Phytochemical profile and associated microflora of Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) juice used as source of traditional nutraceuticals

Abstract

The aims of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile and associated microflora of juice from Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae), commonly call ‘’Noni’’ which is currently used as nutraceuticals in traditional medicine. The results of phytochemical analysis indicated that anthocyanins, anthraquinone, leucoanthocyans, coumarins, as well as flavonoids are presents in the juice extracted from Noni fruits. However cyanogenics derivatives compounds are not detected. Microbiological analysis revealed that Noni juice has a low level of microbial contamination with the absence of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (˂1 ufc/ml). The Noni juice, with the presence of these secondary metabolites, offers a novel approach to the management of therapeutic failures, encountered in the treatment of severe forms of certain pathologies. However, further research and clinical trials are required to fix appropriate doses and combinations to be consumed in specific individual cases.