Cytotoxic effects of Thai noni juice product ethanolic extracts against cholangiocarcinoma cell lines

Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic activity and molecular mechanism(s) of two Thai noni juice (TNJ) products ethanolic extracts against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines and non-cancerous cells, and to explore phenolic acid compositions of TNJ products. Methods: Phenolic acid profiles of TNJ Chiangrai (TNJ-Cr) and TNJ Buasri (TNJ-Bs) ethanolic extracts were determined by HPLC. The cytotoxicity of TNJ ethanolic extracts on cancer and non-cancerous cells was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and trypan blue assays. Mechanism(s) underlying the anti-CCA activity of TNJ ethanolic extracts were determined by cell cycle, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. The expression levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and ERK signaling were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results: Phenolic acid profiles of both TNJ ethanolic extracts showed that the p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, and protocatechuic acids were the major phenolic acids in TNJ products. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that the TNJ-Cr and TNJ-Bs ethanolic extracts reduced viability of CCA cell lines through induction of apoptosis by up-regulation of p53 and Bax proapoptotic proteins. Both TNJ ethanolic extracts promoted ROS generation by activating the ERK1/2 signaling in well-differentiated CCA cells KKU-213B. Meanwhile, TNJ ethanolic extracts did not induce ROS production in poorly differentiated CCA cells KKU-100. Both TNJ ethanolic extracts showed no toxicity to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Conclusions: TNJ ethanolic extracts could inhibit CCA cell proliferation by inducing ROS generation and apoptosis and may be applicable for combination therapies in CCA treatment.

Análisis preliminar de los metabolitos secundarios de polvos mixtos de hojas de plantas medicinales / Preliminary analysis of secondary metabolites in mixed powders of leaves of medicinal plants

Introducción: el tamizaje fitoquímico de una planta brinda una percepción sobre los posibles beneficios medicinales; la literatura refiere información de esta determinación en las hojas deAnacardium occidentale L., Psidium guajava L., Morinda citrifolia L. y Moringa oleifera Lam. , no obstante, en cuanto al polvo mixto de sus hojas no se encontró información disponible. Objetivo: determinar los metabolitos secundarios mediante tamizaje fitoquímico a los polvos mixtos de hojas de A. occidentale, P. guajava, M. citrifolia y M. oleifera. Métodos: se recolectaron las hojas de las plantas en estudio, estas se deshidrataron a temperatura ambiente y artificial, seguidamente se trituraron a 1 mm de tamaño de partículas. Para la elaboración de las muestras se tomó el polvo seco obtenido de las hojas y se mezcló en cinco proporciones. Luego, se realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico a los extractos hidro-alchólicos obtenidos de las muestras. Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico de los polvos mixtos no detectó resinas, ni flavonoides, excepto en la muestra 4, que se observó este último metabolito. Las quinonas abundan en todas las muestras, excepto en el ensayo 1, que se detectó poca presencia. Además, las proporciones 1, 2 y 3 presentaron saponinas y los alcaloides se identificaron en las muestras 1, 4 y 5, así como, las coumarinas se observaron en las muestras con mayores proporciones de las plantas individuales. Los otros metabolitos secundarios se detectaron con baja presencia en todas las mezclas. Conclusiones: de acuerdo al análisis preliminar de los metabolitos secundarios de los polvos mixtos de hojas de P. guajava, A. occidentale, M. oleifera y M. citrifolia, se sugiere el estudio de estas mezclas medicinales como aditivo fitoquímico en las dietas de los animales, como primer estudio biológico(AU)

Introduction: Phytochemical screening of a plant provides insight into its potential medicinal uses. Phytochemical data about the leaves of Anacardium occidentale L., Psidium guajava L., Morinda citrifolia L. and Moringa oleifera Lam. may be found in the literature. However, no information was found about the mixed powder of these leaves. Objective: Perform phytochemical screening of mixed powders of leaves of A. occidentale, P. guajava, M. citrifolia and M. oleifera to determine their secondary metabolites. Methods: Leaves of the study plants were collected, dehydrated at ambient and room temperature and crushed to 1 mm particles. The study samples were formed by mixing the dry powder from the leaves at five proportions. Phytochemical screening was then conducted of the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the samples. Results: Phytochemical screening of the mixed powders did not detect any resins or flavonoids, except in sample 4, where the latter metabolite was found. Quinones are abundant in all samples, except for assay 1, where they were scant. Proportions 1, 2 and 3 contained saponins; alkaloids were identified in samples 1, 4 and 5; and coumarines were found in the samples with greater proportions of individual plants. The remaining secondary metabolites had a low presence in all the mixtures. Conclusions: Based on the preliminary analysis of secondary metabolites in mixed powders of leaves of P. guajava, A. occidentale, M. oleifera and M. citrifolia, it is suggested to study these medicinal mixtures as phytochemical additives in animal feed as a first biological study(AU)

Antiplatelet but not anticoagulant activity of Morinda citrifolia L. leaf extracts / Actividad antiagregante plaquetaria pero no anticoagulante de extractos de Morinda citrifolia L

INTRODUCCIÓN: morinda citrifolia L (Noni) ha ganado popularidad entre la población cubana, lo que sugiere la necesidad de caracterizar farmacológicamente las preparaciones de noni desarrolladas en Cuba. OBJETIVO: evaluar los efectos de extractos de hojas y frutos de Noni sobre la agregación plaquetaria y la coagulación sanguínea, así como la influencia de la edad de la planta, la madurez de la hoja y los contenidos de fenoles totales y flavonoides. MÉTODOS: hojas verdes y amarillas y frutos ligeros amarillos fueron recolectados de plantas de noni de tres y seis años de edad. Extractos de hojas (30 g/100 mL w/v) y frutos (100 g/100 mL w/v) estuvieron preparados por maceración en alcohol al 50 % y agua, al respecto. Las concentraciones de sólidos totales (TSS), compuestos fenólicos (PHEN) y flavonoides expresados como quercetina (FLV) fueron determinadas. Los efectos de los extractos de hojas (0,4 y 0,8 mg TSS/mL) y de frutos (0,6 y 1,2 mg TSS/mL) sobre la agregación plaquetaria (PA) inducida por ADP, el tiempo de protrombina (PT) y el tiempo parcial de tromboplastina parcial activado (PATT) fueron determinados en plasma humano in vitro y los efectos de un extracto de hojas (42 y 378 mg TSS/kg i.p. y 630 mg/kg p.o.) sobre estas variables de plasmas de ratas fueron evaluados ex vivo. RESULTADOS: los extractos de frutos tuvieron mayor contenido de TSS pero menores de PHEN y FLV que los de hojas. Estos últimos inhibieron la PA in vitro en plasma humano independiente de la edad de la planta y la madurez de las hojas. Un extracto de hojas indujo significativa reducción de PA ex vivo en ratas. TP y PATT no fueron modificados en ninguna situación experimental. CONCLUSIÓN: extractos hidroalcohólicos de hojas de Noni desarrollados en Cuba tienen efecto antiagregante plaquetario pero no anticoagulante.

INTRODUCTION: morinda citrifolia L (Noni) is a medicinal plant species that has gained popularity among Cuban population, suggesting the need to characterize the pharmacological activities of noni preparations developed in Cuba. OBJECTIVE: assessing the effects of Noni leaf and fruit extracts on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation, as well as the possible influence of plant age, leaf maturity and extract total phenol and flavonoid contents on it. METHODS: green and yellow leaves and light yellow fruits were collected from three- and six- year old Noni trees. Leaf (30 g/100 mL w/v) and fruit (100 g/100 mL w/v) extracts were prepared by maceration in 50 % alcohol and water respectively. The concentrations of total soluble solids (TSS), phenolic compounds (PHEN) and flavonoids expressed as quercetin (FLV) in the extracts were determined. The in vitro effects of leaf (0,4 and 0,8 mg TSS/mL) and fruit (0,6 and 1,2 mg TSS/mL) extracts on ADP-induced platelet aggregation (PA), prothrombin time (PT) and partial activated thromboplastine time (PATT) in human plasma was determined. Furthermore, the ex vivo effects of a leaf extract (42 and 378 mg TSS / kg i.p. and 630 mg/kg p.o.) on these variables of rat plasma were assessed. RESULTS: fruit extracts showed higher TSS, but lower PHE and FLV values than leaf extracts. Leaf but not fruit extracts inhibited ADP-induced PA that was independent on plant age and leaf maturity. A significant reduction of PA was ex vivo induced by a leaf extract in rats. TP and PATT were not modified during in vivo or ex vivoexperiments. CONCLUSION: noni leaf hydro-alcohol extracts developed in Cuba have antiplatelet but not anticoagulant effect.

Validación preclínica del efecto antiinflamatorio tópico de cinco plantas medicinales / Preclinical validation of the topical anti-inflammatory effect of five medicinal plants

INTRODUCCIÓN: en Cuba y otros países del Caribe se reporta el uso tradicional de plantas medicinales para afecciones como amigdalitis, cefaleas, aftas, picaduras, artritis, entre otras, que tienen entre sus síntomas y signos dolor e inflamación; no existen suficientes estudios de validación preclínica para las preparaciones que se utilizan. OBJETIVOS: evaluar el efecto antiinflamatorio preclínico de preparaciones de 5 plantas medicinales de uso tradicional: Bidens pilosa L. (romerillo), Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) S. (limón), Hyptis verticillata J., Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) y Musa x paradisiaca L. (plátano). MÉTODOS: se empleó el modelo de edema de oreja inducido por aceite de Croton en ratones albinos OF-1 machos (20-25 g), 6 animales por grupo. Se aplicó tópicamente: zumo de partes aéreas frescas de Bidens pilosa(romerillo) y de fruto de Citrus aurantifolia (limón), decocciones al 30 % de partes aéreas secas de Hyptis verticillata, hojas frescas de Morinda citrifolia (noni), y de hojas frescas de Musa x paradisiaca (plátano), 10 µL en cada cara de oreja tratada. Se utilizó como control positivo dexametasona 0,1 mg/oreja. RESULTADOS: se obtuvo una reducción del edema inducido por aceite de Croton con las preparaciones de zumo de Citrus aurantifolia y las decocciones al 30 % de Morinda citrifolia y Musa x paradisiaca; con un considerable porcentaje de inhibición para cada una de ellas. El zumo de Bidens pilosa y la decocción 30 % de Hyptis verticillatano redujeron significativamente la formación del edema. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados experimentales permiten la validación preclínica de la actividad antiinflamatoria del zumo de Citrus aurantifolia y las decocciones a 30 % de Morinda citrifolia y Musa x paradisiaca, así como su empleo tradicional, no siendo así para el zumo de Bidens pilosa y la decocción al 30 % de Hyptis verticillata.

INTRODUCTION: the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of conditions such as tonsilitis, headaches, aphtas, insect bites and arthritis, has been reported in Cuba and other Caribbean countries. Pain and inflammation are among the signs and symptoms of these conditions. There are not enough studies about the preclinical validation of the preparations used. OBJECTIVES: evaluate the preclinical anti-inflammatory effect of preparations from five medicinal plants of traditional use: Bidens pilosa L. (romerillo), Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) S. (lemon), Hyptis verticillata J., Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) and Musa x paradisiaca L. (banana). METHODS: the Croton oil ear edema test model was used in male albino OF-1 mice (20-25 g), 6 animals per group. Juice from fresh aerial parts of Bidens pilosa (romerillo) and from the fruit of Citrus aurantifolia (lemon), 30 % decoctions of dry aerial parts of Hyptis verticillata, fresh leaves of Morinda citrifolia (noni), and fresh leaves of Musa x paradisiaca (banana), 10 µL, were topically applied on both sides of the ear being treated. Dexamethasone 0.1 mg/ear was used as positive control. RESULTS: Citrus aurantifolia juice preparations and the 30 % Morinda citrifolia and Musa x paradisiaca decoctions reduced Croton oil ear edema with a high inhibition percentage. Bidens pilosa juice and the 30 % Hyptis verticillatadecoction did not reduce edema formation significantly. CONCLUSIONS: experimental results support the preclinical validation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Citrus aurantifolia juice and the 30 % decoctions of Morinda citrifolia and Musa x paradisiaca, as well as their traditional use. Bidens pilosa juice and the 30 % decoction of Hyptis verticillata are not validated.

Studies on anthraquinone biosynthesis in Morinda citrifolia suspension cells / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the effects of exogenous hormones, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmonate on suspension cell growth and anthraquinone production of Morinda citrifolia. Methods: After cell suspension lines were established, the cell suspension cultures were treated with exogenous hormones, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmonate, respectively. Then the specific growth rate and anthraquinone production were determined. Results: Exogenous hormone NAA and KT had a significant effect on suspension cell growth and anthraquinone production of M. citrifolia. The optimal medium for the cell suspension culture was B5 + 2 mg/L NAA and 0.1 mg/L KT. The anthraquinone content was up to 588.34 and 595.49 mg/L respectively in the presence of 200 μmol/L salicylic acid and 50 μmol/L methyl jasmonate on day 9, and increased by 17.05% and 18.47% respectively more than those in the control group. Conclusion: The optimum ratio of exogenous hormones combined with exogenous induction of a certain concentration of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate could promote the production of anthraquinone.

Evaluation of antitumoral and antimicrobial activity of Morinda lcitrifolia L. grown in Southeast Brazil

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antitumor and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit cultivated in southeastern Brazil. METHODS: Preparation ethanolic extract of the fruit of Morinda citrifolia L. Culture of melanoma cells B16-F10 for treatment with ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit to determine cell viability by MTT and determination temporal effect of ethanolic extract fruit on the cell growth B16-F10 for 8 days. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract fruit against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). RESULTS: The ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit (10mg/mL) decreased cellular activity and inhibited 45% the rate of cell proliferation of B16-F10 melanoma treated during period studied. The ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit demonstrated antimicrobial activity inhibiting the growth of both microorganisms studied. Staphylococcus aureus was less resistant to ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit than Escherichia coli, 1 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: What these results indicate that the ethanolic extract of the fruit of Morinda citrifolia L. showed antitumor activity with inhibition of viability and growth of B16-F10 cells and also showed antibacterial activity as induced inhibition of growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. .

Desenvolvimento vegetativo do noni (Morindacitrifolia L. ) sob diferentes sistemas e lâminas de irrigação / Vegetative development of noni (Morinda citrifolia L. ) under different irrigation systems and water depths

O noni é uma cultura de origem asiática que vem despertando interesse de agricultores brasileiros em virtude de suas propriedades fitoterápicas na medicina popular e de seu elevado valor comercial; contudo, são escassas as informações quanto ao manejo da cultura em geral e inexistentes estudos a respeito da irrigação da cultura no Brasil. Objetivou-se com este estudo definir, entre dois sistemas de irrigação e cinco laminas d´água, qual a melhor condição para o desenvolvimento vegetativo da cultura. O experimento foi realizado no período de maio de 2009 a março de 2010, em Trairi-CE. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados e dois sistemas de irrigação localizada (gotejamento e microaspersão) dispostos em faixas verticais. Dentro de cada faixa foram distribuídos os blocos com as parcelas dos cincos níveis de irrigação correspondentes à aplicação de frações da evapotranspiração de referência FAO (ETo) de 40%, 60%, 80% 100% e 120%. Para o sistema de irrigação por microaspersão as lâminas correspondentes foram: 109,3 mm, 135,8 mm, 187,9 mm, 227,8 mm e 297,7 mm e para sistema de irrigação por gotejamento: 83,4 mm, 1237 mm, 166,5 mm, 204,7 mm e 254,4 mm, respectivamente. Foram utilizadas cinco repetições. O desenvolvimento vegetativo de plantas de noni foi influenciado tanto pelos sistemas de irrigação, quanto pelas lâminas d´água aplicadas. A lâmina de irrigação equivalente a 227,8 mm, correspondente a 100% da ETo, na irrigação por microaspersão, proporcionou maiores ganhos de diâmetro do coleto, altura da planta, e diâmetro de copa.

Noni is a crop of Asian origin that has piqued the interest of Brazilian farmers because of its properties in herbal folk medicine and its high commercial value. However, there is little information about the crop management in general, and particularly on the irrigation of the crop in Brazil. The objective of this study was to define what localized irrigation system (drip or micro sprinklers) and water depth that provide the best vegetative growth of noni plants. The experiment was conducted from May 2009 to March 2010 in the city of Trairi, Brazil. We used a split block experimental design, with two irrigation systems (drip and micro sprinklers) arranged in vertical lines. Within each line, five irrigation levels, corresponding to the application of fractions of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) 40% 60% 80% 100% and 120%, were distributed in five blocks. For the micro sprinkler irrigation system, the corresponding slides were: 109.3 mm, 135.8 mm, 187.9 mm, 227.8 mm and 297.7 mm, respectively, and for the drip irrigation system, they were: 83.4 mm, 123.7 mm, 166.5 mm, 204.7 mm and 254.4 mm, respectively. The noni vegetative growth was influenced both by the irrigation systems and the depths of irrigation applied. The application of irrigation depths equivalent to 227.8 mm, which corresponds to 100% of ETo with the use of micro sprinklers, provided the largest gains in stem diameter, plant height and canopy diameter.

Evaluación de la actividad ergogénica del producto natural Noni-C® / Evaluation of the ergogenic activity of the natural product called Noni-C®

Introducción: el Noni-C® es un producto natural registrado como suplemento nutricional, obtenido de la planta Morinda citrifolia L., asociada a muchas cualidades clínicas demostradas y usada tradicionalmente para combatir la fatiga. Objetivo: determinar la actividad ergogénica en un modelo experimental de fatiga en ratones.Métodos: se usó un modelo de fatiga en ratones con utilización del equipo Rota Rod modelo Ugo Basile 7 650 de velocidad variable y 7 600 de velocidad constante. Se utilizaron 6 grupos: I con solución salina, II con agua estéril + propilenglicol y III, IV, V, VI con agua estéril + propilenglicol + Noni-C® a las dosis de 20, 40, 200 y 400 mg/kg de peso corporal, respectivamente. Se realizó un entrenamiento previo a los ratones, en el Rota-Rod, durante 3 días consecutivos por 1 y 2 h, cada día. La prueba final se efectuó en 2 h, con cambio de velocidad y velocidad máxima constante hasta concluir el tiempo. Resultados: se encontró un aumento significativo del tiempo de resistencia a la fatiga en segundos, en los grupos tratados con Noni-C® a las dosis de 200 y 400 mg/kg, con respecto al grupo tratado con solución salina. Conclusiones: el producto Noni-C® demostró tener actividad ergogénica, al aumentar la resistencia a la fatiga en ratones Balb/c, después de un tratamiento por 14 días con dosis de 200 y 400 mg/kg, por vía oral

Introduction: Noni-C® is a natural product that has been registered as a nutritional supplement. It is obtained from the plant Morinda citrifolia L., associated to many demonstrated clinical qualities and traditionally used to fight fatigue. Objective: to determine the ergogenic activity in an experimental model of fatigue in mice. Methods: a model of fatigue was applied in mice, using a Rotarod Ugo Basile model of 7650 variable speed and 7600 constant speed. 6 groups were used: I with saline solution, II with sterile water and propilenglicol and III; IV, V, VI with sterile water, propilenglicol and Noni-C® at doses of 20, 40, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. A previous training to mice was conducted in the Rotarod during 3 consecutive days for 1 and 2 hours each day. The final test was done in 2 hours, with change in speed and a constant maximum speed to the end of the time. Results: a significant increase in the resistance to fatigue in seconds was observed in the groups treated with Noni-C® at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg with respect to the group treated with saline solution. Conclusions: the product called Noni-C® showed to have ergogenic activity at increasing resistance to fatigue in Balb/c mice, after a treatment for 14 days with oral doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg

Qualidade de frutos de noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) cultivados em Trairi-CE / Quality of Noni fruits (Morinda citrifolia L.) grown in Trairi-CE / Calidad de la fruta del noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) cultivado en Trairi-CE

Introdução: o noni é uma fruta que chegou ao Brasil como uma matéria-prima com forte apelo comercial devido a todas as características benéficas a ele atribuídas e os benefícios relacionados ao seu consumo. Objetivo: este trabalho teve como objetivo efetuar a caracterização física e físico-química de frutos de noni no estádio de maturação "maduro" (coloração amarelo esbranquiçado). Métodos: foram colhidos frutos de noni em cinco plantas que se encontram na Fazenda Alberto Antônio, localizada próximo ao município de Trairi, Ceará (Trairi-CE). Para a caracterização do fruto, realizaram-se as seguintes análises: massa fresca do fruto (g), comprimentos longitudinal (mm) e transversal (mm), DL/DT, firmeza (N), vitamina C (mg.100 g-1 de polpa), sólidos solúveis (° Brix), acidez titulável (%), pH e relação SS/AT. Adotou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em que os tratamentos foram cinco plantas no estádio de maturação "maduro" com dez repetições compostas de um fruto, totalizando 50 frutos. Resultados: o fruto do noni é de formato ovóide, suculento e apresenta várias sementes triangulares de coloração vermelha. Considerando a polpa, ocorre mudança de coloração, passando da cor verde para a amarela esbranquiçada, à medida que o fruto amadurece. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os estádios apresentam variabilidade para quase todos os caracteres físicos e físico-químicos. Conclusões: de acordo com os resultados obtidos, os frutos de noni "maduro" apresentaram para a massa fresca valor médio de 221,50 g, diâmetro longitudinal e transversal médio de 106,60 e 59,96 mm, respectivamente, altos valores para a relação DL/DT, com média geral de 1,94, firmeza da polpa média de 12,82 N, teor médio de sólidos solúveis de 8,40 °Brix, acidez titulável de 0,28 %, pH de 4,53, relação SS/AT de 34,26 e elevados teores de vitamina C, com valor médio de 177,33 mg.100 g-1 de polpa, fator este de grande importância para a indústria.

Introduction: Noni is a fruit brought to Brazil as raw material with strong commercial appeal due to all its beneficial features and consumption-related benefits. Objective: to make the physical and physicochemical characterization of the "mature" noni fruit in the maturation stage (yellowish white coloration). Methods: Noni fruits were harvested on five plants at Alberto Antônio Farm, located near the city of Trairi, Ceará (Trairi-CE). For the fruit characterization, the following analysis were made: fresh fruit mass (g), longitudinal and transverse length (mm), DL/DT, firmness (N), vitamin C (mg.100 g-1 of pulp), soluble solids (° Brix), titratable acidity (%), pH and SS/AT ratio. A completely randomized approach was adopted, and the treatments consisted of five plants in "mature" stage with ten repetitions, composed by one fruit, for a total of 50 fruits. Results: Noni fruit is ovoid, succulent, and juicy, and presents several triangular red seeds. The pulp's color changed from green to yellowish white according to the ripeness of the fruits. As to the obtained results, the stages showed variability in almost all the physical and physical-chemical characters. Conclusions: "mature" noni fruit presented fresh average weight of 221,50 g, longitudinal and transverse diameter of 106,60 and 59,96 mm, respectively, high values for the DL/DT ratio, with overall average of 1,94; pulp firmness average of 12,82 N, soluble solids content average of 8,40 °Brix, titratable acidity of 0,28 %, pH of 4.53; SS/AT ratio of 34,26 and high levels of vitamin C, with pulp average of 177,33 mg.100 g-1, which is a feature of great importance for the industry.

Introducción: el noni es una fruta que llegó a Brasil como una materia prima con fuerte atractivo comercial, por todas las características beneficiosas asignadas y los beneficios relacionados con su consumo. Objetivo: realizar la caracterización física y fisicoquímica de las frutas del noni en etapa de maduración ("maduran" amarillo blanquecino). Métodos: las frutas de noni se cosecharon de 5 plantas que se encontraban en la granja Alberto Antônio, situada cerca de la ciudad de Trairi-CE. Para la caracterización de la fruta se hicieron los análisis siguientes: pasta fresca de fruto (g), medidas longitudinales (mm) y transversales (mm), DL/DT, firmeza (N), vitamina C (mg 100 g-1 de la pulpa), sólidos solubles (° Brix), acidez titulable (%), (pH) y SS/AT. Se tomó un diseño completamente al azar, los tratamientos fueron 5 plantas en etapa "madura" con 10 repeticiones, compuestos de una fruta, un total de 50 frutos. Resultados: la fruta de noni es ovoide, jugosa y presenta varias semillas triangulares de color rojo. En la pulpa se produce un cambio de color, pasando de verde a un color amarillo blanquecino como la fruta madura. Según los resultados, los estadios tienen variabilidad para casi todos los caracteres físicos y fisicoquímicos. Conclusiones: la fruta de noni "madura" presenta 221,50 g masa promedio fresca, diámetro longitudinal y transversal de 106,60 y 59,96 mm, respectivamente; valores altos para el DL/DT, con un promedio general de 1,94, firmeza de pulpa un promedio de 12,82 N, contenido de sólidos solubles de 8,40 ° Brix, acidez titulable de 0,28 %, pH de 4,53, 34,26 SS/AT; y altos niveles de vitamina C, con un promedio de pulpa de 177,33 mg.100 g-1, factor de gran importancia para la industria.

Caracterização do fruto de Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) / Characterization of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) fruit

Introdução: a Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) é uma fruta que foi recentemente introduzida no Brasil, como uma matéria-prima com forte apelo comercial devido a todas as características benéficas a ele atribuídas e os benefícios relacionados ao seu consumo. Objetivo: o presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar frutos de noni em três estádios de maturação. Métodos: os frutos foram colhidos em pomares domésticos no município de Mossoró-RN, em três estádios de maturação, conforme a cor: verde (casca verde), de vez (verde esbranquiçado) e maduro (amarelo esbranquiçado). Para a caracterização do fruto, realizaram-se as seguintes análises: massa fresca, comprimentos longitudinal e transversal, DL/DT, firmeza e rendimento de polpa, vitamina C, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), pH e relação SS/AT. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e doze repetições de um 1 fruto para cada parcela. Resultados: o fruto do noni é de formato ovóide, suculento e apresenta várias sementes triangulares de coloração vermelha. Considerando a polpa, ocorre mudança de coloração, passando da cor verde para a amarela esbranquiçada, à medida que o fruto amadurece. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os estádios apresentam variabilidade para quase todos os caracteres físicos e físico-químicos. Conclusões: os frutos que apresentaram as melhores características físicas de massa e firmeza da polpa, tanto para consumo in natura, como para processamento agroindustrial são os de vez e verdes, com valores de 56,33 g e 128,41 N, respectivamente. Este fruto é considerado rica fonte de vitamina C, apresenta elevados teores de sólidos solúveis quando maduro (10,33 °Brix) e alta relação sólidos solúveis/acidez titulável em todos os estádios avaliados.

Introduction: a Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) is a fruit that was recently introduced in Brazil, as a raw material with fort I appeal advertising due to all the beneficial characteristics attributed to it and the related benefits of its consumption. Objectives: the objective of the present paper was to characterize noni fruits in three stages of maturation. Methods: the fruits had been harvested in domestic orchards in the city of Mossoró-RN, in three stages of maturation, according to the color: green (green rind), breaker stage (yellowish green) and mature (yellowish white). For the characterization of the fruit, the following analyses were performed: fresh matter, longitudinal and transversal length, DL/DT, firmness and income of pulp, acid ascorbic, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (AT), pH and SS/AT ratio. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with three treatments and twelve repetitions of one (1) fruit for each parcel. Results: the noni fruit has ovoid format, is succulent and presents several triangular red seeds. Considering the pulp, coloration change occurs, going from green to yellowish white color according to the ripeness of fruits. Regarding the obtained results, the stages present variability for almost all the physical and physical chemical characters. Conclusions: the fruits that presented the best physical characteristics of mass and firmness of pulp, both for natural consumption and for agro-industrial processing are breaker stages and green fruits, with values of 56.33 g and 128.41 N, respectively. Noni is considered a rich source of vitamin C, presents high value of soluble solid when mature (10.33 Brix) and high soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio in all of the evaluated stages.

Total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of commercial Noni (Morinda citrifolia L) juice and its components

The plant Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) has been the focus of many recent studies due to its potential effects on treatment and prevention of several diseases. However, there are few in vivo and in vitro studies concerning its composition and antioxidant capacity. The aim of the present study was to determine the total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of a juice commercialized as noni juice, but containing grape, blueberry and noni fruits. Commercial noni juice was compared against its separate constituents of blueberry and grape juice. Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH• methods were used to determine the concentration of total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, respectively. Commercial noni juice presented higher values of TPC (91.90 mg of gallic acid/100 mL juice) and antioxidant activity (5.85 mmol/L) compared to its 5% diluted constituents. Concentrated blueberry juice presented higher TPC and antioxidant activity than the other juices analyzed. Considering that the blueberry and grape juices account for only 10% in the composition of commercial noni juice, it can be inferred that these two components contribute significantly to the antioxidant activity. Therefore, additional studies are necessary in order to elucidate the contribution of the noni juice as an antioxidant.

A planta Morinda citrifolia L. tem sido objeto de muitas pesquisas decorrente de seus efeitos benéficos no tratamento e prevenção de muitas doenças. No entanto, são escassos os estudos in vivo e in vitro sobre os compostos presentes e sua capacidade de atuar como antioxidante. Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar o índice de polifenóis totais (IPT) e a capacidade antioxidante do suco de noni comercial, constituído de uva, mirtilo e a fruta do noni. O suco de noni comercial foi comparado com seus constituintes (mirtilo e suco de uva) separadamente. Os métodos Folin-Ciocalteu e DPPH• foram utilizados para determinar a concentração de polifenóis totais e capacidade antioxidante, respectivamente. O suco de noni apresentou valores superiores de IPT (91,90 mg ácido gálico/100 mL de suco) e atividade antioxidante (5,85 mmol/L) quando comparado aos seus constituintes diluídos a 5%. O suco de mirtilo, na sua forma concentrada, apresentou IPT e atividade antioxidante superior aos demais sucos. Considerando que os sucos de mirtilo e de uva representam apenas 10% na composição do suco de noni, pode-se inferir que estes dois constituintes contribuem de forma significativa para a atividade antioxidante. Assim, estudos adicionais são necessários para elucidar a contribuição do suco de noni como sequestrador de radicais livres.