Noni and Research, What are the Safety Issues

The first form of Noni that was introduced to the market was the pill format using powder from the pulp. The first juice was introduced in 1995 by Hawaiian Herbal Blessings.

Tahitian Noni International purchased noni from Polynesia for the purposed of manufacturing pills, juice and products containing noni for personal care.

The number of companies formed to specifically create and market noni products has increased. There are now 300 companies that specialize in noni products. The product usage has increased to estimated annual sales of two billion dollars. Raw materials are imported from Polynesia to manufacture Noni products in the US.

FDA warnings regarding Noni

Research has not proven beyond doubt the benefits of Noni products. Therefore, a warning was issued to Flora, Inc by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The company was accused of making claims related to the benefits of Noni juice for medicinal purposes. The juice was evaluated as a drug that required clinical research and proof of benefits in people.

Flora, Inc was also accused of claiming benefits of noni when research has not been performed to prove the noni phytochemicals are beneficial to the biology of humans. The claims made were lacking in scientific evidence.

Researchers have not provided scientific evidence that would allow noni to be used as medicine or for therapy to heal diseases and disorders. Manufacturers of noni products must apply to the Commission for Health and Consumer Protection Directorate to have the food product included for approval.

Health and medical issues of Noni

Popular publication reported noni caused cases of hepatitis when it was ingested. Research claimed that the leaves an roots of the noni plant can be toxic and another study claimed that noni juice was responsible for the hepatitis outbreak.

Another study that was conducted proved these claims to be incorrect. The study concluded that no liver damange is possible even when high doses are ingested. A level of anthraquinones was very low. The anthraquinone level was not high enough to prove toxic and damage the liver.

The European Food Safety Authority performed an investigation into the hepatitis cases and concluded that hepatitis and noni fruit ingestion are not linked. Toxic allergic reactions to noni are still being reached by government clinical entities. Reviews of toxicity have been published in several countries including France, Ireland and Finland.

There is a commercial noni juice that has been declared to have no side effects. Read the label before purchasing noni juice. It is important to keep this juice away from children as over dosage is possible. Noni juice may not be suitable for pregnant women, so for health safety reasons, read the labels carefully.

Noni has created much interest from scientists and clinical researchers. Many studies are being conducted to gather solid evidence to prove the benefits of noni juice and other noni products.

The medicinal purposes of noni are still under research, more information is discovered on a regular basis. Always use precautions when using noni or its derivative products.