Noni juice may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Due to its high sugar content, however, moderate consumption is key.

Noni juice is a tropical drink derived from the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia tree.

This tree and its fruit grow among lava flows in Southeast Asia, especially in Polynesia.

Noni (pronounced NO-nee) is a lumpy, mango-sized fruit that is yellow in color. It’s very bitter and has a distinct odor that is sometimes compared to stinky cheese.

Polynesian peoples have used noni in traditional folk medicine for over 2,000 years. It’s commonly used to treat health issues like constipation, infections, pain, and arthritis.

Today, noni is mostly consumed as a juice blend. The juice is packed with potent antioxidants and may offer several health benefits.

The nutritional content of noni juice can vary widely, depending on the brand.

One older study analyzed 177 different brands of noni juice and found significant nutritional variability among them.

This is because noni juice is often mixed with other fruit juices or sweeteners to mask its bitter taste and foul odor.

The nutrients in 30 ml pure noni juice are:

  • calories: 5.1
  • protein: 0 grams (g)
  • fat: 0 g
  • carbohydrates: 1 g
  • fiber: 0 g
  • sugars: 1 g
  • sodium: 5.1 mg
  • vitamin C: 9 mg

Like most fruit juice, noni juice contains mostly carbs. It’s rich in vitamin C, which is essential for skin and immune health.

Additionally, it’s a source of biotin and folate — B vitamins that play many important roles in your body, including helping convert food into energy.

Minerals in noni juice include:

  • iron
  • calcium
  • potassium
  • copper
  • magnesium
  • sodium
  • zinc
  • phosphorous
  • selenium

Noni juice is known for its high levels of antioxidants that may be more effective than those of many other common fruit juices.

Antioxidants prevent cellular damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Your body requires a healthy balance of antioxidants and free radicals to maintain optimal health.

Researchers suspect that the potential health benefits of noni juice are likely related to its powerful antioxidant properties.

The main antioxidants in noni juice include beta carotene, iridoids, and vitamins C and E.

Though more research needs to be done on noni juice, studies indicate that a diet rich in antioxidants — such as those found in noni juice — may help lower your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Noni juice may have a number of potential benefits. A recent review including 319 adults with chronic health conditions, tried 3 months of noni juice (1/2 cup each day) and 94% felt their health had improved and they felt better during this time.

Still, it’s important to keep in mind that research into this fruit is in its early stages — and more studies are needed on many of these health effects.

May reduce cellular damage from tobacco smoke

Noni juice may reduce cellular damage — particularly from tobacco smoke.

Exposure to tobacco smoke generates dangerous amounts of free radicals. Excessive amounts can cause cellular damage and lead to oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is associated with many ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Studies show that consuming foods rich in antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress.

In one 2018 study, heavy tobacco smokers drank 4 ounces (118 ml) of noni juice per day. After 1 month, they experienced a 30% reduction of two common free radicals.

However, noni juice does not cancel out all of smoking’s negative health effects — and should not be considered a replacement for quitting.

May relieve pain in people with arthritis

For over 2,000 years, noni fruit has been used in traditional folk medicine for its pain-relieving effects. Some research now supports this benefit.

A 2019 study in mice indicates noni juice has promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that in the animal model of rheumatoid arthritis, noni juice was not toxic and showed anti-arthritic activity in the joints.

Arthritis pain is often associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, noni juice may also provide natural complementary benefits by helping reduce inflammation and combating free radicals.

May improve immune health

Noni juice may support immune health.

Like some other fruit juices, noni juice is rich in vitamin C, containing 9 mg per 30 ml of pure noni juice.

Vitamin C supports your immune system by protecting your cells from free radical damage and environmental toxins.

Many other antioxidants present in noni juice — such as beta carotene — may improve immune health as well.

Several studies showed liver toxicity, though there was not enough evidence to say noni juice was the cause. In these cases, people drank noni juice or tea for several weeks.

People with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure may want to avoid noni juice, as it’s high in potassium and may lead to unsafe levels in the blood for these people.

Additionally, noni juice may interact with certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or slow blood clotting. For this reason, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before drinking noni juice.

It’s also important to remember that noni juice is not a replacement for any medical treatment and is not known as a “cure” for any medical condition.

High in sugar

Noni juice may contain high amounts of sugar depending on the brand. What’s more, it’s often mixed with other fruit juices that may be very sweet.

Studies show that sugar-sweetened beverages like noni juice may increase your risk of metabolic diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, it may be best to drink noni juice in moderation — or avoid it if you are trying to limit your sugar intake.

Noni juice is derived from a Southeast Asian fruit.

It’s particularly rich in vitamin C and may offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, such as pain relief and improved immune health. However, more research is needed, as only a few studies have been carried out on this fruit juice so far.

Keep in mind that commercial varieties are often mixed with other juices and may be packed with sugar.

It’s also important to remember that — despite showing some benefits for smokers — noni juice should not be considered a preventive measure for tobacco-related illnesses or a replacement for quitting. It is also not a replacement or “cure” for any condition.

Overall, noni juice is likely safe for most people. Though you may want to check with a healthcare professional before drinking it if you’re taking certain medications or have kidney problems.