Fermented Morinda citrifolia Linn juice has reduced antioxidant capacity and demonstrates cytotoxicity towards human breast cancer cells

• Main Authors: Mohamad Razif, Muhammad Fazril, Kong, Boon Hong, Yee, Yeaw-Khim, Zulkapli, Noorain, Nik Ampuan, Nik Nurmadihah Azma, Fung, Shin Yee
• Format: Article
• Published: Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2022
• Subjects: R Medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/43894/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Morinda citrifolia Linn (noni) is a plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Recently, fermented noni fruit juice has undergone a surge in popularity, driven by its supposed health benefits. The aim of this study was (i) to determine the nutrient composition of fermented noni fruit juice, and (ii) to compare the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties between unfermented (UNJ) and fermented (FNJ) noni fruit juice. The results showed that FNJ is rich in carbohydrates (81.3 g/100 g DW), but low in both protein (5.4 g/100g DW) and fat (4.0 g/100g DW). FNJ also contains high amounts of amino acids (AAs) glutamic acid, aspartic acid and leucine. UNJ exhibited higher free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity than FNJ. UNJ was found to exhibit comparable cytotoxicity across all cells tested. Notably, FNJ demonstrated higher toxicity against normal human breast (184B5) cells (up to 2.6-fold) compared to human breast cancer (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) cells. To our knowledge, our study is the first to demonstrate that noni fruit juice (both fermented and unfermented) is toxic to normal breast cells. Their toxicity toward normal breast cells and their non-selective targeting may require in-depth in vivo study to reveal their potential therapeutic benefits. Caution is warranted as noni fruit juice products from other sources may possess different toxicological and pharmacological profiles. © 2022 Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. All rights reserved.