The beneficial effects of Noni fruit juice in diabetic patients

Background: There is no scientific evidence to support the beneficial effects of noni fruit juice which is claimed as a "natural health enhancer" and is consumed extensively. Aim: To evaluate the beneficial effects of noni fruit juice on glycaemic control, lipid profile and antioxidant activity and its safety in diabetic patients. Settings and Design: A hospital based, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study Material and Methods: 34 diabetic subjects with normal haematological, serum potassium, renal and liver function test and electrocardiogram readings were enrolled into the study. After collecting venous blood for biochemical efficacy measures, the subjects were randomly allocated to two treatment groups, either to receive noni juice or to get placebo, at a dose of 30 ml/day. The efficacy measures included fasting and postprandial blood glucose, complete lipid profile with fasting, serum fructosamine and endogenous antioxidants like super oxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. The safety and efficacy measures were repeated after 21 days of treatment with placebo or noni juice. Statistics: The baseline characteristics were compared between the groups using the unpaired t test. Pre-post treatment changes in the efficacy measures within each group and between the groups were analyzed by applying the repeated measures ANOVA test. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The efficacy measures were comparable between the two groups at the entry into the study. The influence of the two treatments on blood glucose levels, on the lipid profile and on the endogenous antioxidant activity were similar, without statistical significance. The noni and placebo treated groups came out with decrease and increase in serum fructosamine levels, respectively, both changes being statistically insignificant. Between groups, the comparison of these changes appeared to be statistically significant (p=0.036). The safety measures were within the normal range and no adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Consumption of noni juice for 21 days yielded elusive results on glycaemic control. It's beneficial effects on plasma lipid profile and endogenous antioxidant activity were not established. Consumption of the lowest recommended doses of noni fruit juice for a short period of 21 days was found to be safe in diabetic patients. Long term studies with a large population may be needed for evidence of the favourable effects of noni juice on organ functions.