TITLE:
Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Juice Inhibits Endocannabinoid Degradation Enzymes
AUTHORS:
Brett J. West, Shixin Deng, C. Jarakae Jensen
KEYWORDS:
Morinda citrifolia, Endocannabinoid System, Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, Monoacylglycerol Lipase
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.7 No.7,
July
11,
2019
ABSTRACT: Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has been shown to have a wide variety of potential health benefits in human clinical trials. It may also influence the endocannabinoid system of the body. Since the main ingredient of the product studied in these clinical trials was juice made from noni fruit puree from French Polynesia, it was evaluated for its ability to inhibit the two major endocannabinoid degradation enzymes in vitro. Noni fruit juice inhibited both fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that it may help maintain anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels. Samples of the puree were also analyzed for the presence of characteristic phytochemical markers of authentic noni fruit such as scopoletin, rutin, quercetin, deacetylasperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid, all of which were present. Also present was scandoside, which is reported for the first time as being identified in noni fruit or its juice. Some of these compounds may contribute to the FAAH and MAGL inhibiting activity of noni juice. These results reveal another set of mechanisms by which noni juice possibly supports mental health, maintains joint health, relieves discomfort and modulates the immune system.