Scientific basis of Noni Plant (Morinda citrfolia)

The genus Morinda (Rubiaceae) including the species Morinda citrifolia is made up of around 80 species. Morinda citrifolia is commonly known as Indian Mulberry or Noni. The species name indicates the resemblance of the plant foliage to that of some citrus species. The fruit is yellowish white and fleshy, The corolla is white, There are five stamens, scarcely exerted, Leaves are opposite, pinnately veined, and glossy. Noni is naturalized on all of the main Hawaiian islands. It grows where it is relatively dry to moderately wet, from sea level to about 1500 feet elevation. It tolerates soil salinity and brackish irrigation water. Noni is propagated either from seed or stem cuttings. It mainly contains anthraquinones, Irridoids, polysaccharides, glycosides, flavonoids, lignins, coumarins, phytosterols and volatile constituents. M. citrifolia is one of the most important traditional Polynesian medicinal plants and has been heavily promoted for a wide range of uses; from arthritis and burns to circulatory weakness, diabetes, cancer, skin inflammation, and wounds.