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Article reprinted with permission from the December 2000 Issue of... HSR-Health Supplement Retailer HSR's ANNUAL GUIDE TO HERBS The Wonders of NONI People of the Caribbean Islands revered it as the Painkiller Tree, and Australians refer to Noni as cheerfruit. The familiar name of Noni originated in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia) and Hawaii. Noni is most common in balmy climates such as the forests of Malaysia, Polynesia and the low hilly regions of the Phillipine islands. The Noni plant appears as an evergreen shrub or a small tree. It can grow 15 to 20 feet and has coarse branches, oval leaves that are dark green. Among these leaves are small, white flowers that house a creamy white-colored, fleshy fruit. The seeds of the plant are notoriously bouyant and can float on bodies of water, which may account for the plant's appearance among various islands in the South Pacific. Noni's medical characteristics include antibacterial, antioxidant, emollient, laxative, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure) and blood purifier. The fruit was also known to be an excellent source of nutrition and was considered a staple food throughout the region. Folk healers reguarly used noni for bowel disorders and to purge the intestinal tract to promote colon health. Traditionally, the Noni fruit was picked before fully mature and placed in sunlight to ripen, then prepared in several ways to heal ailments. Experts who used and studied the plant say that not only is the fruit an abundant source of enzymes, but the leaves and roots are said to contain complete protein, including essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body. In addition, all parts of the plant provide vitamin C, E calcium, magnesium and zinc. Every part of the Noni plant was used medicinally in its indigenous regions. The fruit was used on swollen areas and used to treat arthritis and painful menstruation. The leaves and stems were pounded and strained, producing a juice for urinary disorders, and muscle and joint pain. The leaf was often rubbed on children to relieve chest colds and chewed to treat sore throats, and leaf extracts were used to curb excessive blood flow and slow formation of blood clots. The root was seen as expectorant and treated congestion and swollen membranes, and also worked as a sedative. It is believed that noni was introduced to this continent by Polynesian settlers. However, modern commercialization began in 1994. Its introduction and history piqued the interest of scientists; several studies have come from the University of Hawaii and the National Academy of Sciences on the fruit's anti-tumor properties. Today, noni is primarily cultivated for commercial use in Polynesian islands. Modern chemical analysis of noni reveals that it contains nutrients and phytochemicals such as antioxidants and bioflavonoids. It is mainly seen as an adaptogen, meaning it increases the body's resistance to stress of disease. Researchers have isolated 50 compounds including serotonin, damnacanthal, caratenoids, terpenes, sitosterol, glycosides and ursolic acid. Noni juice has been speculated to contain an alkaloid called proxeronine, which may prompt the production xeronine in the body. Xeronine is thought to be a precursor to a series of beneficial cellular reactions through its involvement with specific proteins. Tissues in the body have cells which contain certain locations in them that are receptors for xeronine. The reaction of these receptors is varied, hence many different therapeutic events can happen with xeronine production. Noni also conains Damnacanthal, a compound contained within the fruit and has the ability to inhibit the function of RAS cells, which are considered to lead to cancerous cells. When this function is slowed, the development of cancerous cells is slowed as well. Several studies have been conducted on the constituents contained within noni and on the herb itself. Recently research has investigated ursolic acid, which is found in the noni leaf. International Journal of Oncology reported that ursolic acid promoted malignant cell death in the human prostate by programming self-destruction of the cells. (17:565-71:2000). Another study involving noni juice observed laboratory mice which had Lewis lung carcinomas artificially transferred into their lungs. When the mice were left without treatment, they died within nine to 12 days. Mice that were constantly given Noni juice daily continued to live for more than 50 days. Researchers concluded that the chemical make-up of this juice enhanced the immune system in the mice to fight the cancerous cells by increasing macrophage or lymphocyte activity (Proc West Pharmacol; 37:145-46,1994). Noni can be purchased a number of forms: Juice is the most popular, but the leaf tablets, teas, freeze dried fruit concentrates, juice extract capsules, chewable tablets and oils are also available. Noni is considered generally safe, however, higher doses of root extract may cause constipation. In addition, taking Noni with coffee, alcohol or nicotine is not recommended. Noni fruit juice was declared Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Department or Agriculture. Because the process of digestion may interfere with the medicinal effect of the alkaloid compounds contained in Noni, it should be taken on an empty stomach. REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM Health Suppliment Retailer, December 2000
Information within this site is for educational purposes only; Statements about the product efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. These product are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Copyright 2001.....Property of Best Natural Health Solutions
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