Nutritional Health Benefits and Novel Food Applications of Morinda citrifolia - A Review

摘要

Morinda citrifolia L (Noni) has been used to cure or prevent varieties of illnesses in Hawaii and Polynesia by traditional medical practitioners. The demand of noni as a dietary supplement, a food functional ingredient, or as a natural health enhanceris increasing worldwide. M. citrifolia contains phytochemicals that own antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, anthelminthic, analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing effects. Also, it has proved beneficial in conditionslike gastritis, skin diseases, respiratory infections, menstrual and urinary tract disorder, fever, diabetes and venereal diseases. M. citrifolia parts including fruits, seeds, barks, leaves and flowers are utilized on their own individual nutrition andtherapeutical values, however, the fruit contains most valuable chemical compounds. This review discusses in details the nutritional health benefits and novel food applications of M. citrifolia.