Efeitos terapêuticos e adversos do noni (Morinda Citrifolia L.) na saúde

Abstract

Objective: To present and discuss the scientific evidence on the therapeutic and adverse effects of Noni on health. Methods: The electronic scientific bases MedLine, PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo were used, using the descriptors and their combinations: Noni, Morinda citrifolia L., Medicinal Plants, Toxicity, Pharmacological actions. Systematic reviews and experimental studies of relevance were used in order to clarify the potential of therapeutic actions of the plant and its harmfulness. Results:The Noni has been tested mainly for antioxidants, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and antidyslipidemic purposes. However, well-designed studies that demonstrate its therapeutic efficacy and assess itstoxicity are scarce and still controversial. Most of the work was performed using in vitro techniques or in animal models, which may not fully reflect its action in humans. Conclusion: Although the pharmaceutical industry is developing new drugs from Nonicompounds alone, its traditional use as a medicinal plant should be further investigated, as there are reports of adverse effects in humans.