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 Note
from Larry Pope about our
Noni Juice. Several years ago I was hearing wonderful
stories about a doctor who was taking on the worst of terminal cancer victims
and sending most of them home well. Part of his method was one quart of another
Noni drink daily at
first: but I hated that product because it was adulterated with fruit juices and
watered down. I searched until I found pure
Noni fermented a full
3 to 5 weeks and nothing added. Here it is and at a price that’s affordable.
Enjoy it!
We all want to know how to: (1) prevent the onset of age related diseases like
arthritis, heart disease, cancer & strokes, (2) boost our immune systems to
protect against bacteria, viruses, cancer, etc., (3) better digest food for good
assimilation, and (4) reduce cancer risk.
Noni has the
potential to give us this kind of help and protection.
HAWAIIAN NONI
(Morinda Citrifolia)
In a time when we are more concerned than ever with issues of health,
NONI, a tried and true tropical herb needs to be added to our list of the best
natural remedies. Its usage over hundreds of years supports its description as
possessing a veritable panacea of therapeutic actions.
Noni’s emergence as
an effective natural healing agent is a timely one; herbs like noni are in high
demand for their natural pharmaceutical properties in a time when cancer rates
are soaring, degenerative diseases are widespread, and bacteria and viral
strains are increasingly resistant to contemporary treatments. Unquestionably,
all of us want to know how to:
Protect ourselves from toxins and pollutants
Prevent the premature onset of age-related diseases such as arthritis, heart
disease, diabetes and stroke.
Boost our immune defenses to protect from new viral and bacterial strains
that have become antibiotic-resistant
Reduce our risk of developing cancer
Better digest our food for proper assimilation
Noni
has the potential to boost the immune system, inhibit tumor growth, normalize
physiological functions on a cellular level, and stimulate cell regeneration.
Noni appears
to have the ability to augment immune defenses, fight pain, reduce inflammation,
and purge the intestinal system without the dangerous side effects of harsh
drugs. Its impressive and widespread use among various native cultures
of tropical island regions supports the theory that it possesses valuable,
therapeutic compounds.
Noni can be
considered an antibacterial, analgesic, anticongestive, antioxidant,
anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, emollient, emmenagogue, laxative,
sedative, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), blood purifier, and tonic.
Noni has various
chemical constituents. First, it has an impressive array of terpene compounds,
three of which---L. Asperuloside, acubin, and glucose---have
been identified by their acetyl derivatives. Both caprioc and caprylic acids
have been isolated. Second, bushfruits, a category of which noni fruit is a
member, are also considered a good source of vitamin C. Third, Hawaiian noni has
been linked to the synthesis of xeronine in the body which has significant and
widespread health implications. Last, the alkaloid content of the noni fruit is
thought to be responsible for its therapeutic actions. Alkaloids exhibit a wide
range of pharmacological and biological activities in the human body. They are
nitrogen-containing organic compounds that react with acids to form salts, which
are the basis of many medicines. Finally, the ezymatic actions of noni make it
valuable as a health promoter in cells. The following is an in-depth chemical
analysis of the Noni
fruit:
antioxidant
alizarin
anthraquinones
caproic and caprylic acids
essential oil
B-D glucopyranose pentaacetate
asperuloside tetra acetate
glucose
ascorbic acid (The high ascorbic acid [vitamin C] content of this bushfruit
makes it a valuable food source.)
Dr. Ralph Heinicke of the University of Hawaii discovered an
alkaloid in the Hawaiin noni fruit which he calls proxeronine. Heinicke
believes proxeronine has appreciable physiological benefits by acting
as a precursor to xeronine, a very crucial compound. In addition, a compound
found in the fruit called damnacanthol is believed to help inhibit certain
viruses and cellular mutations involved in cancer.
PHARMOCOLOGY
Recent surveys have suggested that noni fruit exerts
antibiotic action. In fact, a variety of compounds which have antibacterial
properties (such as aucubin) have been identified in the fruit. The 6-D
glucopyranose pentaacetate of the fruit extract is not considered bacteriostatic.
Constituents found in the fruit portion have exhibited antimicrobial action
against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi (and other types),
Shigella paradysenteriae, and Staphylococcus auraus. Compounds
found in the root have the ability to reduce swollen mucous membrane and lower
blood pressure in animal studies.
Proxeronine is an alkoloid constituent found in Hawaiin noni fruit that prompts
the production of xeronine in the body. Dr. Heinicke, who discovered proxeronine,
theorized that this proenzyme can be effective in initiating a series of
beneficial cellular reactions through its involvement with the integrity of
specific proteins. He points out that tissues contain cells which possess
certain receptor sites for xeronine. Because the reactions that can occur are so
varied, different therapeutic actions can result when xeronine production
escalates, explaining why Hawaiian noni is good for many seemingly unrelated
disorders.
Damnacanthol is another compound contained in the fruit of the Hawaiian noni
plant which has shown the ability to block or inhibit the cellular function of
RAS cells, widely considered to be pre-cancerous cells.
BODY SYSTEMS TARGETED
Circulatory, digestive The following body systems have all been effectively
influenced by Noni,
respiratory, integumentary (skin) endocrine, immune, nervous, and skeletal.
SUGGESTED USES
Ideally, noni extracts should be taken on an empty stomach prior to meals. The
process of digesting food can interfere with the medicinal value of the alkaloid
compounds found in Hawaiian noni, especially in its fruit. Apparantly, stomach
acids and enzymes destroy the specific enzyme that frees up the xeronine
compound. Using supplements that have been made from the semi-ripe or
light-green fruit is also considered preferable to the ripe, whitish fruit.
A TIMELY RE-EMERGENCE
Today, the natural pharmaceutical actions of the chemical constituents contained
in noni are scientifically emerging as valuable botanical medicines. Tahitian "nono"
intrigued medical practitioners decades ago. However, due to the eventual
emergence of synthetic drugs, interest in this island botanical diminished until
recent years. Ethnobotanists are once again rediscovering why Hawaiian people
have treasured and cultivated Morinda citrifolia for generations.
Noni is now finding
its way into Western therapeutics and is referred to as "the queen" of the genus
Rubiaceae. Its ability to reduce joint inflammation and target the immune system
have made it the focus of the modern scientific inquiry.
Studies investigating noni as an anticancer agent have been encouraging. Its
conspicuous attributes and varied uses have elevated its status to one of the
best of the healing herbs. Today Morinda citrifolia is available in liquid,
juice, freeze-dried capsules, or oil forms, and is considered one of nature’s
most precious botanicals.
XERONINE
"I have devoted my life to the study of "Xeronine." I am convince of
Xeronine’s tremendous benefits to the body, Dr. Ralph Heinicke, Ph.D.
Dr. Ralph Heinicke, a biochemist, discovered an alkaloid he named
Xeronine while studying pineapple enzymes. He discovered that
Xeronine is produced in the large intestine from key building blocks
called Proxeronine – the precursor to Xeronine – and
Proxeronase, the enzyme catalyst required for the chemical reaction
that makes Xeronine. Dr. Heinicke searched for a reliable,
abundant source of Proxeronin and Proxeronase. He found that the
Noni fruit is the
most abundant and reliable source of Proxeronine and
Proxeronase. Dr. Heinicke, a biochemist, has researched the active
compounds of noni fruit for a number of years. He discovered that the Hawaiian
noni fruit contains an alkaloid precurser to a very vital compound called
xeronine. Without xeronine, life would cease.
In Dr. Heinicke’s view, noni fruit provides a safe and effective way to increase
xeronine levels in the body, profoundly affecting cell health and protection.
His research shows that the juice from the Morinda citrifolia fruit
contains proxeronine, a precursor of the crucial compound xeronine. Proxeronine
initiates the release of xeronine in the intestinal tract after it comes in
contact with a specific enzyme which is also contained in the fruit. This
particular chemical combination is believed to significantly affect cellular
function for the positive.
PROTEIN REGULATOR
Dr. Heinicke’s research is based on the premise that one of the primary
functions of xeronine is to regulate the shape and integrity of specific
proteins. Because proteins and enzymes have so many varied roles within cell
processes, the normalization of these proteins with noni supplementation could
initiate a very wide variety of body responses and treat many disease
conditions. Proteins are the most important catalysts found in the body. The
beauty of obtaining a precursor to xeronine from the noni fruit is that the body
naturally decides how much of this precursor to convert to xeronine. Disease,
stress, anger, trauma and injury can lower xeronine levels in the body, thus
creating a xeronine deficit. Supplementing the body with noni fruit is
considered an excellent way to safely and naturally raise xeronine levels. It is
the research and theories of Dr. Heinicke which have made the juice of the
Hawaiian noni fruit a viable medicinal substance. He writes: Xeronine
is an alkaloid, a substance the body produces in order to activate enzymes so
they can function properly. It also energizes and regulates the body. This
particular alkaloid has never been found because the body makes it, immediately
uses it, and then breaks it down. At no time is there an appreciable, isolable
amount in the blood. But xeronine is so basic to the functioning of proteins, we
would die without it. Its absence can cause many kinds of illness.
Because so many diseases result from an enzyme malfunction, Dr. Heinicke
believes that using the noni fruit can result in an impressive array of curative
applications. Interestingly, he believes that we manufacture proxeronine while
we are sleeping. He proposes that if we could constantly supply our bodies with
proxeronine from other sources, our need to sleep would diminish.
NONI PROCESSING
How an herb is processed is crucial to how beneficial it is. This is especially
true of Noni, with
its unique enzymes and alkaloids. Morinda citrifolia should be picked
when the fruit is turning from its dark green immature color to its lighter
green color, and certainly before it ripens to its white, almost translucent
color. Once picked, noni, like aloe, will denature extremely quickly due to its
very active enzymes. After harvesting, it should swiftly be flash frozen. This
is similar to what is done to fish caught at sea to keep them fresh. This stops
it from losing its potency while not damaging any of its constituents.
The best supplementation of noni is a freeze-dried, powdered form. The freeze-
drying process removes only the water without damaging any of this plant’s vital
enzymes and other phytonutrients like xeronine and proxeronine. This pure
high-quality noni fruit juice powder is a ten to one extract or concentrate
using ten pounds of whole noni fruit to produce one pound of freeze-dried
powder. This powder is then encapsulated (it is fruit juice without water!) This
is important because typical noni fruit juices are 88 percent or more water;
therefore you must literally drink gallons of juice to get the same benefits as
the freeze-dried form. Most noni juices available on the market are commercially
processed and have water, fruit juices and preservatives added to them.
Traditionally noni juice has a very harsh taste and an extremely foul smell,
similar to the fruit itself.
Other methods of processing include thermal processing, dehydration and air
drying. Thermal processingis generally found in liquids, while the dehydrated
noni is then milled and encapsulated. Unfortunately both methods utilize high
heat (110o F+), which can deactivate many of the vital compounds that make noni
so important. Air drying is effective without using damaging heat but has
quality control problems for commercial production.
MODERN APPLICATIONS OF NONI
Noni possesses a wide
variety of medicinal properties which originate from its differing plant
components. The fruit and leaves of the shrub exert antibacterial activities.
Its roots promote the expulsion of mucus and the shrinkage of swollen membranes
making it an ideal therapeutic for nasal congestion, lung infections, and
hemmoroids. Noni root
compounds have also shown natural sedative properties as well as the ability to
lower blood pressure, Leaf extracts are able to inhibit the formation of blood
clots. Noni is
particularly useful for its ability to treat painful joint conditions and to
resolve skin inflammations. Many people take noni fruit extracts for
hypertension, painful menstruation, arthritis, gastric ulcers, diabetes, and
depression. Recent studies suggest that its anticancer activity should also be
considered. Concerning the therapeutic potential of the Hawaiian noni fruit, Dr.
Heinicke writes: I have seen the compound found in noni work wonders.
When I was still investigating its possibilities, I had a friend who was a
medical research scientist administer the proxeronine to a woman who had been
comatose for three months. Two hours after receiving the compound, she sat up in
bed and asked where she was….Noni
is probably the best source of proxeronine that we have today.
Studies and surveys combine to support the ability of noni to act as an
immunostimulant, inhibit the growth of certain tumors, enhance and normalize
cellular function and boost tissue regeneration. It is considered a powerful
blood purifier and contributor to overall homeostasis.
NONI JUICE: MOLECULAR MIRACLE?
Dr. Heinicke also believes that the compounds specific to noni fruit juice work
to actually repair damaged cells on a moleculal level. The proxeronine content
of noni boosts the body’s production of xeronine, which appears to be able to
regulate the shape and integrity of certain proteins that individually
contribute to specific cellular activities.
Some practitioners believe that xeronine is best obtained from a noni fruit
juice precursor compound.. The enzymatic reactions that occur with taking the
juice on an empty stomach are what Dr. Heinicke believes set cellular repair
into motion.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
The alkaloid and other chemical compounds found in noni have proven themselves
to effectively control or kill over six types of infectious bacterial strains,
including Escherichia coli, salmonella typhi, (and other types)
shigella paradysenteriae, and staphylococcus aureaus. In addition
damnacanthol was able to inhibit the early antigen stage of the Epstein-Barr
virus.
The bioactive components of the whole plant, combined or in separate portions,
have demonstrated the ability to inhibit several different strains of bacteria.
Anecdotal reports support this action in that noni seems particularly effective
in shortening the duration of certain types of infection. This may explain why
noni is commonly used to treat colds and flu.
The chemical constituents found in noni and the possibility that they stimulate
xeronine production—as well as initiate alkaloid therapy – may explain noni’s
reputation for having immuno-stimulatory properties. Alkaloids have been able to
boost phagocytosis which is the process in which certain white blood cells
called macrophages attack and literally digest infectious organisms.
Interestingly, the anti tumor action of noni has been ascribed to an immune
system response which involves stimulating T-cells.
NUTRITIVE BOOSTER
More and more research suggests that because M. citrifolia compounds
enable the immune system to function more effectively, taking the herb in
concentrated forms may significantly boost health and performance. These
compounds appear to have the ability to increase the absorption, assimilation
and utilization of vitamins and minerals. The presence of proxeronine in noni
initiates a rise of xeronine in the intestinal tract which enables the walls of
the intestines to more efficiently absorb various nutrients, especially amino
acids. Vitamins act synergistically with xeronine to nourish all body systems.
In addition, leaf extracts of the plant have a significant amount of protein and
the fruit contains a substancial ascorbic acid content. M citrifolia
has been considered a food staple in Polynesia for centuries. Apparantly, even
soldiers stationed in tropical regions during World War II learned of the
fruit’s ability to boost endurance and stamina. Native cultures in Samoa,
Tahiti, Raratonga, and Australia used the fruit in cooked and raw forms. M
citrifolia is considered a tonic and is especially recommended for
debilitated conditions.
ANTIOXIDANT
The process of aging bombards the body with free radicals which can cause all
kinds of degenerative diseases. The xeronine theory promoted by Dr. Heinicke
submits that as our bodies age, we lose our ability to synthesize xeronine. To
make matters worse, the presence of mant environmental toxins actually blocks
the production of xeronine. Heinicke believes that the proxeronine content of
Hawaiian noni fruit juice can help to block these actions, working as an
antiaging compound.
The phytonutrients found in noni assist in promoting cell nourishment and
protection from free radicals created by exposure to pollution and other
potentially damaging agents. In addition, Morinda citrifolia contains
selenium, one of the best antioxidant compounds available.
DIABETES
While scientific studies are lacking in this particualar application of noni,
Hawaiians used various parts of the plant and its fruit to treat blood sugar
disorders. Anecdotal surveys have found that noni is currently recommended for
anyone with diabetes.
PAIN KILLER
A 1990 study found that extracts derived from the Morinda citrifolia
root have the ability to kill pain in animal experiments. Interestingly, it was
during this study that the natural sedative action of the root was also noted.
This study involved a French team of scientists who noted a significant central
analgesic activity in laboratory mice. Dr. Heinicke has stated, "Xeronine also
acts as a pain reliever. A man with very advanced intestinal cancer was given
three months to live. He began taking the proxeronine and lived for a whole
year, pain-free."
SKIN HEALING AGENT
One of the most prevalent historical uses of noni was in poultice form for cuts,
wounds, abrasions, burns and bruises. Using its fruit extract for very serious
burns has resulted in some extraordinary healing. Because skin is comprised of
protein, it immediately responds to the presence of xeronine. When the skin is
broken of traumatized, proxeronine enters the afftected region from surrounding
areas, and xeronine synthesis subsequently rises, enhancing healing and tissue
regeneration. Burns are especially vulnerable to this biochemical process.
Consequently, boosting xeronine production within a burn site through the direct
application of a noni poulticeis considered quite effective by Dr. Heinicke and
his colleagues, who have studied enzymatic therapy. Concerning burns, he has
written: I believe that each tissue has cells which contain
proteins which have receptor sites for the absorption of xeronine. Certain of
these proteins are the inert forms of enzymes which require absorbed xeronine to
become active, This xeronine, by converting the body’s procollangenase system
into a specific protease, quickly and safely removes the dead tissue from burns.
CONCLUSION
There is no question that the very extensive geographical dispersal and
widespread use of Morinda citrifolia in tropical regions attests to its
credibility as a valuable herbal medicine. While more scientific study on its
biochemical attributes is warranted, what has already emerged provides
substantial validation of its medicinal worth. The enzymatic theories of Dr.
Heinicke do warrant further study, but his research and experience have already
elevated the status of the Hawaiian noni plant to that of a remarkable healing
resource. What the peoples of the South Pacific have known and practiced for
generations should be incorporated into our modern day search for disease
eradication, and health promotion. |
