Morinda Citrifolia And Its Benefits
Morinda citrifolia (Noni) – This herb is very popular in recent years. This herb is one of the most important elements of treatment that exist today. Various types of diseases from mild to serious ones can be treated with this herb. Morinda citrifolia can thrive in low-lying areas. Noni fruit is usually green with an oval shape and has spots on the skin. Morinda citrifolia plants can grow up to 3-8 feet tall depending on the environmental conditions.
About Morinda Citrifolia (Noni)
Morinda citrifolia L (Noni) has been used in folk remedies by Polynesiansfor over 2000 years, and is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antihelmin,analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and immune enhancing effects. In order to reveal the nutritional and medicinal value of the Noni plant, and to summarize scientific evidence that supports the Polynesians’ claim, a literature review and recent advances in Noni research is given below.
Herbal and natural products of folk medicine have been used for centuries in every culture throughout the world. Scientists and medical professionals have shown increased interest in this field as they recognize the truehealth benefits of these remedies. “Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food” was advised by the father of medicine, Hippocrates, over two millennia ago. It’s still true today that “you are what you eat.” Folk medicine in different cultures has a long history of ancestors creating primitive medicines during their struggles against natural calamity and disease.Tea is one of the first Chinese herbs mentioned in anncient literature. Tea supposedly originated in China, and was discovered to be an antidote for poisonous herbs by a great herbalist, Shen Nong, about 4700 years ago, when tasting unknown herbs to find plants with medicinal value. He is generally known as the “God of Agriculture” in China for his great achievements as both a pioneer and a leader in farming. His findings were compiled in a book in the Dong-Han dynasty (25-220AD) called “Shen Nong’s Herbs,” which isstill a classic herbal book today. While searching for food, the ancient found that some foods had specific properties of relieving or eliminating certain diseases, and maintaining good health. It wasthe beginning of herbal medicine. The same story occurred in Polynesia. Among the medicinal plants discovered by the ancestors of Polynesians, Morinda citrifolia L (Noni) is one of the traditional folk medicinal plants that has been used for over 2000 years in Polynesia .It has been reported to have a broad range of therapeutic and nutritional value.
According to livestrong website, traditional healers in Polynesia have used the Morinda citrifolia plant to treat a wide range of ailments. Modern researchers have found evidence supporting many of these uses, according to a 2007 review in the “Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.” The mechanisms underlying the effects of this plant — often called noni — remain unknown. Noni use may cause side effects such as liver damage, so people should speak with a doctor before ingesting it.
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.
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