Noni Juice / Research
Health and research issues
In 2005, two scientific publications 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[7][8], while the other named juice as the delivery method.[9]
This was, however, followed by a publication[10] showing that 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.[11].
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.[12] The potential for toxicity caused by noni juices remains under surveillance by EFSA, individual food safety authorities in France[13], Finland[14] and Ireland[15], and medical investigators in Germany[16]. A review of toxicity tests and the safety issues surrounding noni juice has been published.[17]
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.[18]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[citation needed]. 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.[19] Of related significance is a report showing high variability in mineral contents between various brands of noni juice.[20]
Athletes intending to use noni juice to supplement their diet should be aware that two brands of noni juice are listed on ConsumerLab.com's "Athletic Banned Substance Screening Program" as having been screened for substances on the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited