The efficacy and function of Morinda officinalis

Morinda officinalis is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. There are records of Morinda officinalis in ancient Chinese medical books. Morinda officinalis can treat many diseases and its effects are very comprehensive. We should make good use of it.

[Other names] Orange-leaf corn vine, water wax gourd, toon root

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of Morinda citrifolia, a plant of the Rubiaceae family.

[Original morphology] Morinda officinalis is a shrub to a small tree. Except for the bundles of hairs in the vein axils on the underside of the leaves, the leaves are completely glabrous. The twigs are thick and obtusely prismatic. Leaves are opposite; petiole 5-12mm long; stipules 5-12mm long, membranous; leaf blade oblong-elliptic or broadly elliptic, 10-25cm long, 5-10cm wide, acute or shortly acuminate at apex, broadly cuneate at base, membranous. The capitula is often opposite to the leaves, spherical, rarely oblong, and multi-flowered; the peduncle is 1-2 cm long; the calyx tube is about 3 mm long, truncated at the tip; the corolla is white, funnel-shaped, 7-12 mm long, hairy at the throat, 5-lobed at the tip, the lobes are oblong-lanceolate, 5-8 mm long; there are 5 stamens, slightly protruding. The aggregate fruit is oblong or spherical, 2.5-4cm long, white or yellow when ripe, and sometimes the persistent calyx of the lowest drupelet is enlarged into a leaf shape; the drupelets are ovate, flat, and have winged edges. Flowering and fruiting period is from January to July.

【Habitat distribution】Ecological environment: Grown in coastal areas.

[Chemical composition] Morinda citrifolia root contains 2-methyl-7-hydroxy-8-methoxy-anthraquinone.

[Pharmacological action] In vitro tests have shown that the ethanol extract of the young leaves of Morinda citrifolia has a good anthelmintic effect on human roundworms.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cool

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies. Mainly for dysentery and tuberculosis

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above describes some ways to eat Morinda officinalis. Although many medicinal herbs can be eaten, we must remind everyone that Chinese medicines generally cannot be taken indiscriminately and should be used according to your own situation.