Abstract
Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has exhibited a variety of biological activities in human clinical trials, indicating that it influences multiple systems of the body. Since the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found to modulate the activity of other organ systems. To investigate noni’s potential impact on the ECS, extracts from freeze-dried noni fruit were evaluated in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibition assays. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the greatest activity against both enzymes. Lignans in this extract also inhibited enzyme activities, with americanin A being the most active in both assays. Americanoic acid and 3,3’-bisdemethylpinoresinol were the next most active compounds. These results suggest that lignans in noni fruit may influence endocannabinoid levels within the body via FAAH and MAGL inhibition. This reveals another set of probable mechanisms of action by which noni juice affects human health.
Highlights
Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni, is a small to medium sized tree that grows throughout the tropics
We previously reported that noni juice exhibits cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) receptor agonist activity, indicating that some phytochemical constituents of noni fruit may exert an influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) via CB2 receptor binding [14]
We discovered that processed noni fruit juice inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in vitro [15]
Summary
Commonly known as noni, is a small to medium sized tree that grows throughout the tropics This tree produces fruit year-round, which has a history of use as both food and medicine [1]. Various parts of the plant were thought to be useful for a broad range of health conditions [4] [5] [6] This perception appears to be supported by the results of human clinicals trials, especially those involving noni fruit juice. The wide array of noni juice health effects suggests that it interacts with multiple systems within the body, including the ECS.
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