Varusha Sharon C, Lakshmi Thangavelu, Anitha Roy

Abstract

Introduction: A popular treatment for chronic pain and inflammation involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While NSAIDs have been effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with it, NSAIDs have a number of adverse side effects. As researchers studied the COX inhibitory activity of NSAIDs, they discovered that there are in fact two different COX enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. Morinda citrifolia is a tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Among some 100 names for the fruit across different regions are the common English names; great morinda, Indian mulberry, noni, beach mulberry, and cheese fruit. Although Morinda is considered to have biological properties in traditional medicine, there is no confirmed evidence of clinical efficacy for any intended use. Materials and Methodology: The Morinda citrfolia leaf extract was obtained from Greenchem Herbal extracts and formulations, Banglore. The COX Inhibitor Screening Assay directly measures PGF2α by stannous chloride reduction of COX-derived PGH2 produced in the COX reaction. Results: Different concentrations (15.625, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000µg/ml) of Morinda fruit extract was evaluated for the inhibitory effect on the activity of COX. The plant extracts exhibited potent inhibition of the COX – 2 enzymes. Concentration based inhibition was observed against COX – 2 activities. The IC50 was found to be 112.1µg/ml. Maximum inhibition was found to be 94.36% at 1000µg/ml. Conclusion: The Morinda citrifolia plant, and especially its fruit, has been used for centuries in folk medicine. It has been shown by various studies, some of which with controversial methodologies, that this fruit includes several nutritional and functional compounds without assessing the amount of them. Anti-microbial, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and cardiovascular activity of noni has been proven through research previously. Therefore, the extract can be functional as better anti-inflammatory medicine rather than the synthetic one.