Nutrient and phytochemical analyses of processed noni puree

Effect of temperature regulation on microbial community, volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit fermentation

Noni fruit has an unpleasant flavour but is highly bioactive. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the effect of temperature regulation on quality of fermented noni fruit. In the present study, the formation of flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni fruit fermentation at different temperatures were investigated. We initially found that different temperatures affected core microbial communities. The general evolutionary trends of Acetobacter and Gluconobacter were influenced by different temperatures. Furthermore, high temperature helped maintain low octanoic and hexanoic acids. Subsequently, we found that high temperature improved total amino acids and iridoid glycosides. The correlation network analysis revealed that bacterial communities impacted the quality (volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides) of fermented noni fruit. Overall, altering the temperature induced variations in microbial communities and quality during the noni fruit fermentation process. These results are instrumental in the pursuit of quality control in natural fermentation processes.

Effect of Morinda citrifolia fruit powder on physiological and productive performance of Cavia porcellus

The breeding of guinea pig is part of the pluriactivity for millions of farming families in rural areas from the Peruvian Andean and Amazonian regions and other South American Andean countries. Rearing these specie plays an important source of employment, income, and nutrition for millions of rural families on these countries. The search of natural products for enhancing animal wellbeing, health, and production and thereby of guinea pigs is being searched nowadays. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the ripe fruit powder of Morinda citrifolia on the physiological and productive performance parameters of reared guinea pigs under humid tropical conditions and to find a new use of noni fruit and to improve the guinea pig as an agrifood product. For this purpose, forty-eight male Peru breed guinea pigs sixty days old, were used and distributed into four treatments with diets containing 0, 2, 4 and 8% of the noni ripe fruit powder, with four replicates and 3 guinea pigs each. Erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin profiles, hematological indices MCV (mean cell volume), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) and blood metabolites profiles: TP (total protein), ALB (albumin), GLO (globulin), TC (total cholesterol) were determined. The productive performance indices: DWG (daily weight gain), DCFI (daily concentrated feed intake), TFIFM (total feed intake of fresh matter) and TFIDM (total feed intake of dry matter), FRCFM (feed rate conversion for fresh mater) and FRCDM (feed rate conversion for dry matter) were evaluated. The guinea pigs were evaluated at 60, 75 and 90 days old. The interaction between noni fruit powder and the age of guinea pigs produced an increase in the erythrocyte, hematocrit, MCH and MCHC levels at 75 days old, (p < 0.05). The final weight and the daily weight gain increased, while the feed rate conversion for fresh and dry matter decreased, as the level of noni fruit powder in the diet increased until 4% (p < 0.05). Thus, the level of noni ripe fruit powder in the guinea pigs' diets had a positive effect on the erythrocyte, leucocytes, hematocrit, MCH, MCHC levels, the final weight, the daily weight gain, and the feed rate conversion of fresh and dry matter.

Valorization Alternatives of Tropical Forest Fruits Based on the Açai (Euterpe oleracea) Processing in Small Communities

Many plant species characterize tropical forests, and a small fraction has been studied to favor small communities in the food and medicinal fields. The high biodiversity of these regions allows for the proposed alternatives for the valorization of exotic fruits due to their rich content of value-added compounds that benefit human health. This work focuses on improving the nutritional characteristics of the açai production chain by mixing it with noni and araza. As a main result, it was possible to enhance the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of the fruits after freeze-drying. Then, the seeds and peels of the fruits were valorized by the extraction of bioactive compounds with conventional methods and biogas production by anaerobic digestion. The best compositions of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds were obtained for the extracts based on the araza peel, with values of 116.4 µmol and 276.6 mg of gallic acid per 100 g of raw material, respectively. Regarding biogas production, the anaerobic digestion performance was influenced by the C/N ratio. The experimental results were used as input to simulate small-scale processes. From a technical point of view, the scheme of açai, noni, and araza mixture (Sc. 4) showed the highest mass yields (0.84 kg products/kg RM) and energy requirement (2.54 kW/kg RM). On the other hand, the processing of single açai (Sc. 1) presented the lowest capital costs (1.37 M-USD) and operating costs (0.89 M-USD/year). However, all scenarios showed techno-economic feasibility and demonstrated the potential of these fruits to valorize the açai market.

Antibacterial Effect of Noni Juice In Vitro and Applied to Fresh-Cut Papaya to Control Escherichia coli O157 : H7

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice (NJ) in vitro and applied it to fresh-cut papaya to control Escherichia coli O157 : H7. Furthermore, the NJ effect on the physicochemical characteristics of fresh-cut papaya was evaluated. We determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in a microplate reader by the microdilution method using TSB using an initial concentration of 1 × 107 cells of E. coli/mL. Cubes of fresh-cut papaya fruit were immersed in an E. coli suspension (1 × 105 cells/mL) and after that in NJ three times (0, 2.5, and 5 min) and then stored at 4 ± 1°C for 18 days. The presence of E. coli and total coliforms, as well as pH, TSS, and titratable acidity, were evaluated every three days. The results of in vitro assays showed that NJ at 20% inhibited the microbial growth of E. coli, finding a maximum growth rate (μmax) of −0.0066 h−1. Immersion in NJ for 5 min presented a reduction of E. coli of 3.72 ± 1.43 log10 CFU/ $g$ of fresh-cut papaya fruit treated with this bacteria on day 9 of storage regarding control. Likewise, fresh-cut papaya fruit immersed in NJ for 5 min maintained the total coliforms between 1 and -1 log10 coliforms CFU/g for 18 days. However, the immersion treatment in NJ modified some physicochemical parameters of the fresh-cut papaya fruit, such as acidity and pH ( $P$  < 0.05). The application of NJ to fresh-cut papaya fruit showed in vitro and in vivo inhibition of E. coli and total coliforms, evidencing it as a possible bacterial control agent in the precut fruit industry for up to 18 days.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Morinda citrifolia Extract against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW264 Cells

Leaves of Morinda citrifolia (noni) have been used in Polynesian folk medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation, and their juice is very popular worldwide as a functional food supplement. This study aimed to demonstrate that M. citrifolia seed extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. To confirm the inhibitory effect of M. citrifolia seed extract, we assessed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines. The M. citrifolia seed extract showed a significant inhibition of NO production, with no effect on cell viability, and was more active than M. citrifolia seed oil, leaf extract, and fruit extract. The M. citrifolia seed extract was found to reduce the expression of inducible NO synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of M. citrifolia seed extract is related to a reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators and support its potential therapeutic use.

Determination of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids in Brazilian tropical fruits by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal physiological functioning and they need to be provided in adequate amounts by the diet. They are nutrients mainly associated to fruit consumption, playing an important role in the cellular function, growth and development of individuals. The present study aimed to analyze levels of vitamins B, C and carotenoids of fruits from the agrobiodiversity of Northeastern Brazil, among them cajuí (Anacardium spp), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth), pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.), jenipapo (Genipa americana L.), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.), cajá (Spondias mombin L.), umbu-cajá (Spondias bahiensis P. Carvalho, Van den Berg & M. Machado), umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda), pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.), araçá (Psidium sobralianum Landrum & Proença). The vitamins were quantified using the analytical method High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Vitamin B complex levels varied from 0.003 ± 0.01 mg/100 g to 6.107 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. Vitamin C ranged from 0.36 ± 0.06 mg/100 g to 253.92 ± 9.02 mg/100 g. Carotenoid values ranged from 0.12 ± 0.02 μg/100 g to 395.63 ± 113.69 μg/100 g. Thus, the profile of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids of the fruits analyzed was quantified. Therefore, these fruits can provide varied amounts of vitamins important to human health. However, it is interesting for the individual to consume fruits in a diversified manner, avoiding monotony and thus guaranteeing the daily intake of more nutrients.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) wine prevents the oxidative stress and obesity in mice induced by high-fat diet

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and iridoids. However, its bad taste and smell make noni fruit unsuitable for consumption. After fermentation, noni wine becomes free from the undesirable smell. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether processed noni could retain its original nutrients and effects. Therefore, we conducted a series of evaluations on the nutritional composition and efficacy of noni wine. Our results showed that the polyphenol, flavonoid, and vitamin C contents in noni wine were 558.80, 234.42, and 0.30 mg/L, respectively. Our animal experiments showed that 40 ml kg^-1  day^-1 noni wine could reduce bodyweight, as well as the levels of body fat, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, while it simultaneously increased the amount of energy expenditure and activity, and improved the systemic antioxidant capacity in mice following a high-fat diet. The results of the gene expression and western blot analyses showed that 40 ml kg^-1  day^-1 noni wine could regulate the Nrf2 pathway and improve the antioxidant enzyme gene expression in mice maintained on a high-fat diet, thereby improving body lipid metabolism, reducing fatty acid synthesis, and promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. Our study indicated that drinking 40 ml kg^-1  day^-1 noni wine could effectively prevent high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress and obesity in mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Noni fruit is rich in nutrients but its bad smell and hardship of processing make its commercialization difficult. Previous studies mainly focused on fresh noni juice and its primary processed products, while few noni products, of poor taste and low quality, are available in the market. Therefore, the fruit wine with both the nutritive values and the special flavor of noni has broad market prospects. Our work provides a valuable reference for the commercialization of noni wine.

Analysis by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS of Phenolic Compounds and HPLC-DAD-Based Determination of Carotenoids in Noni ( Morinda citrifolia L.) Bagasse

Noni bagasse is usually wasted after the noni juice extraction process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition of noni bagasse (with and without seeds) obtained after a 1 week period of a short-term juice drip-extraction process from over-ripe noni fruit. Totals of free phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins, carotenoids, and most of the minerals were higher in bagasse without seeds (NSB) than in bagasse with seeds (WSB), whereas bound phenolics and total and insoluble dietary fiber were higher in WSB than in NSB. β-Carotene and lutein, quantified by HPLC-DAD, were higher in both bagasse than in juice. A total of 16 phenolic compounds and 2 iridoids were determined by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. Among them, procyanidin B-type dimer, caffeoylquinic-acid-hexoside, and quercetin-hexose-deoxyhexose have not been previously reported in noni bagasse, noni juice, or noni fruit. Isorhamnetin-3- O-rutinoside was the most abundant compound in both bagasses. In conclusion, both bagasses are potential sources of phytochemical compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Properties and Applications of Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Review

Morinda citrifolia commonly known as noni is a perennial plant originating in Southeast Asia, consumed over 2000 years. Due to its versatility of adaptation and use of the structures of the plant for different therapeutic purposes, noni attracted the attention of researchers from the pharmaceutical and food industry. Chemical and nutritional analyzes already performed in M. citrifolia reveal the existence of more than 200 phytochemical substances with bioactive properties such as acids, alcohols, phenols, saccharides, anthraquinones, carotenoids, esters, triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, lactones, iridoids, ketones, lactones, lignans, nucleosides, triterpenides, sterols, and aromatic compounds. The high nutritional value of M. citrifolia may induce therapeutic effects, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The main industrial products from this plant are beverages (juice drinks), powders (from dried fruits), oil (from seeds), and leaf powders. Biological and phytotherapeutic applications of M. citrifolia are promising, but more extensive studies are still required. Thus, this review aims to gather updated and comprehensive information on Morinda citrifolia, discussing its traditional use, biochemical, phytotherapics, and toxicological properties, as well as the recent advances in the processing and standardization of products derived from noni fruit.

The Potential Health Benefits of Noni Juice: A Review of Human Intervention Studies

Noni juice is a globally popular health beverage originating in the tropics. Traditional Tahitian healers believe the noni plant to be useful for a wide range of maladies, and noni juice consumers throughout the world have similar perceptions. Nevertheless, human clinical trials are necessary for a precise understanding of what the health benefits of noni juice are. A review of published human intervention studies suggests that noni juice may provide protection against tobacco smoke-induced DNA damage, blood lipid and homocysteine elevation as well as systemic inflammation. Human intervention studies also indicate that noni juice may improve joint health, increase physical endurance, increase immune activity, inhibit glycation of proteins, aid weight management, help maintain bone health in women, help maintain normal blood pressure, and improve gum health. Further, these studies point to notable antioxidant activity in noni juice, more so than other fruit juices which served as trial placebos. It is this antioxidant effect and its interaction with the immune system and inflammation pathways that may account for many of the observed health benefits of noni juice. However, the existing evidence does have some limitations as far as its general application to noni juice products; all the peer-reviewed human interventions studies to date have involved only one source of French Polynesian noni juice. Geographical factors and variations in processing methods are known to produce commercial noni juice products with divergent phytochemical and nutrient compositions. Therefore, other sources of noni products may have different toxicological and pharmacological profiles.

Superfruits: Phytochemicals, antioxidant efficacies, and health effects - A comprehensive review

The term "superfruit" has gained increasing usage and attention recently with the marketing strategy to promote the extraordinary health benefits of some exotic fruits, which may not have worldwide popularity. This has led to many studies with the identification and quantification of various groups of phytochemicals. This contribution discusses phytochemical compositions, antioxidant efficacies, and potential health benefits of the main superfruits such as açai, acerola, camu-camu, goji berry, jaboticaba, jambolão, maqui, noni, and pitanga. Novel product formulations, safety aspects, and future perspectives of these superfruits have also been covered. Research findings from the existing literature published within the last 10 years have been compiled and summarized. These superfruits having numerous phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids, coumarins, hydrolysable tannins, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) together with their corresponding antioxidant activities, have increasingly been utilized. Hence, these superfruits can be considered as a valuable source of functional foods due to the phytochemical compositions and their corresponding antioxidant activities. The phytochemicals from superfruits are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans with promising health benefits. More well-designed human explorative studies are needed to validate the health benefits of these superfruits.

Iridoids are natural glycation inhibitors

Glycation of amino acid residues in proteins leads to the eventual formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGE formation significantly influences human health and the aging process. AGE accumulation rates may be slowed by modifications to lifestyle or by pharmacological strategies. But the use of therapeutic drugs is not an appropriate means of controlling AGEs within the general population. However, phytochemical constituents in plant-based foods exhibit anti-glycation activities and may be more appropriate for general consumption. Among these phytochemicals are iridoids. The anti-AGE potential of iridoids has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, while also revealing possible mechanisms of action. Inclusion of iridoid food sources in the diet may be a useful component of strategies intended to mitigate AGE accumulation within the body.

Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extracts modulates H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human liposarcoma SW872 cells

Morinda citrifolia L. commonly known as noni is used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries due to the plethora of pharmacological activities of its metabolites. In Mauritius, the fruits of M. citrifolia are used in folk medicine against a number of indications. The present study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activity of ripe and unripe noni fruit at both biochemical and cellular levels. Using an array of established assay systems, the fruit antioxidant propensity was assessed in terms of its radical scavenging, iron reducing and metal chelating potentials. Ascorbic acid, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the fruits were also determined. The ascorbic acid content of ripe noni was 76.24 ± 1.13 mg/100 g while total phenolics of ripe and unripe fruit extracts were 748.40 ± 8.85 μg and 770.34 ± 2.27 μg GAE g⁻¹ FW respectively. Both the ripe and unripe extracts of M. citrifolia were potent scavengers of nitric oxide, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. The ferric reducing capacity ranged from 11.26 ± 0.33 to 11.90 ± 0.20 mM Fe²⁺ g⁻¹ FW while the IC₅₀ values for the iron (II) chelating power were 0.50 ± 0.01 and 1.74 ± 0.01 g FW/mL for the ripe and unripe fruit extracts respectively. Cellular studies additionally demonstrated that noni were able to dose-dependently counteract accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress, a potential obesogenic factor within human liposarcoma SW872 cells as well as significantly restore cell death within the concentration range of 0.106–0.813 g/mL. Results reported herein suggest noni as an interesting source of prophylactic antioxidants modulated by its polyphenol composition.

Analysis of Organic Acids, Deacetyl Asperulosidic Acid and Polyphenolic Compounds as a Potential Tool for Characterization of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Products

Organic acids, deacetyl asperulosidic acid (DAA) and polyphenolic compounds in various noni ( Morinda citrifolia L.) products (4 juices, 4 dry fruit powders and 2 capsules with dry fruit powder) were analyzed. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled with a variable wavelength detector (VWD) and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ESI-TOF MS) was applied for simultaneous analysis of organic acids (malic, lactic, citric and succinic acid) and DAA. An RP-HPLC method with diode-array detector (DAD) was developed for the analysis of polyphenolic compound content (rutin, catechin, quercitrin, kaempferol, gallic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid). The developed methods can contribute to better characterization of available noni products that is required from the consumers. In our study, we discovered significant dissimilarities in the content of DAA, citric acid and several phenolic compounds in some samples.

Antiglycation Activity of Iridoids and Their Food Sources

Iridoids are dietary phytochemicals that may have the ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Three studies were conducted to investigate this anti-AGE potential. First, the inhibition of fluorescence intensity by food-derived iridoids, after 4 days of incubation with bovine serum albumin, glucose, and fructose, was used to evaluate in vitro antiglycation activity. Next, an 8-week open-label pilot study used the AGE Reader to measure changes in the skin autofluorescence of 34 overweight adults who consumed daily a beverage containing food sources of iridoids. Finally, a cross-sectional population study with 3913 people analyzed the relationship between daily iridoid intake and AGE accumulation, as measured by skin autofluorescence with the TruAge scanner. In the in vitro test, deacetylasperulosidic acid and loganic acid both inhibited glycation in a concentration-dependent manner, with respective IC₅₀ values of 3.55 and 2.69 mM. In the pilot study, average skin autofluorescence measurements decreased by 0.12 units (P < 0.05). The cross-sectional population survey revealed that, for every mg of iridoids consumed, there is a corresponding decline in AGE associated age of 0.017 years (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that consumption of dietary sources of iridoids may be a useful antiaging strategy.

In vivo antioxidant activity of deacetylasperulosidic Acid in noni

Deacetylasperulosidic acid (DAA) is a major phytochemical constituent of Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit. Noni juice has demonstrated antioxidant activity in vivo and in human trials. To evaluate the role of DAA in this antioxidant activity, Wistar rats were fed 0 (control group), 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days. Afterwards, serum malondialdehyde concentration and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured and compared among groups. A dose-dependent reduction in malondialdehyde was evident as well as a dose-dependent increase in superoxide dismutase activity. DAA ingestion did not influence serum glutathione peroxidase activity. These results suggest that DAA contributes to the antioxidant activity of noni juice by increasing superoxide dismutase activity. The fact that malondialdehyde concentrations declined with increased DAA dose, despite the lack of glutathione peroxidase-inducing activity, suggests that DAA may also increase catalase activity. It has been previously reported that noni juice increases catalase activity in vivo but additional research is required to confirm the effect of DAA on catalase. Even so, the current findings do explain a possible mechanism of action for the antioxidant properties of noni juice that have been observed in human clinical trials.

Antimutagenic and antirecombinagenic activities of noni fruit juice in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster

Noni, a Hawaiian name for the fruit of Morinda citrifolia L., is a traditional medicinal plant from Polynesia widely used for the treatment of many diseases including arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and cancer. Here, a commercial noni juice (TNJ) was evaluated for its protective activities against the lesions induced by mitomycin C (MMC) and doxorrubicin (DXR) using the Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster. Three-day-old larvae, trans-heterozygous for two genetic markers (mwh and flr3 ), were co-treated with TNJ plus MMC or DXR. We have observed a reduction in genotoxic effects of MMC and DXR caused by the juice. TNJ provoked a marked decrease in all kinds of MMC- and DXR-induced mutant spots, mainly due to its antirecombinagenic activity. The TNJ protective effects were concentration-dependent, indicating a dose-response correlation, that can be attributed to a powerful antioxidant and/or free radical scavenger ability of TNJ.

Noni juice reduces lipid peroxidation-derived DNA adducts in heavy smokers

Food plants provide important phytochemicals which help improve or maintain health through various biological activities, including antioxidant effects. Cigarette smoke–induced oxidative stress leads to the formation of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) and their decomposition product malondialdehyde (MDA), both of which cause oxidative damage to DNA. Two hundred forty-five heavy cigarette smokers completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to investigate the effect of noni juice on LOOH- and MDA-DNA adducts in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Volunteers drank noni juice or a fruit juice placebo every day for 1 month. DNA adducts were measured by ³²P postlabeling analysis. Drinking 29.5–118 mL of noni juice significantly reduced adducts by 44.6–57.4%. The placebo, which was devoid of iridoid glycosides, did not significantly influence LOOH- and MDA-DNA adduct levels in current smokers. Noni juice was able to mitigate oxidative damage of DNA in current heavy smokers, an activity associated with the presence of iridoids.

UPLC-TOF-MS Characterization and Identification of Bioactive Iridoids in Cornus mas Fruit

Cornus mas L. is indigenous to Europe and parts of Asia. Although Cornus is widely considered to be an iridoid rich genera, only two iridoids have been previously found in this plant. The lack of information on taxonomically and biologically active iridoids prompted us to develop and optimize an analytical method for characterization of additional phytochemicals in C. mas fruit. An ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with photodiode array spectrophotometry (PDA) and electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) was employed and mass parameters were optimized. Identification was made by elucidating the mass spectral data and further confirmed by comparing retention times and UV spectra of target peaks with those of reference compounds. Primary DNA damage and antigenotoxicity tests in E. coli PQ37 were used to screen the iridoids for biological activity. As a result, ten phytochemicals were identified, including iridoids loganic acid, loganin, sweroside, and cornuside. Nine of these were reported for the first time from C. mas fruit. The iridoids did not induce SOS repair of DNA, indicating a lack of genotoxic activity in E. coli PQ37. However, loganin, sweroside, and cornuside did reduce the amount of DNA damage caused by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, suggesting potential antigenotoxic activity.

Noni juice improves serum lipid profiles and other risk markers in cigarette smokers

Cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress leads to dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation. Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has been found previously to have a significant antioxidant activity. One hundred thirty-two adult heavy smokers completed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to investigate the effect of noni juice on serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine. Volunteers drank noni juice or a fruit juice placebo daily for one month. Drinking 29.5 mL to 188 mL of noni juice per day significantly reduced cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and hs-CRP. Decreases in LDL and homocysteine, as well increases in HDL, were also observed among noni juice drinkers. The placebo, which was devoid of iridoid glycosides, did not significantly influence blood lipid profiles or hs-CRP. Noni juice was able to mitigate cigarette smoke-induced dyslipidemia, an activity associated with the presence of iridoids.

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Juice Augments Mammary Gland Differentiation and Reduces Mammary Tumor Growth in Mice Expressing the Unactivated c-erbB2 Transgene

Morinda citrifolia (noni) is reported to have many beneficial properties, including on immune, inflammatory, quality of life, and cancer endpoints, but little is known about its ability to prevent or treat breast cancer. To test its anticancer potential, the effects of Tahitian Noni Juice (TNJ) on mammary carcinogenesis were examined in MMTV-neu transgenic mice. Mammary tumor latency, incidence, multiplicity, and metastatic incidence were unaffected by TNJ treatment, which suggests that it would not increase or decrease breast cancer risk in women taking TNJ for its other benefits. However, noni may be useful to enhance treatment responses in women with existing HER2/neu breast cancer since TNJ resulted in significant reductions in tumor weight and volume and in longer tumor doubling times in mice. Remarkably, its ability to inhibit the growth of this aggressive form of cancer occurred with the mouse equivalent of a recommended dose for humans (<3 oz/day). A 30-day treatment with TNJ also induced significant changes in mammary secondary ductule branching and lobuloalveolar development, serum progesterone levels, and estrous cycling. Additional studies investigating TNJ-induced tumor growth suppression and modified reproductive responses are needed to characterize its potential as a CAM therapy for women with and without HER2⁺ breast cancer.

Noni puree (Morinda citrifolia) mixed in beef patties enhanced color stability

Ground beef, mixed with 0, 2, 4, and 6% Noni puree, was formed into 150-g patties, aerobically packaged, and displayed in retail for 5d. After 2 and 3d, patties with higher concentrations of Noni were perceived as redder and less discolored (P<0.05) by visual panelists. Noni patties were found to have greater (P<0.05) a* values than controls, even though all patties became less red during display. After 3 and 5d of retail display, patties with higher concentrations of Noni puree also had lower TBARS (were less oxidized; P<0.05). In fresh taste panels, panelists perceived the patties to have less beef flavor and greater incidence of off-flavors (P<0.05) as Noni puree concentration increased. The potential of Noni puree to improve the color stability and shelf life of fresh ground beef is very promising, but the flavors produced by the addition of Noni in ground beef may be detrimental to its use.