Description

Deciduous plant with white flowers and a root that yields a yellow dye.

Habitat & Cultivation

Morinda is native to China. It is cultivated in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian provinces. The root is unearthed in early spring.

Part Used

Root.

Constituents

Morinda contains anthraquinones, terpenoids, and polysaccharides.

History & Folklore

The earliest written record of morinda’s use is in the Divine Husbandman’s Classic (Shen’nong Bencaojing) of the 1st century CE.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Pungent and sweet-tasting, morinda root is an important tonic herb within traditional Chinese medicine. It has hormonal and antidepressant properties. As a sexual tonic, it is commonly used to treat impotence and premature ejaculation in men, and is taken by both sexes to aid fertility.

Morinda is employed in various other conditions, notably in the treatment of menstrual disorders. Researchers are investigating the root for its potential to prevent bone loss and help in treating osteoporosis.