Studies related to the chemical composition, biological activities and toxicity of methanolic extracts of noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruits and leaves

Morinda citrifolia is a plant that grows in Brazilian northeast and presented a wide range of therapeutic, industrial and technological applications. Based on this, the aim of this work was to study the chemical composition, main biological activities and potential toxicity of its extracts, aiming their industrial application. Important compounds were identified in the methanolic extracts obtained by ultrasonic and Soxhlet extractions from leaves and fruits. GC x GC allowed for the identification of phytosterols, fatty acids and methyl esters, besides others (scopoletin, hydrocarbons, alcohols, terpenes). By HPLC-DAD, compounds like catechin, rutin, quercetin could be also identified and quantified. Their content of polyphenols and flavonoids was considered between the international standards. The extracts showed high antioxidant activities (EC50 similar to 300 mu g mL(-1), using DPPH assay) compared with those from the literature. The extracts did not show toxicity or mutagenicity, but presented cytotoxicity, which can indicate their use safely in phytotherapic or nutritional applications.