Effects of short-term consumption of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice on mice intestine, liver and kidney immune modulation

Abstract

ABSTRACTMorinda citrifolia L. (noni) has been indicated to treat a variety of disorders; however, important aspects surrounding the consumption of products derived from noni still require clarification. We investigated the immune-related effects produced by the consumption of noni fruit juice by C57BL/6 mice. In the intestine, IL-4 and IL-10 levels were reduced following consumption of the fruit juice at a 1:100 dilution. However, when the highest concentrations were administered, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12 levels increased in this organ. Similarly, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-4, IL-23 and IL-10 levels increased in the liver. In the kidney, IL-12 production decreased following consumption of the juice at a 1:100 dilution. In the intestine, only a mild edema was observed followed by the consumption of noni fruit juice at the highest concentrations. Overall, noni fruit juice consumption did not cause any significant disturbances in liver or kidney outside of immune modulation.