NORTHERN Marianas College-Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services has filed a patent application for unique research on CNMI Noni (Morinda citrifolia), a tropical plant with an extensive history of use in traditional medicine.
The patent-pending research focuses on developing a concentrated, anti-diabetic nutraceutical from the plant. This marks a significant milestone for the college and for establishing a pharmaceutical market in the CNMI.
According to NMC-CREES, the invention uses supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂), effectively removing impurities, to create a purer Noni extract referred to as “Noni Essence” or “Noni Concentrate.” This extract is more effective in fighting diseases and has stronger antioxidant properties, using every part of the plant, including its fruits, leaves, and seeds. An added benefit of using scCO₂ to extract the Noni Essence is the significant reduction of the plant’s smell and unpleasant taste, making it more palatable for use in therapeutic and nutraceutical products, NMC-CREES stated.
“The research identified several unique bioactive compounds in CNMI Noni, including Monotropein, m-Courmaric acid, Betulinic Acid, and others, which contribute to its potent effects. Biochemical and histopathological investigations, via in-vivo animal models, demonstrated that concentrated noni essence did not induce any acute or sub-acute toxicity at an effective blood sugar-lowering dose in diabetic mammals. Findings in this study also include reduced total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as increased amounts of HDL-cholesterol, supporting its potential for safe use,” NMC-CREES stated.
Dr. Zaidul Sarker, the main inventor, stated that this research offers a glimpse into how NMC-CREES is building nutraceutical research capacity in the CNMI. As the project moves further, it is expected to create opportunities for students and farmers and foster collaborations with international universities and companies.
Dr. Abdur Rashid Mia, a co-inventor, added that scientific research on local Noni demonstrates how traditional plants can be transformed into safe, science-based solutions for diabetes and community health, and also creating value for CNMI medicinal plants.
For more information about the CNMI Noni Research project and its patent pending, go to crees.marianas.edu or call (670) 234-6843.
A patent is pending for nutraceutical research by NMC-CREES on the medicinal properties of CNMI Noni (Morinda citrifolia). Pictured are NMC President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, right, and the patent’s inventors, NMC-CREES Interim Dean Patricia Coleman, NMC-CREES Food Science State/Territory Program Leader Dr. Zaidul Sarker, and Food Science Research/Evaluator Dr. Abdur Rashid Mia.
NMC photo
A Noni fruit grown regeneratively at NMC-CREES’ Agriculture Research Station.
NMC photo
Dr. Zaidul Sarker, one of the inventors of the Noni research project, examines a sample of Noni extract.
Bottles containing Noni Essence or Concentrated Noni juice extracted using scCO2. The effects of this extract were found to have stronger antioxidant effects, a less unpleasant smell, and are more effective at fighting disease.
