Morinda citrifolia
Noni
Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni, is a versatile tropical shrub prized for its diverse therapeutic properties. Renowned in traditional medicine, its fruit is used to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. This antioxidant-rich plant continues to be a focal point in modern natural pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Morinda citrifolia
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Morinda citrifolia, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales. Finally, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family and falls under the genus Morinda.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Morinda | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Morinda citrifolia, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is widely known as Noni, a name that is also used in Greek as Νόνι, while in Thailand, it is referred to as ยอ. Regional names also vary significantly, such as മഞ്ഞപ്പാവുട്ട in Malayalam and سپين توت in Punjabi.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ps | سپين توت | Wikidata |
| ml | മഞ്ഞപ്പാവുട്ട | Wikidata |
| de | Noni | Wikidata |
| th | ยอ | Wikidata |
| el | Νόνι | Wikidata |
| eo | Nonio | Wikidata |
| zh | 檄樹 | Wikidata |
| vi | nhàu | Wikidata |
| ca | noni | Wikidata |
| cs | Noni | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across diverse tropical regions. Within the Western Indian Ocean, it can be found inhabiting the Chagos Archipelago, the Comoros, and the Seychelles. Its distribution also extends into Asia, where it is documented in China. Specifically, it is located in the Hainan province as well as across China Southeast. These varied locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in multiple maritime and continental environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Chagos Archipelago | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Seychelles | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Kazan-retto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Ogasawara-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as noni, is highly valued in traditional medicine for the therapeutic properties found throughout its various structures. The large, fleshy fruits are perhaps the most famous component, often processed into juices for their antioxidant benefits. Additionally, the thick, waxy leaves are frequently used in topical applications or decoctions to treat inflammation. The woody stems and the sturdy roots also contribute to the plant's medicinal profile, with different cultures utilizing them to address various ailments. Whether using the fruit or other botanical elements, every part of Morinda citrifolia offers unique bioactive compounds.- Total parts
- 18
- Scientific sources
- 47
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruit | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| leaves | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| fruits | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| stems | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| root | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| the leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tender leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Morinda citrifolia has 102 reported phytochemicals identified across 129 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthraquinones, asperulosidic acid, quercetin, rutin, scopoletin.
- Total chemicals
- 102
- Scientific sources
- 129
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthraquinones | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| asperulosidic acid | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| quercetin | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| rutin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| scopoletin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| damnacanthal | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 6-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-O-octanoyl-beta-D-glucopyranose | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asperuloside | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Morinda citrifolia has 24 reported activities identified across 45 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antitumor.
- Total activities
- 24
- Scientific sources
- 45
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiaging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Morinda citrifolia has 65 reported medicinal uses identified across 90 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, oxidative stress, arthritis, obesity.
- Total uses
- 65
- Scientific sources
- 90
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| inflammation | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| pain | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |