Noni (Morinda citrifolia): Uses, Evidence and Safety

Noni juice has been linked to liver injury. NCCIH says several cases of liver toxicity were reported in people who had consumed noni juice or tea for several weeks, though it is unclear whether noni caused them. [1] One case needed a liver transplant. [2] If you suspect liver trouble, see a clinician promptly. See liver safety.

What noni is

Noni is Morinda citrifolia, a small evergreen tree found in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia and India. [1] GBIF lists it as an accepted species in the Rubiaceae family. [3] The roots, stem, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit have all been used medicinally; [1] fresh or fermented juices are sold as drinks and capsules, pills and powders as supplements. [4] Do not confuse it with Morinda officinalis, used in Chinese medicine. [4]

Traditional use (not proof)

Traditionally, noni has been used for the common cold, bacterial infections, fevers and gastrointestinal problems. [1] The juice has been used in Polynesian cultures, including as an anticancer agent, a use for which clinical proof is lacking. [4] Today it is promoted for immune health, digestion, energy and aging skin, which are marketing claims. [1]

What research shows

NCCIH says only a very small number of studies have looked at noni in people. In laboratory research it showed antioxidant, immune-modulating, antimicrobial, antifungal and tumor-fighting properties. However, noni has not been shown to have beneficial effects on any health condition in studies of people. [1]

Proper evidence not found: we did not find high-quality human trials showing noni treats any disease. We searched NCCIH, the MSK herb database and PubMed.

Safety

• Liver: A 29-year-old man developed sub-acute hepatic failure after consuming 1.5 L of noni juice over 3 weeks and needed a liver transplant; a 62-year-old woman recovered after stopping. The authors suspected anthraquinones, which is a suspicion, not proof. [2] A case in a 14-year-old boy has also been reported. [5] A 56-year-old woman needed a transplant after noni and other products; the combination was suggested as the cause. [4]
• Kidney disease and potassium: Noni contains a substantial amount of potassium. People with kidney disease or on a potassium-restricted diet should consult a health care provider first. [1] A hyperkalemia (high potassium) case followed noni juice. [4] See herbs and kidney disease and potassium.
• Medicines: It may be unsafe with medicines that increase potassium, decrease blood pressure or harm the liver. [1] Reports include reduced warfarin effect in a 41-year-old woman and subtherapeutic phenytoin levels; noni may add to ACE inhibitors and some diuretics. [4] Antioxidant effects might reduce some chemotherapy, with unknown relevance. [4] See how interactions work.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Little is known. [1] See pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Extracts and skin: NCCIH says there is not enough reliable information to know whether noni fruit extract is safe. [1]
• Children, older adults, surgery: a 14-year-old boy had liver injury after noni juice [5]; ask a clinician before any use and tell surgical teams. See supplements before surgery.

Official statements

NCCIH (US, 2025) says noni juice might be safe for up to 3 months, but lists the liver and potassium cautions above. [1] It notes that unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA before sale. [1] We could not read EFSA or EU texts, so we make no EU statement.

Related pages

Herb safety essentials, herb quality and goji.