What is noni juice? Will it help cure my cancer?

Noni is a tropical plant found mainly in Tahiti and other Pacific Islands, as well as in parts of Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. While proponents claim that the noni fruit and its juice can be used to treat many diseases ranging from HIV to cancer, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. However, this has not stopped noni's supporters from making claims about its healing potential.

In 1998, a noni juice manufacturer was charged by the Attorney Generals of Arizona, California, New Jersey, and Texas with making unfounded claims. The company claimed that the juice could treat, cure, or prevent many diseases including cancer. In that same year, noni juice was banned in Finland until brochures advertising the juice removed claims for preventing, treating, or curing illnesses. Despite legal actions, misleading testimonials and false claims about noni are still widespread.

The American Cancer Society recommends a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables for cancer prevention. Like other fruits such as oranges, kiwi fruit, and grapefruit, noni fruit and its juice are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A. One major difference, however, is the cost. 32 ounces (one liter) of noni juice sells for $42.00 plus the cost of shipping, whereas 32 ounces of orange juice costs $3.00 and can be found in every grocery store, gas station, and restaurant in the United States.

The bottom line: The noni fruit is a tropical fruit like a papaya, pineapple, or mango. While noni juice can be consumed as part of an overall healthy diet, it is not a miracle cure. There is currently no scientific evidence to support the claims that it cures cancer or any other disease.

Erin Dummert RD, CD Contributing Expert

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