Tahitian Noni Juice Research
In 2005, two scientific publications of Tahitian Noni Juice Research described
incidents of acute hepatitis caused by ingesting noni. One study suggested the toxin to be anthraquinones, found in
roots, leaves and fruit of the noni, while the other named juice as the delivery method. Free
This was, however, followed by a publication showing that Polynesian noni juice 1) was not toxic to
the liver even when consumed in high doses, and 2) contained low quantities of anthraquinones which are potentially
toxic to liver tissue.
Tahitian Noni Juice Research
The case reports of hepatitis were reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), wherein it was
concluded that no causal link could be established. The potential for toxicity caused by noni juices remains under
surveillance by EFSA, individual food safety authorities in France, Finland and Ireland, and medical investigators
in Germany. A review of toxicity tests and the safety issues surrounding noni juice has been published.
The Physicians Desk Reference ("PDR") for Non-Prescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements lists only one
particular commercial brand of noni juice, with no side effects mentioned. Consumers of noni juice are advised to
carefully check labels for warnings, which may say, "Not safe for pregnant women" or "Keep out of reach of
children."
Some commercial brands of noni juice may be high in potassium. While potassium is a valuable nutrient in a
normal diet, persons with advanced kidney disease cannot excrete it properly and should avoid noni
juice, which has been known to cause hyperkalemia. Of related significance is a report showing high variability in
mineral contents between various brands of noni juice.
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