The effects of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) on the immune system: its molecular mechanisms of action.
The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in the immunomodulatory effects of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) in vitro and in vivo in mice. In vitro, Tahitian Noni Juice (TNJ) and Noni fruit juice concentrates (NFJC) (1, 5mg/mL) potently activate cannabinoid 2 (CB2), but inhibit cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in a concentration-dependant manner. In vivo, oral administration of TNJ ad libitum for 16 days decreased the production of IL-4, but increased the production of IFN-gamma. These results suggest that noni modulates the immune system via activating of the CB2 receptors, and suppressing of the IL-4, but increasing the production of IFN-gamma cytokines. It may also exert beneficial immunomodulation effects in conditions involving inadequate immune responses.
Noni Benefits Research Department, Tahitian Noni International Research Center, 737 East 1180 South, American Fork, UT 84003, USA. afap@tni.com <afap@tni.com>
Afa K
AK
Palu
Anne Hirazumi
AH
Kim
Brett J
BJ
West
Shixin
S
Deng
Jarakae
J
Jensen
Leland
L
White
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001628:Beverages; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005638:Fruit; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D032066:Morinda / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D010936:Plant Extracts; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma