Weird-looking Fruit, Sorta Funky Taste, But Hey, It's Supposed to be Good For You!
Morinda citrifolia--the name of the tree that stood outside the Science Building entrance at the University of Guam. During the fruit season, the fruits would ripen and fall onto the sidewalk, resulting in a sort of stinky, slimey mess on the walkway. We'd have to tip-toe through the mess on the sidewalk and up the stairs to make our way into the Science Building. As for the fruits on the walkway? Even the ants didn't seem to like the mess.
The reason why I knew the name of this thing was that I was a biology major (and chemistry minor) on Guam--after I had taken botany and island phytobiogeography as part of my coursework, I became familiar with the plants in my surroundings there. Yet, although I knew the plant's name, I didn't realize or know the medicinal properties of the plant and its fruit. I only knew that when the fruits ripened and fell on the sidewalk and entryway of the Science Building, that the resulting mess was stinky, sticky, and attracted bugs.
It was only later, when I was vacationing in Hawaii that I saw bottles of the juice of this fruit for sale in the local stores. After talking with the storekeepers, I learned about the medicinal and healthful properties of the fruit.
Now, after having had some attacks of Gout (Hyperuricemia), I've been learning about the vitamins and healthful foods that I must eat to keep the attacks away and to encourage health. And, I've learned a bit more about Morinda citrifolia--Noni. So, I'm passing on what I've learned to you--I hope this lens will be helpful for understanding more about the chemistry and health benefits of this interesting tropical plant.
Vote for Your Favorite Noni Reference!
Simply Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) Ancient Health Miracle for Modern Times by Tonita d'Raye
Foreword by Dr. Ralph Heinicke, the world's leadin more...0 points
The Noni Phenomenon by Neil Solomon
Cancer, arthritis, high blood pressure, chronic pa more...0 points
The Noni Revolution: Today's Tropical Wonder That Can Battle Disease, Boost Energy and Revitalize Your Health by Rita Elkins
Just a few short years ago, very few people had ev more...0 points
Noni: Nature's Amazing Healer by Neil Solomon
High blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, chronic pa more...0 points
Morinda Citrifolia - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References by ICON Health Publications
This is a 3-in-1 reference book. It gives a comple more...0 points
Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) - A Gift from Paradise by Rainer W. Bussmann
Noni, Morinda citrifolia, is undoubtedly one of th more...0 points
Biochemical Properties of Morinda Citrifolia
Okay... it's a tropical fruit. Like most fruits, it's high in certain sugars and starches and cellulose (all are different forms of carbohydrates). The fruit also contains enzymes--some of which are proteolytic, which means that the enzymes can break down proteins.
The fruit is high in anti-oxidants and also contains bioflavinoids. These two chemical types are useful in fighting various forms of cancer and for keeping metabolic functions working.
But with all this *stuff* in the fruit, there's a good chance that you can get similar healthy effects from bananas, mangos, papayas, pineapples, apples, and cherries.
The Tree? More Description-- The Noni (or "Indian Mulberry") is a small evergreen tree with large shiny dark green leaves. It's a native of Asia, Australia, Guam, Fiji, and other islands in the Pacific.
It has small white flowers that form in clusters, which result in the oblong, fleshy fruit that are light green when young and turn white when ripe.
Ancient Polynesians are reputed to have transported the plants to Tahiti and Hawaii--because they valued the plant for its many properties. The bark produces a red dye, the roots produce a yellow dye, and the leaves, fruit, and bark are used in traditional medicines.
In Tongan myth, Maui was restored to life by the leaves of the "Nonu" placed upon his body.
Don't Spill Noni on Your Shirt-- Wear Noni on Your Shirt!
I Love My Noni Infant/Toddler T-Shirt
Get a custom t-shirt, bib or other fun gift today. Who do you love?
Close-Up of the Fruit and Leaves of the Morinda citrifolia ("Noni") Tree
Noni by the Bay.... eBay, that is.... Morinda citrifolia
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Become Well Noni! Drop a Notie Here!
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Reply
- NAIZA NAIZA Jan 26, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
- I've never seen Morinda fruit in here.. I don't know. Maybe in other provincial parts of the Philippines. I learned something new today.
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Reply
- naturegirl7 naturegirl7 Dec 7, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
- Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
by EditorDave
Living on Guam is what now "defines" me. It was such a dramatic difference in my life and outlook on things that there's no way I'd be the same...
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