Difference between revisions of "Bankoro"

→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

Revision as of 06:44, 2 June 2016

Morinda littoralis Blanco
Other Common Names: noni, morinda, Indian mulberry, hog apple, canary wood
Latin Name: Morinda citrifolia

Local names: Apatot (Ilk.); apatot-nga-basit (Ilk.); bangkudo (Bis., Tag.); bangkuro (C. Bis.); bankoro (Tag., Mag.); bankuro (Tagb.); bankuru (Tag.); galongog (Sub.); lino (Bis., Tag.); nino (Sul., Tag., Bis.); rukurok (Kuy.); taeng-aso (Tag.); tumbong-aso (Tag.); Indian mulberry (Engl.).

Bankoro is found chiefly along or near the seashore throughout the Philippines. It also occurs in India to Polynesia.

This is an erect, smooth shrub or small tree 3 to 10 meters in height. The leaves are broadly elliptic to oblong, 12 to 25 centimeters long, and pointed or blunt at the tip. The peduncles are leaf-opposed, solitary, and 1 to 3 centimeters long. The flowers are not bracteolate and form dense, ovoid, or rounded heads, and are 1 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter. The calyx is truncate. The corolla is white and about 1 centimeter long; the limb is 5-lobed and 1 centimeter in diameter. The fruit is fleshy, white or greenish-white, ovoid, and 3 to 10 centimeters in length.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Cures for Diseases, Ailments & Illnesses that afflict Humans and Animals
Aloe Vera • Astragalus • Bankoro • Bilberry • Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya) • Bitter Orange • Black Cohosh • Cat's Claw • Chamomile • Chasteberry • Coconut • Cranberry • Dandelion • Echinacea • Ephedra • European Elder Tree • Evening Primrose • Fenugreek • Feverfew • Flaxseed • Garlic • Ginger • Ginkgo • Ginseng (Asian) • Golden Seal • Grape Seed • Green Tea • Hawthorn • Hoodia • Horse Chestnut • Kava • Lavender • Licorice • Malunggay Moringa Oleifera • Milk Thistle • Mistletoe • Passion Flower • Peppermint Oil • Red Clover • Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) – Cassia alata • Saw Palmetto • St. John's Wort • Tawa Tawa • Turmeric • Valerian • Yohimbe •
accept the bitter to get better

Fruits and Leaves of the bankoro tree

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:

The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Bankoro - Noni

From the Republic of the Philippines
Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry

According to Burkill the fruit, which smells like decaying cheese, is eaten in Indo-China with salt. The bark of the roots is used for cleansing the hair and sometimes for cleaning iron and steel. The tree is used in Malaya and Siam as a support for pepper plants. Heyne says that the young leaves may serve as a vegetable in Java.

Wehmer records that the root0bark contains a crystal glucoside, morindine (C27H10O15), and coloring-matter, morindine. The fruit contains volatile oil (morinda oil). Wehmer quotes Van Romburh, who distilled a chemically curious volatile oil from the fruit containing 90 per cent of n-capron and n-capryl acids, and also paraffin, fatty acid, ethyl-alcohol, etc. Guerrero states that in the Philippines the fruit is used as an emmenagogue. The leaves, when fresh, are applied ulcers to effect a rapid cure. The sap of the leaves is anti-arthritic.

According to Nadkarni the roots are used in India as a cathartic. Ridley, calls a decoction of the bark a coarse, strong astringent and adds that it is used by the Malaya for ague. Dewere writes that in the Congo the bark is reputed to be a febrifuge because of the presence of morindine. Degener states that the leaves and bark of the stem are pounded, cooked, and strained. This liquid is then drunks a tonic. It is a reputed medicine against tuberculosis in Hawaii. Burkill and Haniff state that it is not uncommon throughout the Malaysia to heat and apply the leaves to the chest or to the abdomen for coughs, enlarged spleen, nausea, colic, and fever. Nadkarni, Dymock, Crevost and Petelot, and Dey regard the leaves as deobstruent and emmenagogue in Indo-China. Dymock adds that in Bombay the leaves are used as a healing application to wounds and ulcers and are administered internally as a tonic and febrifuge. Nadkarni adds that the charred leaves made into a decoction with a little mustard are said to be a remedy for infantile diarrhea; with aromatics, the decoction is given in dysentery. The expressed juice of the leaves is applied to relieve pain in gout.

According to Burkill the over-ripe fruit is used as an emmenagogue both in Malaya and in Cochin-China. Gimlette and Burkill state that the juice is recommended for leucorrhoea and sapraemia. It is also recommended by Rumpf for dysuria, and the fruit for diabetes. Heyne reports that the fruit is sometimes used internally in various preparations for swollen spleen, liver diseases, beriberi, hemorrhage, and coughs. Ochse says that in Java the seeds are removed from the ripe fruit; the pulp is mashed with sugar; and the mixture is drunk as a slightly laxative preparation. Degener says that the over-ripe fruit is used also as a poultice and in treating diseases of the kidney. Nadkarni remarks that in India, the fruit is also used as an emmenagogue and a deobstruent. The unripe berries, charred and mixed with salt, are applied successfully to spongy gums. The juice of the fruit made into a syrup and used as a gargle relieves sore throat.

Bankoro - Noni: What the Science Says from the: National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

In laboratory research, noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. These results suggest that noni may warrant further study for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, noni has not been well studied in people for any health condition.
NCCAM-funded research includes a study on noni for cancer to determine its safety and potential effects on tumors and symptoms, as well as a laboratory study of noni’s effects on prostate cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Bankoro - Noni: Side Effects and Cautions as per the: National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

Noni is high in potassium. People who are on potassium-restricted diets because of kidney problems should avoid using noni.
Several noni juice manufacturers have received warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about making unsupported health claims.
Few side effects from noni have been reported, but its safety has not been adequately studied.
There have been reports of liver damage from using noni. It should be avoided if you have liver disease because it contains compounds that may make your disease worse.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.

News about Noni or Bankoro

Benefits of noni fruit

Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/258906/benefits-noni-fruit.html

By Sumana Bharadwaj

Morinda citrifolia, Hawaiin Noni or the Indian Mulberry is a tropical shrub from the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Although native to Southeast Asia and Australia, it is widely-grown in India in coastal regions. It can grow in different environments and is a perennial fruit.

Traditionally, the noni fruit and leaves have been used as folk remedies by Polynesians for over 2000 years. There is a mention of the noni fruit being used as an internal cleanser and as an effective treatment for joint aches and skin conditions in Ayurveda and Siddha texts. In recent times, however, extensive research carried out across the globe on noni’s active principles has put noni on the scientist’s radar the world over, as a fruit with immense therapeutic potential for various conditions ranging from menstrual pain to cancer prevention and noni juice as a health boosting tonic because of its exceptional nutrient content. European communities are patrons of this fruit, having officially recognised it as the “super fruit” in the UK.

This super fruit has over 150 phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants apart from vitamins, minerals and macronutrients. Phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, immune-boosting and cellular repair properties.

Some of the recognised phytonutrients in the noni fruit are organic compounds called anthraquinones, which act as anti-bacterial agents. Another important phytonutrient is proxeronine, precursor for xeronine, an alkaloid, which works at the molecular level, repairing damaged cells to improve functionality. Noni juice is a source of antioxidants. Further, studies have found the fruit to have central analgesic effect on the human body.

Clinical trials conducted at the Natural Healing Institute in California found that noni stimulates the production of T-cells in the immune system. T-cells play a pivotal role in fighting disease. The polysaccharide components in the juice are known to have both cancer-preventive and cancer-treating effects through stimulation of the immune system. It has bioactive components that make it a wonderful adaptogen, ie, the ability enhances the body’s ability to adapt to stress by targeting imbalances and normalising it without affecting normal bodily functions.

The noni fruit is also a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, several B complex vitamins, calcium, sulphur, potassium, phosphorous and certain essential amino acids like phenylalanine and tyrosine.

The fruit has a strong odour and an unpalatable taste and hence is available only in juice form in the market.

Choose the right brand of juice

• Check the company’s sources and quality of the fruits. Local sources are better than those where the fruit or its frozen concentrates are transported across miles before processing

• Check the company’s processing facilities

• Choose juice brands without any thickeners or stabilisers which are added to maintain uniform viscosity

• Choose one with natural preservatives, if at all, like lemon and honey

• Choose one in which noni juice is the primary ingredient, not a blend of various juices as it reduces efficacy.

Noni juice that meets the above criteria can be taken as a therapeutic drink or as a general tonic twice a day at least 30 minutes before food for effective absorption. Ten to 15 ml is the normal dosage for adults and can be had as is or mixed in a glass of water.

It can be consumed by people with arthritis, high BP, diabetes, cancer, allergies, digestive problems, chronic fatigue and depression. Its high potassium content can combat kidney problems.

South Pacific noni plant, nature's answer to pain relief

Source:http://www.malibutimes.com/blogs/article_90e358da-77b6-11e2-8b90-0019bb2963f4.html

By Reese Halter

During a quarter-century of studying forests, one of the most amazing plants that I have ever come across is the South Pacific noni or Morinda citrifolia.

This small blossoming shrub with its dark glossy, one-foot-long evergreen leaves is indigenous to Tahiti, southeastern Asia and Australia. It has been introduced into China, India, parts of Africa and the Americas.

About 1,500 years ago the Polynesians took noni seeds with them as they colonized the South Pacific Islands, including Hawaii.

The noni plant produces egg-shaped fruits with indented pit-marks. Its tasteless yellowish white skin becomes near transparent when the fruit ripens. The ripened pulp, on the other hand, smells of strong cheese and the extracted pulp juice is quite bitter.

The fruits contain reddish-brown seeds that float in the ocean and accounts for nonis’ widespread global distribution. Noni flourishes under harsh environmental conditions including the onslaught of salt, drought, sandy Australian soils, porous volcanic Hawaiian soils and the nutrient-poor limestone soils of Guam.

Noni fruit was an important food source for Australian, Burmese, Fijian and Samonian Aboriginals. The red dye from the bark and yellow dye from the roots were also used extensively by these peoples in clothing.

Noni roots, flowers, seeds, leaves, bark and fruits are used as medicine for a host of different maladies. Noni can be taken as a capsule, juice or as an extract and is also available in powder for pets.

Noni’s medicinal properties are believed to enhance the thyroid and thymus glands, which fend off infections.

People take noni by mouth for liver disease, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and nausea, just to name a few conditions.

Noni’s fruit juice is taken for arthritis, headaches, menstrual difficulties and muscle aches, among others. Medicines have incorporated its leaves for swelling of the joints, rheumatic aches and stomachache.

This remarkable South Pacific plant packs a tremendous natural punch.

Healthy fruit - Benefit noni fruit - Mengkudu

Source:http://www.thecambodiaherald.com/health/healthy-fruit---benefit-noni-fruit---mengkudu-1578

(The Cambodia Herald)

Originated from wild plants, ugly and smelled rotten, noni are now rising prestige of the food, beverage and alternative herbal medicine. Not delicacy of taste, but because of the many benefits for health.

According to Pacific Journal of Science (1949), noni (Morinda citrifolia L) probably originated from Indonesia. Plants are also known as Pace or noni fruit, the shape of a pear. Green when young and yellowish-white change if begin to mature. Other traits, the fruit skin surface nod and eyes filled with blackish brown, very sour taste with a distinctive aroma is very sharp when the old and mature. Not unexpectedly, the plant is known as wild plants, ugly and foul-smelling, now changed into a fruit "miraculous" that many in the search. The popularity of noni research is inseparable from several studies. The result was unexpected, substances contained in the noni is very beneficial for the health aspect.

Benefits of noni fruit has been known to humans since 2000 years ago. Polynesian islanders, Chinese and Indians who first take advantage of special features. Furthermore, this knowledge spread to Australia, Tahiti, Canada, Malaysia and finally to Indonesia.

In Indonesia, especially in rural communities has actually been taking noni long ago. Javanese people familiar with the duck salad which one is the fruit of this material, while the young leaves of some people to process the material to be eaten raw as a vegetable or fresh vegetables. Only in the 1990s noni more widely known. The popularity of noni success can not be separated from the Bogor Institute of Food Business Review (LPBP), an institute researcher who examined the first Indonesian to human health benefits of noni.

Compounds containing efficacious medicine

If you want to get the maximum benefits of the noni fruit, the consumption of fruit that are old or mature, more mature research results show the beneficial substances that are growing. Among the content of anthraquinone compounds as anti-bacteria and fungi, turpentine rejuvenate the body cells to function, dammacanthel that can prevent cancer cell growth and fight the growth of abnormal cells in the pre-stage cancer. Fruit water content within this 52% also store a variety of vitamins, including ascorbic acid, acid kaproat, kaprik acid and caprylic acid which can ward off cancer-causing free radicals.

The popularity of noni are now growing worldwide, especially after Dr. Solomon Heil doing therapy to 8000 patients. The results were very encouraging, giving noni juice provides a continuous positive correlation to cure cancer, heart disease, control hypertension, digestive disorders, diabetes and stroke. Besides noni juice is also believed to increase endurance and stamina and help cure tuberculosis (TB). Noni is also rich in fiber is good for digestive tract health. The many benefits of noni owned, so worthy that the scientists dubbed it as the Magic Fruit aka the magical fruit.

Noni Product Range

Many people are not like the smell of noni as stinking and sour taste. Do not worry, this time a variety of products like noni many outstanding results in the market. Starting from a wide taste of noni juice, noni tablets until the form of capsules we can easily get. Even not only that, body care products and cosmetics such as shampoo, soap, body lotion etc are also using mulberry raw materials.

Create you who like to consume fresh noni, the following tips can help reduce the unpleasant smell of noni and sour taste. Combine juice / noni juice that has been filtered, with brown sugar or honey. Store in the place clean, cool and sealed for 2-4 days, and then ready to drink juice without the stinging stench becomes sweet and fresh taste. This storage process will parse the ascorbic acid, and kaprik kaproat causes stink. But keep in mind, do not store it too long because it will cause the formation of an alcohol compound a drunk.

Noni cancer study underway

Source:http://www.kitv.com/story/30922783/noni-cancer-study-underway

By Paula Akana

HONOLULU - The UH Cancer Center is taking on prostate cancer. It's the most common cancer among men in Hawaii, and the center hopes noni extract can help make cancer no more. The noni is that pungent fruit found throughout Polynesia and Asia. The trial involves low or very low risk patients prostate cancer.

Jeffrey Huang is the Principal Investigator for the study.

“So generally, the treatment for these patients is either active surveillance or what we call waiting. So we don’t necessarily have to treat these patients with toxic chemo and that sort of thing. So it gives us a very good opportunity to be able to use a noni product, a more natural product, herbal remedy to see if there are any changes in their prostate cancer," he said.

In this trial, patients take daily noni capsules. The amount needed per dose was already determined during past trials.

“So our patients would be taking noni about a year and then we’ll see if there are any signs of genetic changes within a year,” said Huang.

There will be monthly checkups including blood draws to detect any changes. Past research has found anti-cancer properties in the extract. The noni extract for the capsules comes from a Big Island company called Healing Noni.

The company has been farming noni for 17 years and is excited about the clinical trials and what they might prove regarding the health benefits of noni.

The clinical trial began a few weeks and they are hoping to get more patients involved. If you are interested, contact your primary care physician or oncologist.

This Indian Plant Could Prevent Cataracts

Source:http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/food-and-nutrition-articles/this-indian-plant-could-prevent-cataracts

(The Doctors Health Press Editorial Board)

Have you ever looked through the grease-smeared window of the mechanic’s shop? Do you feel like that’s what your eyesight is like all the time? If so, then you may have a cataract. So many older individuals suffer from this condition that it has become the leading vision problem in America. Luckily, you could protect yourself from cataracts with alternative therapies. Just recently, a clinical trial has reported this health news: Indian mulberry, or noni, could be alternative cure for preventing cataracts.

In the clinical trial, researchers studied the anti-cataract activity of selected plants. Among the tested plants, a water extract of Indian mulberry exhibited maximum “aldose reductase” inhibitory activity as compared to other plant extracts. Aldose reductase inhibitors are a class of drugs being studied as a way to prevent eye and nerve damage in people with diabetes. The researchers also found that Indian mulberry possesses significant anti-cataract potential to maintain lens opacity.

Who is likely to get cataracts? There are a few diseases that can encourage their development. Diabetes is one of the primary conditions linked to this eye problem. However, eye injuries or inflammation can also encourage the protein deposits that lead to cataracts, as can some drugs, such as prednisone (a corticosteroid used in inflammatory conditions like arthritis). If you suspect a drug you’re taking may be the cause behind your cataracts, talk to your doctor before stopping any medication.

Another big cause of cataracts is exposure to ultraviolet light and radiation. This is one reason why cataracts may develop as you age. The more years you spend exposed to the rays from the sun, the more likely you are to suffer damage to the lens of the eye. In fact, scientists recently linked the increase in cases of cataracts to the depletion of our ozone layer. So get a good pair sunglasses and wear them as much as you can when outside!

A-Z of healthy ingredients: what is noni and how do I eat it?

Source:http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/a-z-of-healthy-ingredients-what-is-noni-and-how-do-i-eat-it-10304890.html

By Grace McCloud

Last week it was all about matcha. This week, Grace McCloud helps to demystify noni, a rather pungent healthy ingredient

Pronunciation: No-nee

Taste Notes: Quite revolting. Some people find it bearable, others think it’s awful, with its notes of off coconut and rancid cheese. Nice.

What actually is it?

Noni is the fruit of a shrubby plant related to coffee, indigenous to South East Asia, Polynesia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. About the size of a baking potato, the noni fruit has a waxy, greenish-yellow skin covered in callousy-looking knobbles – a bit like a giant caterpillar. Sound enticing? This poor fruit gets bad press – yes, it looks hideous, smells disgusting and tastes even worse, but considering people have been extolling its healing properties for thousands of years, there has to be some method to the madness of putting this in your mouth, scientific or less so.

The difficulty when researching noni (researching any complementary medicine, dietary or not, is vital before you start using it) is that there is very little science behind the claims. Since it’s only been on the Western radar for about 50 years, studies are preliminary. People claim noni is a miracle preventative and curative, purportedly helping with everything from high blood pressure and blood clots to increasing energy, aiding weight loss, asthma, eczema and stress (and therefore, indirectly, cancer, strokes and coronary heart disease). Too good to be true? Perhaps. So until there is more concrete evidence, it might be wise to keep this in mind. There are, however, no adverse affects of ingesting noni – so while you won’t be harming yourself, you just may not be helping yourself as much as you think. That said, noni is remarkably high in potassium (vitamin K), which is essential in keeping heart, nerves and muscles working the way they should.

What’s its history?

It’s thought the plant originated in South East Asia before being taken to French Polynesia by settlers, around 2000 years ago. A number of ancient texts suggest noni has been used as a medicinal plant in Samoa, Tahiti, ancient India and Hawaii, both as a dietary supplement and a topical ointment for the treatment of skin problems. The juice has historically been used to treat gum infections, mouth ulcers, sore throats and menstrual irregularity, while the root was thought to help with fevers. Leaves were often rubbed on to ulcers and wounds, acting as both an anti-bacterial and an analgesic (pain-killer). It’s also thought that ancient Filipinos fermented the fruit and made it into a jam. Modern science would suggest this probably did actually help with gut and stomach problems! More recently, supermodel Miranda Kerr has said she has drunk it every day since she was 12, which might be why her skin looks so good.

How do I eat it?

The easiest way to get your noni fix is by drinking the juice, which often comes fermented. It’s not nice – a bit like drinking cod liver oil in the old days – but if it does work, then perhaps it’s worth it, particularly as there is evidence that fermented foods encourage the growth of healthy flora in the gut, giving your digestive system a super boost. It’s also possible to buy noni in powdered form, which is good for smoothies. Blending it with the strong flavours of banana, cinnamon, carrot and spinach is a good way to disguise the pongy flavour – one idea is a noni colada. Just blend coconut milk, some chunks of fresh pinapple, pinches of both cinnamon and nutmeg with a teaspoon of noni powder. Add half a banana if the taste is still too strong. Noninoni Wellbeing also has some good recipe ideas.

Noni Fruit: The Pacific Healer

Source:http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/03/17/noni-fruit-pacific-healer.html

By Chris Kilham (Fox News)

Native to Southeast Asia, noni (Morinda citrifolia) was domesticated and cultivated by Polynesians, first in Tahiti and the Marquesas, and eventually in the farthest outpost of their culture, Hawaii. Today noni ranges from Tahiti to India, and grows in the Caribbean, South America and the West Indies. The name "noni" is Polynesian. Over the past several years, noni fruit and its juice have become popular in the natural heath sector.

Morinda citrifolia is a small tree which grows up to 10 meters in height, with an irregular, open crown and shiny, dark green leaves. The tree fruits several times annually, producing oblong fruits with circular scars, which are green when unripe and yellowish-white when fully ripe. The fruits have a soft, watery flesh, and a cheesy aroma which becomes increasingly pungent during ripening.

In traditional medicine, noni fruit was used relatively little compared with other parts of the plant, notably the leaves and roots. In Hawaii, a digestive was made combining crushed noni fruit with cane juice. The fruit was also part of formulas for cleansing, which also included taro, cane juice and other plants. By the 1930's noni fruit was used more widely for internal purposes, including intestinal worms, weakness and respiratory disorders. Since that time the juice of the ripe fruit has become increasingly popular as a folk remedy for digestive complaints and arthritis.

Noni fruit has gained popularity in today's herbal market. Either dried and crushed, juiced and bottled, or freeze-dried, noni fruit is being touted as a veritable cure-all, useful in mitigating diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, headaches, arthritis, and a host of degenerative diseases. The World Wide Web is chock full of sites that make false and misleading claims for noni, including that noni fruit has been used internally as a cure-all for thousands of years. While the fruit is beneficial to health, many claims made for noni are baseless.

What's in noni fruit?

According to investigations of noni fruit conducted over the past fifty years, constituents found in ripe noni fruit demonstrate a plethora of biological activities. The following information focuses on primary constituents in ripe noni fruit, and some of their known biological activities. These primary constituents and their uses concern cleansing, antiinflammatory activity, immune enhancement and tumor-inhibition.

Antiinflammatory activity - Anecdotal accounts of anti-inflammatory effects resulting from noni fruit consumption are too numerous to dismiss. The anti-inflammatory effects of asperuloside, eugenol and scopoletin present in ripe noni fruit would support such a claim. Other agents in noni fruit may possess additional anti-inflammatory activity.

Immunomodulatory and Antitumor activity - Japanese researchers have described the activity of a polysaccharide-rich substance from the fruit juice of noni, noni-ppt. In studies, noni-ppt demonstrated immunomodulatory and antitumor activity. The authors suggested that noni-ppt may be a valuable supplementary agent in cancer treatment. Okadaic acid in noni fruit has been determined to increase the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor.

Noni studies

Studies conducted on noni fruit demonstrate antimicrobial activity, and inhibition of both the Candida albicans virus, and Cryptococcus, a cause of fungal pneumonia. Sedative and analgesic effects have also been noted. Noni fruit appears to stimulate the production of T-cells, macrophages and thymocytes, thereby enhancing immune function. And in animal studies, noni fruit extended the lives of mice with cancer. However, it is important to point out that at this time there is no reason to believe that noni fruit contributes in any way to the mitigation of diabetes, a disease for which it is increasingly widely employed. Nor should the anti-cancer activity of various noni constituents lead people to believe that the fruit or its extracts constitute a successful treatment for cancer. Which form of noni?

In Polynesia, ripe noni fruit is put into a container, where it quickly decomposes and ferments. The pungent amber juice which remains at the top of the fermented fruit is consumed daily as a prophylactic, to enhance overall vitality and well being. Most people cannot obtain fresh fermented ripe noni juice. So how can noni be translated effectively into shelf-stable dietary supplements that work far away from the islands?

The five enemies of all natural products are heat, light, air, moisture and time. While drying noni fruit yields a material that can be powdered and put into dietary supplements, this process subjects the fruit to all five destructive factors. Bottled noni juices undergo pasteurization to eliminate the problem of microbial contamination. During pasteurization, volatile constituents are inevitably reduced. At present the processing method most likely to yield a beneficial noni fruit product is lyophilization (freeze-drying). This process produces a stable material that retains a greater concentration of active, volatile constituents.

Noni's Bright Future

Considering the positive discoveries made with noni fruit thus far, there is excellent reason to anticipate that further studies will prove the fruit and its preparations beneficial to health in numerous ways. Noni is a valuable medicinal plant. And it is likely to become an increasingly sought-after dietary supplement. Further investigations into noni will likely lead to the discovery of other compounds. Additional biological activity studies will provide better information about how these agents work in living organisms. At some point human clinical studies will shed additional light on the specific activities of noni in the body.

Noni, Morinda citrifolia, is a highly regarded folk remedy which appears to be genuinely beneficial to health in numerous ways. Stripped of hype and mumbo-jumbo, and approached with intelligence and good science, noni may prove to be one of the more diversely valuable agents in nature's medicine chest, and an enduring dietary supplement that serves the health needs of many.

17 Best Benefits Of Noni Juice For Skin, Hair And Health

Source:http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-noni-juice-for-skin-hair-and-health/

(Saba, Style Craze)

A lot of 100 year old folks, who grew up eating noni straight of the tree, claim it to be the reason for their increased lifespan. In this age of disease and pollution, a miracle fruit that can help you live longer is hard to come by. So try to make maximum use of all its benefits. Drink noni, while you have the chance!

The evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia and Australasia called Morinda Citrifolia, or noni plant is the source of noni juice. It is also known as Indian Mulberry, or aal in Hindi. Though most of us are not aware of this fruit, there have been several claims regarding the health benefits of both the fruit and its juice.

So what is noni juice most known for? It has been quite well known to the Polynesians for more than 2000 years, who used almost all parts of the noni plant. It is said to possess significant medicinal qualities due to its analgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This juice is sold in commercial form all over the world as it has been promoted as a cure for a number of human diseases. It is also sold in the form of capsules. The powdered pulp of this fruit was the first product to be commercially marketed. Even a small dose of this juice is said to have beneficial effects on your health. Health Benefits of Noni Juice:

Noni fruit is known for its wide array of health benefits. Since the fruit is bland and has an unpleasant smell, it is most often consumed as a fruit juice to obtain its various health benefits, as given below. 1. Aids in Weight Loss:

One of the benefits of noni juice is that it causes weight loss. This is because it produces nitric oxide inside the body. This nitric oxide is used by the muscles to metabolize a lot of energy. This energy is pulled by nitric oxide from the different sources for muscles to use, the fat cells being one of those sources. This reduces triglycerides (energy) stored in fat cells, resulting in the reduction of weight of fat cells. 2. Lowers Cholesterol:

Dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated levels of blood cholesterol resulting in an increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Research has proved that the water and ethanol based extracts of noni fruit reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 3. Beneficial for Diabetics:

A research conducted by the “Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine” has proved that noni juice, when used with insulin treatments is more effective in controlling blood sugar than one of these components alone. This is because it contains compounds like triterpenes and saponins. These properties make it beneficial for diabetic patients.

4. Proper Digestion:

Noni juice has a high fiber content which promotes proper digestion. It also has laxative properties which can prevent constipation. Since ages, this juice has been used indigenously by the natives to ease digestive problems such as stomach aches. 5. Prevents Stroke:

Consumption of noni juice may protect you against the damage caused by stroke due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also contains nitric acid which helps make the veins more elastic and thus help in better circulation. A better blood circulation can alleviate the after effects of stroke. 6. Relieves Pain:

The analgesic and sedative components in noni juice make it effective in relieving various types of pains in the body such as menstrual cramps, arthritis, joint pains and other inflammatory conditions. 7. Anti-cancer Properties:

One of the most notable noni juice benefits is that it may actually help fight cancer. This is due to the fact that noni fruit contains a polysaccharides-rich substance which suppresses the growth of new cancer cells. Noni juice contains antioxidant components which boost the immune system and reduce oxidative stress in the body. The anti-tumor and immuno-modulatory properties of this juice make it useful for treating some forms of cancer. Thus, noni juice can reduce the formation of cancer cells, promoting the body’s ability to ward off further infection. 8. Increases Energy Levels:

This juice has proven to be beneficial in increasing the body’s energy levels, thus improving the ability to perform physical activities. Native Polynesians often consumed the noni fruit to avoid fatigue and increase energy levels. This is largely due to the fruit’s natural antioxidant properties, which strengthen the cells and ward off other ailments. 9. Prevents Cataracts:

Cataract is a vision problem characterized by clouding of your eye lenses. This is largely due to high sugar levels, particularly in case of diabetics, which causes the lens of their eye to swell. As per research, noni extract helps in keeping your eye lens clear, thus preventing diseases like cataracts.

10. Prevents Ulcers:

Scientific research has shown that noni juice has the ability to prevent gastric lesions in the intestines. This is because noni extract decreases the amount of acid in the stomach and increases the mucous that protects the lining. Thus, it is quite beneficial in preventing ulcers. 11. Liver Protection:

Diabetes has adverse effects on your liver, thus increasing the risk of fatty liver disease which causes scarring. Noni juice, besides controlling the blood sugar levels, reduces fatty degeneration in liver cells with smaller and less numerous fatty globules, thus protecting your liver and preventing liver damage. 12. Facilitates Wound Healing:

High level of blood sugar is associated with poor healing of wounds. Noni juice has proven to be effective in reducing the wound area as well facilitates quick healing by controlling the blood glucose levels. 13. Prevents Degenerative Diseases:

According to research, noni fruit has properties which can prevent the onset of certain degenerative diseases. Thus, drinking noni juice helps in decreasing the risk of developing serious illnesses like liver disorder and other diseases of major body organs.

[ Read: Benefits Of Spinach Juice ] Skin Benefits of Noni Juice:

The nutritional value of noni juice makes it beneficial for your skin. Even a small dose makes your skin feel younger and beautiful from inside. Its skin benefits are as follows. 14. Treatment of Skin Problems:

Noni fruit juice has a positive effect on your skin as it is a rich source of vitamin C. Daily dose of noni juice has proven to be beneficial in treating several skin problems like acne, pimples, rough and dry skin, and even dark spots on the skin.

15. Anti-aging Benefits:

The antioxidant vitamin C and other natural chemicals found in noni juice provide nourishment to the cells, tissues and organs, fights free radicals and reverse the adverse effects of aging and pollution. Noni juice also contains selenium which is an important antioxidant and trace element that preserves the skin elasticity, thus slowing the aging process. 16. Anti-inflammatory Benefits:

The anti-inflammatory properties of noni juice make it beneficial for treating certain skin conditions. It inhibits histamine, thus treating hives, allergic skin reactions and dermatographism by working at a cellular level. It can even be applied topically for treating certain skin conditions like acne, herpes, burns and sunburn.

[ Read: Best Benefits Of Cabbage Juice ] Hair Benefits of Noni Juice:

Besides its various skin benefits, drinking noni juice also facilitates healthy hair growth and combats the problem of hair loss. 17. Combats Hair Loss:

There can be several causes of hair loss such as age, heredity, poor nutrition and scalp problems. Hair loss can be reversed by obtaining adequate amount of nutrients in your diet. Since noni juice possesses immune boosting abilities, it can benefit those suffering from hair loss. The vitamins and minerals present in it strengthen your immune system and improve circulation, thus promoting the health of your hair and scalp. Drinking noni juice facilitates healthy hair growth, particularly for those who experience premature hair loss. In fact, it is often recommended to many surviving cancer patients to revive their hair follicles after chemotherapy. How to Make Noni Juice?

The traditional way of preparing noni fruit juice is to ferment the fruit in a large jar and allow it to decompose and then add water to separate the pulp from the water. The following steps can be followed to make the perfect noni juice.

1. The first step is to sterilize a large jar. For this purpose, take a glass or food grade plastic jar and fill it with hot soapy water. Allow it to soak for 5 minutes and scrub the jar with a clean sponge. Since the noni fruit is 4 to 5 inches tall the jar should be at least 6 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter.

2. It is advisable to pick ripe noni fruit which is honey-yellow in color. Make sure to pick the fruit before it turns completely white.

3. The fruit should be rinsed under running water to remove any dirt. Then allow the fruit to dry in the sun for several hours. When the flesh becomes soft and translucent, it will start to emit a foul odor. This is the stage when the fruit should be fermented.

4. For fermentation, place the fruit into a jar and fix the lid firmly onto the container. This lid is necessary as allowing the air to flow openly into the container can cause contamination. Moreover, the jar should be big enough so that the gases that build up during fermentation process do not create dangerous pressure but are able to escape through the air space between the lid and the jar.

5. Allow this noni fruit to ferment for 6 to 8 weeks by placing the jar in the sun. In this way the juice will seep out of the fruit naturally. This juice will be light amber in color, which will darken in due time.

6. The next step is to remove the pulp and the other debris mixed in the juice by straining the juice through a wire mesh strainer into a second sterilized jar.

7. Though, you can drink the unpasteurized juice, pasteurized juice lasts longer and is much safer. For this purpose, place the open jar of noni juice on a pot of boiling water, such that the water level covers the juice but does not reach the mouth of the jar. Once the temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit is reached, allow the juice to boil for 30 minutes.

8. Check the pH of the juice with the help of litmus paper. A properly fermented juice should not have a pH of more than 3.5. A high pH value indicates contamination.

9. This fermented noni juice can be stored at room temperature for an indefinite period of time but refrigerating it, ensures optimum freshness.

10. To derive the maximum benefits, noni juice should be taken in small amounts before meals or on an empty stomach.

[ Read: Passion Fruit Juice ]

In a nutshell, noni juice may be the one thing that can help you live longer and make you look better. No other fruit juice can make that claim. Take a leap of faith with noni, and it just might help you live a better life.

Have you ever tried noni juice? Are you a noni enthusiast? Leave us a comment and let us know! Nutritional Value of Noni Juice:

Although noni juice claims to have a lot of nutritional qualities, the commercially available variety has very different makeup. The actual noni fruit is unsuitable for consumption because of its bitter taste. Moreover, the fruit is highly sweetened and processed to create a desirable taste, which further decreases the nutritional value of the fruit juice. If you consider the noni juice in its purest form, it comprises of the following nutrients.

Nutrition Facts:

Supplement Facts -- Serving Size:1tbsp(15 ml.) Servings Per Container:35

••••••••••••••••••• Amount Per Serving•••••••••• % Daly Value”

Calories ••••••••••••••• 3.5 Kcal

Protein •••••••••••••••••• nil

Total Carbohydrate ••••••• 0.9 g •••••••••••••••••••• <1%

Sugars •••••••••••••••••• 0.9 g

Sodium ••••••••••••••••••• 1 mg •••••••••••••••••••• <1%

Vitamin C •••••••••••••• 1.5 mg ••••••••••••••••••••• 2%

Niacin •••••••••••••••• 170 mcg •••••••••••••••••••• <1%

Folate •••••••••••••••• .12 mcg •••••••••••••••••••• <1%

Calcium •••••••••••••••••• 2 mg •••••••••••••••••••• <1%

Magnesium ••••••••••••• 800 mcg •••••••••••••••••• <1%

Iron ••••••••••••••••••• 35 mcg ••••••••••••••••••••• <1%

Potassium ••••••••••••••• 10 mg •••••••••••••••••••• <1%

Zinc •••••••••••••••••• 300 mcg ••••••••••••••••••••• 2%

Pure Noni Fruit Juice 15,000mg(15ml) ***

- Percent Daly Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.***Daily Value not established.

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

• Macronutrients: Noni fruit in the form of powder is an excellent source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber with 100 grams serving providing 55% and 100% of the dietary reference intakes (DRI). It is also a good source of protein, providing about 12% DRI of this nutrient. Noni pulp is low in total fats, providing just 4% of DRI. Noni juice has relatively lower amounts of macronutrients.

• Micronutrients:The main micronutrients of noni pulp powder are vitamin C occupying 10% DRI and substantial amounts of niacin (Vitamin B3), iron and potassium. It also contains vitamin A, calcium and sodium in moderate amounts. Noni juice has comparatively lesser amounts of these micronutrients but a high level of vitamin C making up nearly 42% of DRI.

• Phytochemicals: Noni fruit juice does contain phytochemicals but there are no established DRI values for the same. A particular phytochemical called xeronine present in noni fruit juice is known for its ability to relieve pain in the body. Noni juice is also packed with proxeronine, the precursor of xeronine. It is activated in the large intestine where it is absorbed by the cells of the body.

• Anthraquinones (Damnacanthol): These are important antiseptic and antibacterial plant chemicals found in noni juice which have proven to be effective in killing pre cancer cells. They stimulate the immune response to cancer by activating the body’s T-cells, which are the body’s “cancer killers”.

• Scopoletin:This is a little known, but important chemical component of noni juice with wonderful health benefits which are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It regulates serotonin which is the body’s feel good hormone to ward off feelings of anxiety and depression. It also binds to melatonin to regulate sleep, hunger and body temperature.

• Low Glycemic Index:Noni juice has a 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to fiber which helps balance blood sugar levels.

Noni: Costa Rica’s amazing healing fruit

Source:http://insidecostarica.com/2015/11/10/noni-costa-ricas-amazing-healing-fruit-2/

(Inside Costa Rica)

November 10th, 2015 (ICR News) Noni (morinda citrifolia) is the fruit of a tropical plant originating from India, which belongs to the Rubiaceae, a family of flowering plants, sometimes called the “coffee family”, or “bedstraw family.”

The plant today is extremely popular in Costa Rica, Tahiti, Hawaii, French Polynesia and Southeast Asia. The Costa Rican Noni is known to be very rich in excipients (active ingredients).

The plant can reach up to 6 meters in height, and can live for up to 80 years.

The species is cultivated throughout the tropics, and has found the ideal soil and climate conditions in the Caribbean, where it produces its highest quality fruits.

Noni has been considered a sacred fruit by many cultures, and has been used by various healers and shamans in their rituals and therapeutic practices for thousands of years, and there has been knowledge of its use in Central America and the Caribbean since pre-Colombian times.

The fruit acts at a basic cellular level, where it possesses a wide variety of curative qualities.

Among the most known is its capacity for stimulating the immune system, increasing bodily energy, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, regulating sleep, bowel functions and blood pressure, and treating erectile dysfunction in men. The fruit also acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-histaminic agent and painkiller. It has also been used in the treatment of diabetes.

Noni is one of the few homeopathic treatments that is supported by both the scientific community and mainstream medicine, as well as homeopathy doctors, naturalists, and healers in many cultures. They all agree on the amazing curative properties of the fruit.

The plant today is extremely popular in Costa Rica, Tahiti, Hawaii, French Polynesia and Southeast Asia. The Costa Rican Noni is known to be very rich in excipients (active ingredients).

It is also used for its ability to ease stress while increasing endurance and energy, treat ailments like asthma, diabetes and sinus infection, as well as lessen the side effects of depression and insomnia.

Noni also makes a perfect dietary supplement, as it is high in antioxidants, amino acids and vitamin C, and has only 10 calories per fluid ounce when blended with water.

Although the fruit can be purchased in local markets and supermarkets throughout Costa Rica, several wholefood or macrobiotic stores also sell pre-made juices made from the fruit.

The downside? It is what many call an “acquired taste,” as it has a strong bitter flavor that most people find rather unpleasant – at least at first. However, its enormous health benefits inspire many around the world to overlook its unsavory taste, or to seek out combinations with fruit juices and honey to create a good – or at least acceptable – taste.

Raise a toast to your health with Noni juice

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Raise-a-toast-to-your-health-with-Noni-juice/articleshow/35432825.cms

By Vinita Chaturvedi (TNN)

Noni juice is derived from the fruit of a small evergreen plant called noni, also known as Indian mulberry normally found in global subtropics and tropics.

Botanical name Morinda citrifolia, noni belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is privileged as the 'queen' of the Morinda genus owing to its conspicuous attributes, versatile nature and distinctive capability of spreading itself usually on the seashores without requiring much human intervention. It is often one of the earliest species which grow on the freshly deposited lava flows typically in Hawaiian regions.

A long-established cure, noni is a plant with multiple benefits ranging from traditional usage of its wood for making tools to its juice being used as a first aid or for treating critical illnesses...

Antioxidant potential: Noni juice has a tremendous anti-oxidative potential which seeks out for the oxygen free radicals and neutralize their negative effects. A research conducted on the patients with heavy smoking habits making them vulnerable to many diseases have advocated the protective effect of noni juice in improving the radical scavenging potential of their bodies and providing relief from the diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Cancer: The anti-cancer qualities of noni juice have been traditionally trusted and advocated by the modern science. Various clinical and laboratory research have suggested the chemo-preventive properties of noni juice in the prevention of various cancers such as lung cancer, liver cancer and renal cancer owing to the abundance of healing antioxidants. As supported by another scientific finding, effectiveness of noni juice in reducing the risk of cancer attributes to its ability to block the carcinogen-DNA binding and prevent adduct formation. Furthermore evidences have revealed the efficacy of noni juice in retarding the tumor growth in mammary glands by significantly decreasing the weight and volume of the tumors in the subjects.

Gout: Morinda Citrifolia or noni juice extends its therapeutic effects in curing gout. The effectiveness of noni juice in curing such diseases attributes to its inhibitory action on the xanthine oxidase enzymes which are implicated in gout and its associated problems. Scientific research has also supported this curative effect of noni juice which has been in practice from over thousands of years.

General body fatigue: Noni juice is a time-honored medicine and was traditionally used by Polynesians to combat general body weakness and advancing quality of life and energy levels. Various clinical researches and studies have shown the ergogenic qualities of noni juice which helps in enhancing the tolerance, elasticity and overall physical performance of the body.

Liver protection: Noni fruit is also known for its effectiveness in protecting against the liver diseases. As supported by research study, noni juice exercises hepato-protective effects on the liver which assists in protecting the organ from exposures to chronic exogenous chemicals and defends against major illnesses like liver damage.

Anti-psychotic qualities: Noni juice has been historically utilized for treating a range of ailments including the disorders related to central nervous system. Studies investigating the anti-psychotic effects of noni juice have shown significant improvement in the subjects especially with respect to their behavioral issues and have demonstrated its huge potential to be used in curing psychiatric disorders. Additionally, noni juice has also been suggested to have therapeutic effect on the brain damage attributing to the curing power of natural chemical components. It may assist in preventing cerebral ischemic stress without affecting the efficacy of good enzymes and antioxidants functioning in the body.

Arthritis: Healing powers of noni juice brings relief in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Scientific evaluation has provided qualitative evidence regarding the analgesic traits of noni juice which helps in alleviating pain and sensitivity thereby, reducing the joint destruction implicated in the painful arthritis. The study also suggested that the remedial efficacy of noni juice is at par with some of the well-known commercially available analgesic drugs.

Aid for memory impairment: Noni juice may exert protective effect in curing the problems of memory impairment. Studies conducted on subjects with weakened memory functions have suggested that consumption of noni juice encourages cerebral blood flow and helps improve memory functions.

Diabetes: Diabetic individuals may also benefit from the healing power of Morinda citrifolia or noni extracts. This has been proven by a research study which has shown the effectiveness of noni juice as a remedial herb for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Scientific evidence has testified that consumption of noni juice helps in reducing the level of glycosylated hemoglobin, serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the body. In addition to this, it works towards enhancing insulin sensitivity and stimulates the uptake of glucose.

Wound healing: The juice of Morinda citrifolia or noni is effectual in speeding up healing of wounds. Research evaluating the wound curing properties of noni juice has revealed positive results with respect to the increase in the weight of the granulation tissues, functioning of collagen and hydroxyproline and protein content. As mentioned above, noni juice helps in reducing the blood sugar levels in the body which can also be correlated to the accelerated wound healing process.

Stronger immune defense: Strengthened immune system is yet another benefit of noni juice which accentuates its credibility. Since the earlier times noni juice has been valued for its effectiveness in fighting infections and other ailments attributing to the presence of valuable polysaccharides. These helpful components stimulate the activity of white blood cells which play an important role in exerting such protective effect. Scopoletin present in noni juice possess anti-bacterial, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anti-histamine properties which significantly contribute in sustaining the immune defense mechanism of the body.

The Big Benefits of the Little Noni Fruit

Source:http://food.ndtv.com/opinions/the-big-benefits-of-the-little-noni-juice-753159

By Ambika Behal

Noni or Indian Mulberry, the fruit of the Morinda Citrifolia tree, is actually a species of the coffee family - and like coffee, it is a stimulator, but not in the way you would imagine. Native to Southeast Asia and Australasia, the Noni fruit has been particularly well revered in Hawaii, where it is a part of many traditional medicinal remedies.

The noni plant is a source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and potassium. Every part of the shrub - from leaves to roots, has been used to treat a variety of ailments.

Many of the medicinal benefits though, are largely attributed to the fact that the noni plant is a source of phytonutrients - which have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial compounds, known to boost the immune system as well as repair cellular damage.

In India, ancient ayurvedic texts mention noni, or ashyuka in Sanskrit, as a remedy to stimulate internal cleansing by treating parasitic infections of the stomach and for asthma, as well as a an external remedy to treat joint pains and for the skin ailments and as an anti-ageing solution.

Traditional healers in the Pacific Islands have been using noni for centuries, as a general wellness tonic - to cure almost any ailment. Today, noni is also considered to be a treatment for Cancer and HIV, though the U.S. based Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it requires further scientific evidence before approving the medicinal value of these claims.

The potato-sized noni fruit itself is not pleasant in taste, and does give off a slightly strong odor, so it is more commonly taken in the form of juice. For those who don't have access to the fresh fruit, juices are available by the bottle. However as the juice is quite bitter, producers will often sweeten it for sale, so it is always advisable to check the quantity of sugar added in the ingredients, before purchasing. The beneficial properties decrease with added sugar and processing.

The Healing Powers of Noni

Although the fruit eaten as is provides the best remedy, the juice is the most practical option for most people.

Fruit Juice: When used externally, it works on head lice. When you drink it, it helps with diabetes, high blood pressure, headaches, stomach ailments, heart disease, gastric ulcers, circulation problems, to stimulate menstruation, lowering cholesterol, fever, cough and cold, relieve high blood pressure, arthritis, AIDS, cancers, and poor digestion, stroke, weight loss, and any sort of infection. It is even considered to be an excellent treatment for senility and depression.

In the US, experiments have been done with giving noni juice to rehabilitate drug addicts. There are positive claims that it works well as a treatment.

Noni Tea: Made from the leaves, noni tea contains antioxidants and works as an anti-ageing treatment. It is also beneficial for digestive issues, and works as a cure for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, food poisoning, and intestinal worms.

The preparation of the tea, however, is unlike the juice, and has higher sugar content - so can actually be harmful for those with diabetes and liver problems. Some also say noni tea used externally is also beneficial for preventing greying for those with darker hair, as well as a hair-loss treatment.

Noni Leaves: Wrapping noni leaves around affected areas can cure arthritis, sore and swollen joints, stomachache and headache. A mixture of raw fruit and leaves is a cure for skin infections such as boils, and bruising.

In the Polynesian Islands, root preparations were used to heal sting-ray and jellyfish wounds. The bark was also traditionally used as an aid for mothers giving birth.

However, since noni is a stimulant, it does cleanse the body, in order to heal it. This means though that if one has weak liver or kidneys, it is advisable to refrain from taking noni internally. This also applies for those taking blood-thinning medications or anti-water-retention pills. Pregnant women should not take noni.

Bankoro - Noni: Eyes or bumps

The bankoro or noni fruit is a "multiple" fruit. The fruit is not formed from a single flower. Each flower of the bankoro or noni bears a seed and as it matures it leaves an eye. There are multitudes of these flowers. The flowers do not come up all at one time. The flowers come up a few at a time to form the "final" fruit. That is why the bankoro or noni looks bumpy with lots of eyes like the pineapple.

Flower forms the eye
Flower forms the eye

Photo Gallery of Bankoro or Noni

Almost Ripe Bankoro Fruit
Ripe Noni or Bankoro
Cluster of Bankoro Leaves and Fruits
Noni Bankoro Tree in a Pot
Noni Bankoro Leaves
Noni Bankoro Leaves and Young Fruit
Bankoro or Noni flowers shaping into a fruit
Ripe Noni or Bankoro
Noni Bankoro Flower
Noni Bankoro Flower
Noni Bankoro young fruit
Noni Bankoro Flower
young fruit of Noni
Flowering Fruit of Bankoro Noni
Flowering Fruit of Bankoro Noni
Flowering Fruit of Bankoro Noni
Flowering Fruit of Bankoro Noni
Young Bankoro Noni Tree
Morinda Citrifolia (Bankoro - Noni) Leaf
Bankoro Noni Seeds
Bankoro Noni Seeds
Ripe Bankoro - Noni Fruit
Bankoro hanging
Ripe fruit Next to Flowering Fruit
Flowering Fruit of the Bankoro Noni
Bankoro or Noni green fruit