The fruit of Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni, has an extensive history of use as a food and medicine throughout the tropics. Among its many uses, noni was believed to promote skin health. In vivo wound healing studies reveal that noni fruit juice ingestion increases collagen production and deposition via increased expression of extracellular matrix protein genes. Noni juice also appears to promote fibroblast proliferation. In vitro studies indicate that noni juice also protects fibroblasts via activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and protects extracellular matrix collagen by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases. In vitro and in vivo study findings are corroborated by a clinical trial where hospitalization times were reduced, and wound granulation quality was improved in pediatric burn patients. The findings of other human studies also indicate that noni juice has the potential to protect skin collagen. These include reduced plasma reactive oxygen species in cigarette smokers, lowered skin glycation levels in overweight and obese adults, as well as reduced skin glycation levels among noni juice consumers within the general population. These in vitro, in vivo and human studies reveal that there are multiple mechanisms of action through which noni juice promotes collagen synthesis and inhibits collagen degradation. The procollagen properties of noni juice aid wound healing, increase skin elasticity, and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
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