is making you sick, call the FDA's MedWatch hotline at 800-332-1088 or contact the agency via its website at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Known Interactive Effects: Should not be used in conjunction with immunosuppressive therapies (e.g. 2-chioroadenosine or cyclosporine) without careful medical supervision. Such use will completely abolish anti-tumor activity of noni. Should not be used in conjunction with vasodilators. In some situations will act synergistically with medications and allow them to act more efficiently. Amount of allopathic medication may therefore sometimes need to be decreased.

Additional Considerations: An increased survival time of over 120 percent has been reported in animal-model cancer studies. French researchers found noni to be 75 percent as effective as morphine sulfate in relieving pain. T-cell count in one AIDS case study went from 169 to 400 with noni treatment.

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