Morinda citrifolia L.

Morinda species are referred to as “Indian mulberry,” “Noni,” “Cheese fruit,” and “Beach mulberry”, in India. Several products made from Morinda, such as fruit juice, pills, and capsules, are used to treat various diseases. Anthraquinones, iridoids, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, phenolics, noniosides, and triterpenoids are among the phytochemicals isolated from Morinda species. These compounds have a variety of advantageous characteristics, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antiviral effects. The clinical benefits of the fruit juice and its products have been demonstrated in treating conditions such as cancer, cervical spondylosis, and hypertension. The superoxide level reducing and blood pressure maintaining effect of the juice is particularly well-known. Tablets derived from root extracts and capsules containing oligosaccharides are used to treat sexual dysfunction and kidney problems. Toxicological research indicates that high doses of M. citrifolia fruit juice (4000 or 5000 mg/kg) can have toxic effects on the liver and kidneys. However, clinical studies have found ethanolic and aqueous extracts of M. officinalis roots to be completely safe. This chapter explores the ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical characteristics, pharmacological activities, and toxicological assessments of eleven Morinda species native to India.