Liver protective effects of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2008 Jun;63(2):59-63. doi: 10.1007/s11130-008-0070-3. Epub 2008 Mar 4.

Abstract

This study evaluated the protective effects of Noni fruit juice on acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Liver damage (micro-centrilobular necrosis) was observed in animals pretreated with 20% placebo (drinking water) + CCl(4). However, pretreatment with 20% Noni juice in drinking water + CCl(4) resulted in markedly decreased hepatotoxic lesions. Furthermore, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly lower in the Noni group than the placebo group. In a correlative time-dependent study, one dose of CCl(4) (0.25 mL/kg in corn oil, p.o.) in female SD rats, pretreated with 10% placebo for 12 days, caused sequential progressive hepatotoxic lesions over a 24 h period, while a protective effect from 10% Noni juice pretreatment was observed. These results suggest that Noni juice is effective in protecting the liver from extrinsic toxin exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Carbon Tetrachloride / toxicity
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Liver / injuries
  • Liver Diseases / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Morinda / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Random Allocation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Carbon Tetrachloride
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase