Effects of Consumption of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of noni consumption on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, fasting glucose and hepatic and renal function in rats fed a high-fat diet. Methods: 18 Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group control (C) was fed with high-fat diet and water. Group's noni juice (NJ) and noni infusion (NI) received the same diet and noni juice and infusion, respectively, for 4 weeks. After this time were assessed anthropometric measurements, adiposity, organ weights and biochemical measurements. Results: Groups NJ and NI had higher waist circumference compared to group C (C=11.0 cm, NJ=12.8 cm and NI=14.0 cm, p<0.05), lower serum creatinine (C=0.8 mg/dL, NJ=0.2 mg/dL and NI=0.3 mg/dL, p<0.05), and higher blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio (C=92.7, NJ=349.3 and NI=230.4, p<0.05). Noni infusion consumption promoted higher serum total cholesterol (C=59.7 mg/dL, NJ=60.1 mg/dL and NI=99.8 mg/dL, p<0.05) and LDL (C=48.5 mg/dL, NJ=42.0 mg/dL and NI=78.7 mg/dL, p<0.05). Conclusion: Consumption of noni, either as juice or as infusion, promoted higher waist circumference and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio. Furthermore, noni infusion consumption promoted increased of serum total cholesterol and LDL