Physicochemical and Phytochemical Evaluations on Noni (Morinda Citrifolia Linn.) Fruit Powder and Extracts

Morinda citrifolia (family Rubiaceae) ispopular western medicinal plant known by “Noni” or “Indian Mulberry” in India. All parts of this plant are used as valuable medicine for human, also used as wholesome foodforanimals during food scarcity. Its fruits have been extensively screened for different medicinal properties and pharmacological activities, however lacking the data on relative extractability and fluorescence characteristic of fruit powder (coarser and fine). Present study was conducted to evaluate physicochemical properties of fruit, fruit powder and extracts and to evaluate phytochemicals constituents of fruit extracts (qualitative analysis) by conventional techniques and methods. Results showed that the moisture content in the wet fruit was 80.46 % on dry weight basis. The powder (coarser and fine)was pale brown, emits butyric or foul smell, slight bitter in taste, pungent aromatic in odor and light in weight. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) in solvent extractability of both powder in aqueous and hydroethanolic solvents. The fine powder showed clogging ability and less extractability in both the solvents than coarser powder. The aqueous and ethanol extractsrevealed numerous chemical compounds. In conclusion, distinct physicochemical properties and chemical compounds in both aqueous and ethanol fruit extracts of noni fruit could be validated by simple tests.