Morinda spp (Noni), a plant originally from Southeast Asia, is a valuable source of natural products for its socio-economic, chemical and biological benefits to mankind. This review was carried out to reveal its nutritional and therapeutic value, as well as a number of socio-economic benefits. Several findings showed that Morinda spp contributes to a country’s economy through the production of fruit drinks from the plant and its related products which is a multimillion dollar industry. The biggest commercial value of its fruit is in beverages, fruit powders, toiletries, and oil. Their biggest markets consist of Asia, Australia, and North America, and the largest producer is Hawaii. The worldwide market for these fruits moves an estimated $400 million USD annually. The use of M. citrifolia has recently grown tremendously in North America, Western Europe and elsewhere and it is now widely available in health food stores, pharmacies, grocery stores and through the Internet. It is cultivated for commercial use in the Pacific islands, particularly in Tahiti and Hawaii, as well as Australia, and, more recently, Florida. Morinda plant rise in popularity as a dietary supplement is most likely due to the increase in its publicity and marketing as a general cure-all or panacea for a number of chronic conditions. This review highlighted the socioeconomic value, chemical composition and the different biological effects of Morinda, which are anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, antifungal, anti-hepatoprotective, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-obesity and hypoglycemic, anti-helmintic and analgesic effects. Market interest in this fruit suggests a bright future, although more studies are needed in areas of its profitability and market analysis to determine the economic potential of this plant.

Morinda spp, Noni, Socio-economic Value, Biological Effect, Chemical Composition