Progress 09/01/07 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Local healers and people at large in Yap distinguish three varietal forms of noni in Yap, largely based on leaf morphology. They consider a varietal form of noni with narrow leaves as more potent without knowledge of their potential medicinal advantages, if any. The fact that leaves do seem to vary implies that traditional healers and other observers of plants, are indeed recognizing a feature that needs scientific scrutiny. Since noni is making its transition from wild-harvested to commercial cultivation in Yap, farmers look for desirable forms and to improve the crop. Therefore, it is important to study the diversity within Morinda citrifolia var. citrifolia and its close relatives. Any unrecognized intra-varietal diversity and chemical differences will be a potential marketing tool. This diversity needs to be examined for a number of reasons that all relate to increasing the market of the product through improved quality. Broad goal of this project is to study the intra-varietal diversity within Morinda citrifolia L. var. citrifolia L. Specific objectives are to: (i) examine the morphological diversity of Morinda citrifolia var. citrifolia varietal forms in Yap, and (ii) analyze and quantify chemical constituents (polyphenols, polysaccharides, anthraquiones and other volatile compounds) from noni fruits and leaves of different Morinda citrifolia var. citrifolia varietal forms. Morphological data collected from field-grown and nursery-grown noni varietal forms helped to formulate a research design for the analysis of chemical contents in noni fruits. Fruits from three cultivars were subjected to detailed chemical examination for three parameters namely, total polysaccharide contents, polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activity. Further a detailed statistical analysis was carried out to see if the results were significant. Total polysaccharide contents of fruits of three varietal forms ranged from 24 to 41 mg per gram dry pellet without any significant difference (p=0.22). Polyphenol contents varied from 8.15 to 10.03 mg per gram sample, without apparent significant difference (p= 0.19). However, antioxidant properties of the three varietal forms were significantly different (p= 0.021). Post Hoc testing using Tukey HSD revealed that large fruit and small fruit varietal forms of noni are significantly different in terms of their antioxidant properties. This conform islanders' traditional knowledge about the potency of noni fruits of different varietal forms. Results of this study were presented during the Second CNAS Research Conference in Guam in January 2010. The results were also disclosed to members of Yap Farmers Organization during a meeting. PARTICIPANTS: Project Director devoted 30 percent FTE for this project. One Research Assistant on 50 percent FTE assisted in the field work. Members of Yap Farmers Organization assisted in sample collection. Yap State Division of Agriculture and Forestry and members of Yap Farmers Organization collaborate with this project and constantly provide their inputs. Mel Jackson and Jamie Clayton, Hawaii Agricultural Research Center assisted in chemical analysis of fruit samples. Sabiha Khan, Fiji School of Medicine helped in statistical analysis of experimental data. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience of this project was Yapese farmers, community members, traditional healers and members of Yap Farmers Organization. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The results of our study showed significant difference in the antioxidant properties of two noni varietal forms in Yap. The results confirm islanders' traditional knowledge about the potency of a particular variety of noni fruits that is currently used in local medicines. This study was first of its kind in the region and our study results help members of Yap Farmers Organization to tap Yap noni fruits unique marketing potential.
Publications
- Krishnapillai, M, J. Clayton, J., M. Jackson, and S. Khan. 2010. Polysaccharides, polyphenols and antioxidant properties of three varietal forms of Noni from Yap. In: Golabi, M. and Wall, G. (eds.), Proceedings of the 2nd CNAS Conference, University of Guam, January 13, 2010.
- Murukesan, V.K. 2010. Traditional therapeutic uses of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L. var. citrifolia) in Micronesia. In: Rethinam, P. and Marimuthu, T. (eds.), First World Noni Congress 2010 - Proceedings of the Fifth National Symposium on Noni for Global Wellness, Oct. 1-3, 185-202.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Broad goal of this project is to study the intra-varietal diversity within Morinda citrifolia L. var. citrifolia L. Morphological data collected from field-grown and nursery-grown noni varietal forms helped to formulate a research design for the analysis of chemical contents in noni fruits. Ripe fruits from field grown plants of three varietal forms across Yap were collected in triplicate and brought to the laboratory. Fruits were immediately frozen to prevent any chemical change of the volatile compounds and hand carried to Hawaii Agriculture Research Center for freeze drying and further analysis. One gram of each freeze dried sample then assayed for polysaccharide contents, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity. Project Director continued to publish a series of monthly information bulletin to enhance the knowledge of noni among Yapese community. PARTICIPANTS: Project Director devoted 25 percent FTE for this project. One Research Assistant on 40 percent FTE assisted in field work. Members of Yap Farmers Organization assisted in sample collection. Yap State Division of Agriculture and Forestry and members of Yap Farmers Organization collaborate with this project and constantly provide their inputs. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience of this project is Yapese farmers, community members and members of Yap Farmers Organization. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Information generated from noni extension and research projects brought greater enthusiasm among the community about the various uses of noni fruits. Preliminary analysis of the data from chemical analysis reveals some difference in the chemical contents and antioxidant activity of noni cultivar forms which will help in the selection of more potent varietal forms for commercial exploitation.
Publications
- Murukesan, V.K. 2009. Helping makes farmers idea a reality: Value addition and market development for Yap's Noni. In: Noni Search 2008, Proceedings of 3rd National Symposium on Noni for Health and Nutrition, October 18-19, 2008; p. 205-211.
- Murukesan, V.K. 2009. Noni: A Powerful Adaptogen. In: Noni Search 2009, Souvenir and Abstracts of 4th National Symposium on Noni for Empowerment and Prosperity, October 24-25, 2009; p. 22-24.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the first year of this project, vegetative cuttings of three varietal forms of noni were established in pots and their morphological characteristics analyzed. Leaf and fruit morphological data (length of lamina, width of lamina, length to width ratio, leaf form factor, leaf perimeter, length of petiole, lamina area, length of fruit, width of fruit, weight of fruit) were collected from nursery established plants and compared with that of trees from natural population. Analysis of data revealed significant differences in leaf and fruit morphological characteristics. Whether these differences reflect in their chemical principles will be the thrust area of future research under this project. Members of Yap Farmers Organization provide their inputs for this project on a regular basis. Their traditional knowledge about the plant greatly helped Project Director during field surveys and analysis to take positive actions. Project Director published a series of monthly information bulletin to enhance the knowledge about noni among the Yapese community. PARTICIPANTS: Project Director devoted 25 percent FTE for this project. In addition, one Research Assistant on 30 percent FTE assisted Project Director in survey, nursery and field work. Members of Yap Farmers Organization also actively helped during field surveys. Members of Yap Farmers Organization and Yap State Division of Agriculture and Forestry collaborate with this project and constantly provide their inputs. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience of this research project are Yapese farmers and community members. Project Director publish and distribute monthly information bulletins to keep community members abreast of the topic and research. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
No significant impact is observed during the first year of this project. However, great number of community members has shown interest in the project and members of Yap Farmers Organization actively participated in field surveys. The information generated from this research will help Yap Farmers to select potent forms of noni for commercial production.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This new project aims to evaluate the varietal differences in Yapese noni and to scientifically validate the traditional knowledge pertaining to its medicinal qualities. During a training workshop, farmer participants felt that there are at least three varietal forms of noni in Yap that call for detailed evaluation for potential exploitation of their medicinal properties. Unrecognized intra-varietal diversity and difference in chemical constituents among the varieties will be a potential marketing tool. Currently, three varietal forms of noni are focus of this research. Vegetative cuttings of one particular variety of noni are established in pots and their growth is being compared with population of trees growing in natural setting. Leaf morphological characters are collected a population of trees growing at different localities of Yap Proper. Data are being compiled for statistical analysis. Trained farmer participants of a previously held workshop continuously provide
their inputs for this project.
PARTICIPANTS: Project Director devoted 20 percent of his FTE for this project. One Research Assistant ( 20 percent FTE) assisted Project Director for field survey and documentation. Farmer participants of a previously held workshop also assisted in field surveys.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience of this project include Yapese farmers and home owners who intend to initiate small scale business venture on Noni. Project Director frequently consult with members of Yap Farmers Organization and invite their inputs for this project.
Impacts
Not outcomes established yet. This project is new and activities are tailored to generate maximum outcomes based on set targets.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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