Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 4, 1 April 1992 — Health officials halt processed noni sales [ARTICLE]

Health officials halt processed noni sales

The state Department of Health has ordered two loeal companies, Upcountry Massage Therapy, Kula, Maui and Papaya Orchard of Hawai'i, ine., Hilo, to stop selling all processed forms (extracts, powders, capsules) of Noni, (Morinda citrifolia, known as The Indian Mulberry.)

The product is being promoted as a treatment for a variety of diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, and diseases of the kidney and heart. Such medical claims would classify Noni as a drug according to federal and state laws, and this product has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe and effective drug. Processed forms of Noni will not be allowed to be sold as food, food additives or food supplements because the FDA has informed the department that the processed Noni has not

been demonstrated to be safe and/or effective in these forms. A loeal distributor is planning to petition the FDA for approval to sell Noni as a food supplement. While the department has no authority to prevent its use by private citizens, it is eoncerned about consumers drinking any fermented extract from the ripe Noni fruit. This liquid, whieh may have a foul odor and taste, may contain large numbers of molds, yeasts, and/or bacteria, whieh may cause illness.

The fruit is used in traditional native healing practice in the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific. Although ancient Hawaiians were known to use Noni as a drug in both external use as a poultice, and internally to treat limited ailments, the department is unaware that Noni was used as a cure-all remedy as proclaimed by some sellers.

In addition, the department is unaware of any scientific evidence to support the claims made about the beneficial medicinal properties of this product. The legislature is considering a bill to fund research on the curative effects of Noni. While the department has had no reports of illness associated with Noni, the department is concerned that injury may result if consumers rely on this product and discontinue conventional medical regimens. The department recommends consumers consult with their physicians before using this remedy.

At this time, the department is not taking action against the sale and/or consumption of the fresh fruit itself as long as no drug cla.ims are being made. Consumers seeking more information may eall the Health Department's Food and Drug Branch at 586-4725.