EFFECTS OF MORINDA CITRIFOLIA LINN (NONI) AND TAHITIAN NONI® JUICE (TNJ) ON LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY IN MICE

Abstract

Noni fruit extract and juice (Morinda citrifolia L., Family: Rubiaceae) had long been known as a medicinal plant in folklore medicine in tropical countries and Pacific islands. To date, the available scientific knowledge was focused on different pharmacological effects. It was claimed to have a beneficial effect on drug addiction by Noni fruit extract and its juice in animal studies. Keeping this in mind we investigated whether the noni fruit extract and noni beverages contained any effect on locomotion in mice using Actimeter (a standard test for locomotor activity). We found that the administration of a single dose of Morinda citrifolia extract (MMC) at varying doses (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 g/kg p.o.) 60 min before the testing and Tahitian noni juice (TNJ) 100% made available as a source of drinking water for a period of 24 hours before the test day produced no significant effect on animal’s locomotion and behavior when compared with the control group. The extract did not exhibit any toxic effects. There was no mortality and change in animal behavior seen. The current results suggest that MMC and TNJ are safe and can be utilized for further neuropharmacological research.