Investigation into the Bioavailability of Some Essential Health Based Elements in Ripe and Unripe Noni Fruits (Morinda citrifolia)

Abstract

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit has recently been gaining attention in the area of nutraceutical research due to its potential health benefits. The Fruit of the morinda citrifolia plant, also known as Indian mulberry, has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in Polynesia and Southeast Asia and recently in Africa. The fruit has gained significant attention for its profound therapeutic and nutritional benefits in treating various ailments. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by analyzing the presence and quantity of selected elements relevant to human health, namely Calcium, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Nickel, Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, Chromium, and Cadmium, in both ripe and unripe Noni fruits. The highly sensitive atomic absorption spectroscopic (AAS) technique was employed for this purpose. The results revealed that ripe Noni fruit contained higher concentrations of Calcium, Potassium, Chromium, and Phosphorus, while unripe Noni fruit had higher levels of Manganese, Sodium, and Nickel.