Evaluation of the Allergenic Potential of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) Leaf

摘要

The allergenic potential of Morinila citrifolia L. (noni) leaf was evaluated in a pepsin resistance assay. Proteins extracted from the leaf were subjected to simulated gastric fluid at various incubation times, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), to determine their resistance to digestion by pepsin. Noni leaf proteins were readily digested at all incubation times. The results indicate noni leaf is not allergenic, as a lack of resistance to pepsin is a common characteristic of non-allergenic proteins. These data corroborate earlier studies of the leaf, demonstrating the potential for safe food use. This assay method may also be a useful tool in evaluating the safety of newly introduced tropical foods.