Noni / Indian Mulberry

Noni has been used as a primary medicine across Polynesia, Hawaii, and the Pacific for over 2,000 years, with cancer, pain, and immune dysfunction among its traditional indications. Its anticancer reputation in Western research stems from damnacanthal — an anthraquinone compound that inhibits Ras oncogene function. Ras mutations drive approximately 30% of all human cancers (including 90% of pancreatic cancers), making Ras inhibition a significant therapeutic target. Noni juice also contains proxeronine, polysaccharides, and scopoletin that collectively enhance NK cell and macrophage activity. A University of Hawaii clinical study found noni juice significantly prolonged survival in patients with advanced cancer when used as an adjunct. The entire plant — fruit, leaves, root, and bark — is used in different Pacific traditions, each with distinct preparation methods.