A Review on the Ethnomedicinal, Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Importance of ‘Noni’ ( Morinda citrifolia L.)

Morinda citrifolia L. commonly known as ‘Noni’ is native to south-east Asian countries and Australia. It is one of the most important traditional medicinal plants and has been heavily prompted for a wide range of uses. The plant has been used for over 2000 years in Polynesia and was formerly cultivated throughout the greater parts of India and now found only in the wild. All parts of the plant are reported to possess medicinal properties. Noni has attained significant economic importance worldwide in recent years because, a variety of health and cosmetic products are made from leaves and fruits. The market for the products is worldwide with the largest market in North America, Mexico, Asia and Australia. More than 200 entities sell Noni products, which are distributed across the globe and enjoy an enormous market share. The ethnomedicinal, therapeutic and nutraceutical potential of the plant is discussed in the present study.