The Health Benefits of Noni Juice

Noni juice has become very popular in the United States for its health benefits. The use of Noni juice to treat illnesses and ailments is believed to have origins in the Indian Ayurvedic practice. Here are some of the health benefits of Noni juice.

1. Digestive Problems

   • Noni juice has been shown to ease the discomfort caused by digestive problems such as nausea and diarrhea.

   Common Cold Symptoms

   • This juice has been used to ease symptoms of the common cold such as cough and sore throat.

   Skin Conditions

   • Noni juice has been used to provide relief from various skin conditions such as ulcers, boils, ringworm, wounds and abscesses.

   Pain Relief

   • The pain relieving properties of Noni juice are widely known. The juice can be used effectively for pain management.

   Serotonin and Noni Juice

   • Noni juice stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain increasing serotonin levels. Low serotonin levels can cause depression, migraine headaches and obesity and has been associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Fights Colon Cancer

Colon cancer has become one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, according to 2010 report in "Tumori." Improvements in screening have reduced colon cancer mortalities, but prevention remains the best cure. Taking dietary aids like noni may help fight colon cancer. An article published in the February 2011 edition of "Fitoterapia" looked at the impact of Morinda citrifolia on cancerous colon cells. The researchers first isolated 15 active chemicals from noni extracts. They then exposed cancer cells to these extracts. Half of the chemicals, including two previously unknown substances, slowed cancer cell proliferation. The Morinda extracts were equally effective at slowing the proliferation of cancerous lung cells.

Treats Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems cost health care providers about $5,000 for each patient admitted, according to a 2011 estimate in the "Journal of Medical Economics." Many of these problems can be prevented by lifestyle changes, including taking supplements. An experiment described in the March 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" evaluated the effect of Morinda citrifolia on ulcers in laboratory animals. Rats first received ethanol or serotonin to trigger ulcer formation. They then received noni fruit or an inert treatment. Noni extracts suppressed ulcer development, reduced ulcer size and increased ulcer healing. Additional tests revealed that noni achieved these effects by preventing inflammation and by blocking oxidation.

Lowers Blood Sugar

The prevalence of diabetes has rapidly increased since the 1990s, according to 2011 survey in "MMWR." Estimates are that up to 40 percent of those who have diabetes are unaware of their condition. Changes in diet benefit patients experiencing diabetic symptoms. Increased intake of fruits like noni may help reduce such symptoms. A study reviewed in the 2011 volume of "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" assessed noni's effect on blood sugar regulation. Rodents first received streptozotocin, a natural chemical known to cause diabetes. They then received fermented juice or no treatment for three weeks. Noni lowered blood sugar levels in the treated rats. It also protected the liver of each rat from diabetic damage.

Prevents Postoperative Nausea

About 30 percent of patients experience nausea and vomiting after surgery, according to a 2010 report in "Deutsches Arzteblatt International," making nausea one of the most common surgical issues. It's also one of the few preventable problems, however. Prescription medications can help, and herbal extracts may support conventional treatments as well. An investigation presented in the December 2010 issue of the "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand" tested noni's ability to reduce surgical nausea. Patients received either noni extract or a placebo one hour before surgery. Subjects given Morinda citrifolia experienced significantly less nausea than those given placebo. Noni had the most positive effect during the first six hours after surgery.