The effects of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) on the immune system: its molecular mechanisms of action

J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Feb 12;115(3):502-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.10.023. Epub 2007 Oct 24.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in the immunomodulatory effects of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) in vitro and in vivo in mice. In vitro, Tahitian Noni Juice (TNJ) and Noni fruit juice concentrates (NFJC) (1, 5mg/mL) potently activate cannabinoid 2 (CB2), but inhibit cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in a concentration-dependant manner. In vivo, oral administration of TNJ ad libitum for 16 days decreased the production of IL-4, but increased the production of IFN-gamma. These results suggest that noni modulates the immune system via activating of the CB2 receptors, and suppressing of the IL-4, but increasing the production of IFN-gamma cytokines. It may also exert beneficial immunomodulation effects in conditions involving inadequate immune responses.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Beverages
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Fruit
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Immune System / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interferon-gamma / drug effects
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Morinda / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / drug effects
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma