Skills (21)
Education
-
Sep 1980–
Aug 1982Brigham Young University - Provo Main Campus
Food Science · MSUSA · Provo
Other
-
Scientific MembershipsInstitute of Food Technologists
Publications (24) View all
-
Article: Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaves have been used in tropical folk medicine to treat topical inflammation and burns. A carbomer gel base, containing the ethanol extract and juice pressed from the leaves, was evaluated for potential allergenic properties in a repeat-insult patch test in 49 volunteers. To investigate the topical photo-protective properties, the combined ethanol extract and leaf juice were evaluated in a UVB-induced erythema model in 25 volunteers. The crude ethanol extract of M. citrifolia leaves was also evaluated in vitro for potential anti-inflammatory activity in a histamine H-1 receptor antagonism assay. There was no evidence of allergenic potential in the repeat-insult patch test. When the combination of ethanol extract and leaf juice was applied, the UVB dose required to induce erythema was almost 3.5 times greater than with untreated skin (P<0.001). In the histamine H-1 receptor-binding assay, the crude ethanol extract of M. citrifolia leaves inhibited receptor binding by 57%. These results suggest that M. citrifolia leaves are safe for topical use and may be useful in mitigating UVB-induced injury to the skin.Journal of Natural Medicines 04/2012; 63(3):351-354. · 1.39 Impact Factor -
Article: A double-blind clinical safety study of noni fruit juice.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A safety study of TAHITIAN NONI Juice from Tahiti was conducted with ninety-six healthy volunteers. For 28 days, participants consumed one of four daily quantities of noni juice: 0 mL (placebo), 30 mL, 300 mL, or 750 mL. All daily dose formulations were standardized to 750 mL by making up any volume differences with the placebo. Hematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, vital signs, and adverse events measurements were made at 0 (baseline), 2, and 4 weeks, as well as during a two-week follow up (week 6). Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements were also made for each volunteer during the pre-study screen and at week 6. During the trial, those in the noni groups experienced 20 to 50% fewer total adverse events than those in the placebo group. A marginally significant (P<0.1) reduction in the number of constant adverse events experienced by the volunteers was also found in the 300 mL noni juice group. A similar trend was observed in the other noni juice groups, as well. No other clinically significant differences between any of the groups were noted in the parameters and measurements of this study, nor was there evidence suggesting any adverse dose-related effects. The results of this study indicate that drinking up to 750 mL TAHITIAN NONI Juice per day is safe.Pacific health dialog: a publication of the Pacific Basin Officers Training Program and the Fiji School of Medicine 11/2009; 15(2):21-32. -
Article: Safety tests and antinutrient analyses of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaf.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaves have a documented history of food use. However, previous safety and antinutrient studies are absent. The current investigation was conducted to assess the utility of noni leaves as food. No evidence of toxicity or differences in weight gain were observed in acute, subacute, and subchronic oral toxicity tests of ethanol-water (1:1 v/v) and hot-water extracts of noni leaves in mice at doses of 2000, 200, and 20 mg kg(-1) body weight, respectively. Acute systemic anaphylaxis tests of the ethanol-water (4:1 v/v) and hot-water extracts were negative. Further, leaf proteins were readily digested in simulated gastric fluid. Tannic acid concentrations in frozen and dried leaf were 1.6 and 25.8 g kg(-1), respectively. Phytic acid was not detected in the raw leaf (<1 g kg(-1)). The average oxalic acid content was 1 g kg(-1) and was fairly uniform among 22 leaf samples from 11 islands throughout French Polynesia. Similarly, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol content did not vary widely, suggesting low inter-island content variability. The apparent lack of toxicity of the leaves and the hardiness of the plant make it ideal for further agricultural development, especially where sustained growth of other food crops is difficult. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 11/2007; 87(14):2583-8. · 1.44 Impact Factor -
Article: Noni as an anxiolytic and sedative: a mechanism involving its gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is increasing in worldwide popularity as a food or dietary supplement with versatile health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Noni fruit on anxiety symptoms in vitro. To this end, a competitive GABAa receptor-binding assay was developed. Our preliminary study indicates that the methanol crude extract of Noni fruit showed significant affinity to the gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAa) inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors, and displayed 75% binding inhibition of the agonist radioligand [3H] muscimol at a concentration of 100 microg/ml. Further experiments demonstrated that the MeOH extract, and its BuOH and H2O partitions, exhibited IC50 values of 22.8, 27.2, and 17.1 microg/ml, respectively, in the GABAa-binding assay. Experimental results with Noni fruit indicate the presence of competitive ligand(s), which may bind to the GABAa receptor as an agonist, and thus induce its anxiolytic and sedative effects. The study provides an in vitro rationale for one of Noni's versatile and traditional uses. In addition, an HPLC fingerprint profile of the methanolic extract of Noni fruit has been established for quality control purpose.Phytomedicine 09/2007; 14(7-8):517-22. · 3.27 Impact Factor -
Article: A Safety Review of Noni Fruit Juice
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) fruit has been used in tropical regions as both food and folk medicine. The recent use of noni as a dietary supplement has increased greatly. To describe the safety of this fruit, a literature review and data from new studies are presented. Several preclinical safety tests and a human clinical safety study have revealed no adverse health effects, even at high doses. The available data substantiate its continued use as a safe food.Journal of Food Science 09/2006; 71(8):R100 - R106. · 1.66 Impact Factor
