Abstract:
The “noni” species of Morinda citrifolia L., is using in traditional medicine in the tropical country for over
2000 years. Noni fruit has come from the Morinda citrifolia tree which is called Rubiaceae, and it is from the coffee
family. It is a perennial herb whose ripe fruit has a robust butyric acid smell and flavor. Recently scientists have proven
that this fruit has antioxidant and antibiotic properties in vitro. An anthraquinone, damnacanthal, is one of the
constituents of Morinda citrifolia. It has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer properties. Damnacanthal has low water
solubility and low bioavailability. Formulating of damnacanthal into the biodegradable nanocapsule drug delivery system
may increase its bioavailability. Various formulations of damnacanthal would be developed to enable the selection of a
dosage form that could offer the provision of the anti-cancer bioactive substance with suitable sustained- or controlled
release properties. The efficiency of extraction of damnacanthal will be compared using both conventional and
traditional method. Both the damnacanthal and an anthraquinone active compounds extracted from noni roots, are
currently being studied in the context of anti-cancer study. Soon, the medical values, bioactivities and nutritional of this
fruit can be assessed, especially its anti-cancer activity, this fruit extract could play an outstanding economic role in
Malaysia and other tropical countries
