Noni Benefits and Side Effects: What Does Science Say About Noni Juice?

You may have noticed dark bottles of noni juice at the health food store. The label promises much. It rarely explains much.

Let's keep it simple. Noni juice may assist with joint pain, daily energy and general body strength. But it has some real risks, mostly to the liver and to people with kidney problems. All of this is explained in simple words in this guide. No scientific jargon. There is no confusion.

What Is Noni?

Noni is a fruit. It grows on a small tree which is found throughout the Pacific Islands, parts of Australia, South East Asia and India. It is also known as Indian mulberry in many Indian households.

It's a little weird looking fruit. It begins to turn green. Then it goes pale yellow. When it is quite ripe it is almost white. The rough skin is easy to spot.

It smells pretty pungent. It smells like old cheese, some say. In fact, that is where one of its nicknames originated.

Years of use have been made of almost every part of this tree. Leaves, bark, roots and fruit were all used in the healing arts of old days. Most people buy it today to make juice.

What's Inside the Fruit?

You don't need to be a scientist to get this. What you get mostly from noni juice:

• A fair amount of vitamin C

• Mineral your body needs: Potassium

• Natural plant compounds that give it colour and a sour taste

• Trace amounts of other vitamins

The exact amount differs from brand to brand. A watered-down, sugary bottle is very different from a pure one.

Why People Have Used Noni for So Long

The fruit has been a family staple throughout the Pacific Islands for years. They used it for sore joints, low energy and skin problems.

India also has a long history of noni. Ayurvedic wellness believes this fruit can help digestion and calm what is called vata. Vata is linked to dryness, stiffness, and sore joints in the body.

Old healers seldom used noni alone. They put it in with other herbs. This improved its function and also its drinkability.

What Does Science Say About Noni Juice?

Here is the bare, simple truth.

Many exciting claims about noni are based on laboratory studies. Scientists test the juice on cells in a laboratory, or on animals. That kind of test is useful, but it doesn’t always translate to the same thing happening in a real person.

Even fewer studies have tested noni juice on actual people. The results are more important, and here is what they found:

• Stiff, painful joints were improved in people who drank it every day and moved around for a couple of months.

• Smokers who drank it scored better on blood tests.

• In small trials athletes showed a small increase in endurance.

• Some research suggests it might help gum health a little.

Here is the fair way to look at it. Noni juice is a healthy fruit drink that has shown some early promise. It is not a medicine. It is not a replacement for a doctor.

Noni Juice Benefits People Talk About Most

These are the benefits that people notice the most based on research and everyday use.

1. Joint comfort

This is the main reason why people try noni juice. Many users report less stiff joints that are easier to move around, especially in the morning. It takes time before you see a change. It is not a magic shot.

In old-time recipes, noni was often mixed with a blend of herbs known as Dashmool, which consists of ten different roots. Dashmool has been used for ages to ease stiff joints. A ready-made mix such as Noni Juice combines the two in one bottle. This can be helpful for those who sit at a desk all day or stand for long periods at work.

2. Energy Uniformity

No coffee rush expected. Usually, people report feeling calmer, steadier energy throughout the day, not a sudden burst.

3. Immune system support

The Vitamin C in noni juice helps your body defence system to work the way it should. That’s a small, but real, benefit.

4. Skin support

Noni is found in some creams and oils for the skin. Some drink it, too, hoping for better skin. The proof is still scarce here so keep your hopes realistic. If you are going to use it directly, always test a small spot of skin first.

5. Improved digestion

Used to drink noni for slow digestion in the old days. Many users today say they feel lighter after eating.

6. Support from the general body

Noni, like many vibrant fruits, contains organic plant ingredients that protect the body from normal consumption. This could be the cause of a number of its additional advantages.

Noni Juice Side Effects You Should Know

The majority of blogs omit this section. However, it is equally important as the advantages.

Liver concerns

Over the years, a few medical papers have mentioned liver issues in individuals who drank noni juice continuously for weeks or months. These instances are uncommon. Sometimes, doctors couldn't be certain that noni was the true culprit.

This was thoroughly examined by European health specialists. A healthy person is unlikely to be harmed by regular doses, they claimed. However, they added that some people can still be more sensitive than others.

What this implies for you:

• Don't drink it non-stop for months without a break.

• If you have liver trouble, skip it altogether.

• See a doctor immediately if your skin or eyes turn yellow, your urine becomes dark, you become extremely tired, or you have pain on your right side under the ribs.

Excess potassium

Noni juice is a rich source of potassium. That's fine for most healthy people. But if your kidneys don’t work well, too much potassium can build up in your blood. This could be risky, so if you have kidney problems, check with a doctor.

Stomach upset

Some people may experience loose motions, stomach cramps or a mild upset feeling. This usually occurs if someone has too much juice too fast.

The strong flavour

This is not a health risk but it is the number one reason people stop taking noni juice. It tastes bitter and sharp, and the smell is something you have to get used to.

Who Should Not Drink Noni Juice?

Skip noni juice, or check with a doctor first, if you are:

• A person who has kidney disease or a lot of potassium

• Anyone with liver trouble

• Pregnant and breastfeeding

• Next two weeks surgical procedures

• A child, unless your paediatrician says otherwise

Medicines That Don't Mix Well With Noni

If you take any medicine daily, ask your doctor before you start noni juice. It only takes a minute and keeps you safe.

How Much Noni Juice Should You Drink?

Most research on people used doses of about 30 ml to 120 ml per day, for periods of up to three months at a time. This is a safe range to aim for.

Here is a simple plan to follow:

• Week one. Start small, 15 ml to 20 ml once daily.

• Week two and beyond. If your stomach feels fine, increase to 30 ml.

• Best time. Take it in the morning, half an hour before breakfast.

• Take breaks. Take it for 8-12 weeks, then take a 2 week break.

• Mix it if necessary. If the flavour is too intense, add water or a mild juice.

Noni is also available as capsules or powder. These are easier to take but most of the research has been done on the juice form.

How to Pick a Good Bottle

Not all noni juice is created equal. Some brands are way better than others. What to look for before you buy:

• Amount of fruit. The more real fruit, the better, stronger the product.

• Sugars, added. Look at the label, not just the front of the bottle. Some versions are packed with hidden sugar.

• Less added ingredients. A short list of ingredients is typically a good sign.

• How it is made. Good noni juice is often traditionally made by allowing the ripe fruit to sit and ferment naturally.

• Lab test. Test results from trusted Ayurvedic wellness brands show the juice is clean and safe.

• Licensing appropriate. In India, look for the AYUSH licence and FSSAI number on the label.

Another hint. If a bottle claims to cure a disease, return it to the shelf. A promise like that is a warning. Not a good one.

Tips to Make It Easier to Drink

It's the taste that keeps more people from coming than anything else. Some simple tips are:

• Combine 30 ml with a glass of water or coconut water.

• Add a little squeeze of lemon to cut through the bitterness.

• Serve it cold, never at room temperature.

• Have a glass of plain water to drink afterward.

• And if you really can't take it plain, then mix it up into a fruit smoothie.

In about a week’s time. After people get used to it, they don’t notice the strong taste.

Noni Juice Compared With Other Popular Juices

Noni is one of the strongest tasting of those on this list. Which is exactly why the blended versions have become so popular.

Noni Juice: Smart & Safe Use 

Noni juice is not magic and it is not dangerous either. It is a fruit drink with some real, promising benefits for most healthy people.

If you have stiff joints, low energy or simply want something healthy in your morning routine, a small daily dose can fit nicely into an Ayurvedic wellness routine. Start small. Stick with safe amounts. Take time out. Tell your doctor what you are trying to do.

If you have kidney or liver problems or take regular medicines, it is best to avoid noni juice or check with your doctor first.

Smart use of noni juice can be a simple and healthy addition to your day.