Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) fruit, antioxidant effects, and neuroprotection

In the human biological system, the production of highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its disposal are in a systemic manner. Any dysregulation of ROS disposal in the biological system due to endogenous and/or exogenous factors can lead to a condition of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the main culprit in causing many metabolic and neurological diseases which can be offset by facilitating endogenous antioxidant defense mechanism and/or supplying exogenous antioxidants. Though several nutraceuticals are in use for the betterment of the general health, the disease-specific molecules lack prophylaxis and treatment. Neuroprotection can shield many neurological diseases. In the present chapter, we give a brief note on the development of oxidative stress and its offset by available antioxidant systems and a detailed review of the effect of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) with the main concern on neuroprotection for prophylaxis and for treatment of oxidative stress associated neurological and neurodegenerative diseases such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, drug addiction and alcohol-use disorder, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and ischemic stroke.