Morinda coreia Buch.-Ham. (Heartwood)

Morinda coreia Buch.-Ham. (Heartwood)

Product Name: Моринда лесная, Morinda coreia, Waldmorinde, Morinda de la selva, Morinde des forêts, موريندا الغابية, มะตาด, Моринда, Моринда, Morinda, Моринда, Моринда, Morinda, Моринда, מורינדה

Synonyms: моринда корея, forest morinda, coreia morinda, Indische Maulbeere, morinda del bosque, morinde de la jungle, موريندا كوريا, มะตาดป่า

Parts Used: bark, roots, leaves, fruits, heartwood, seeds.

Main indications for use of Morinda coreia: chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatotoxic damage, bacterial diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, inflammatory skin diseases of bacterial etiology, dermatomycosis, gingivitis, periodontitis, inflammation of the oral mucosa, fever of bacterial etiology, secondary immunodeficiency, oxidative stress, chronic pain syndrome of inflammatory origin, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, biliary tract dysfunction, dyspeptic disorder, colitis, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Use of Morinda coreia in mixtures and complexes: acute viral hepatitis, viral respiratory tract infections, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic pancreatitis, urolithiasis, nephritis, arthritis of autoimmune etiology, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue, neuralgia, depression, oncological diseases as part of supportive therapy.

Pharmacological properties of Morinda coreia: antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunostimulating, spasmolytic, choleretic, hypolipidemic, antitumor, regenerative, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antiparasitic, vasodilatory, antihypertensive.

Dosage of pharmaceutical forms — Morinda coreia

Powder — Morinda coreia

Indications (Powder): chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatotoxic damage, bacterial diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, inflammatory skin diseases of bacterial etiology, dermatomycosis, gingivitis, periodontitis, inflammation of the oral mucosa, fever of bacterial etiology, secondary immunodeficiency, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally, 1–2 grams of powder 2 times a day, with warm boiled water, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally, 2 grams of powder 3 times a day for chronic hepatitis with pronounced cytolytic syndrome, bacterial diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, atherosclerosis with hyperlipidemia.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally, up to 3 grams of powder 3 times a day for resistant forms of bacterial diarrhea, chronic hepatitis with high viral load, subject to good tolerance.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally, 1 gram of powder 1 time a day for 30 days, 2 times a year for chronic hepatitis in remission, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, initial stage of arterial hypertension.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 12 years of age with body weight from 40 kg — 0.5–1 gram of powder 2 times a day, with body weight 20–40 kg — 0.3–0.5 grams 2 times a day; under 12 years of age — insufficient data on safe dosage.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with ulceration, pronounced hypotension; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): for body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg — dose increase by 25%.

Preparation method (Powder): Thoroughly dry the heartwood of Morinda coreia at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a residual moisture of less than 10%, grind to a fine powder (particle size not more than 0.2 mm) in a stainless steel mill. To prepare 100 grams of powder, use 110–120 grams of dry plant material. Sieve the resulting powder through a 0.2 mm mesh sieve, package in airtight containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, light-protected place at a temperature of 5 to 25 °C, in airtight containers, without access to moisture and direct sunlight. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Morinda coreia

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatotoxic damage, bacterial diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, dermatomycosis, inflammatory skin diseases of bacterial etiology, secondary immunodeficiency, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 250–500 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 500 milligrams of dry extract 3 times a day for chronic hepatitis, atherosclerosis, bacterial diarrhea.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, up to 1000 milligrams 3 times a day for resistant forms of gastrointestinal infections and pronounced cytolytic syndrome, subject to liver function monitoring.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 250 milligrams 1 time a day for 30 days, 2 times a year for chronic hepatitis in remission, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 12 years of age — 100–250 milligrams 2 times a day; under 12 years of age — insufficient data on safe dosage.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, pronounced hypotension, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose — diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): for body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg — dose increase by 25%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Pour 70% ethanol over ground heartwood of Morinda coreia in a ratio of 1:10, infuse for 72 hours at room temperature, stirring periodically. Filter, evaporate the extract in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a thick mass, then dry in a vacuum drying oven to a powder state. Ethanol is used for extraction only and is not a component of the finished product. Before packaging, ensure the complete disappearance of ethanol odor. Permissible residual content — not more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in airtight containers, protected from light, at a temperature of 5 to 25 °C, humidity not more than 60%. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Tincture — Morinda coreia

Indications (Tincture): chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatotoxic damage, bacterial diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, dermatomycosis, inflammatory skin diseases of bacterial etiology, gingivitis, periodontitis, inflammation of the oral mucosa, secondary immunodeficiency, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally, 5 milliliters 2 times a day, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm boiled water, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally, 7–10 milliliters 2–3 times a day for bacterial diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, chronic hepatitis with increased viral load.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally, 10 milliliters 3 times a day for resistant forms of gastrointestinal infections, dermatomycosis, inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally, 3–5 milliliters 1 time a day for 14 days, 2 times a year for chronic hepatitis in remission, hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children over 12 years of age — 1–2 milliliters per dose, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water; under 12 years of age — no data on safe dosage.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, alcoholism, pronounced liver failure, severe hypotension; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): for body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg — dose increase by 25%.

Preparation method (Tincture): Pour 500 milliliters of 40% ethyl alcohol over ground heartwood of Morinda coreia (100 grams), infuse in a dark place at room temperature for 14 days, shaking daily. Strain, pour into dark glass vials. Ethyl alcohol is used only as an extractant and remains in the finished product as a medicinal base.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark place at a temperature of 5 to 25 °C, in tightly closed glass containers. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Ointment — Morinda coreia

Indications (Ointment): inflammatory skin diseases of bacterial etiology, dermatomycosis, trophic ulcer, purulent wound, thermal burn of I–II degree, eczema, psoriasis, gingivitis (for applications to the gums).

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply a thin layer to the affected area of skin 2 times a day, for applications in the oral cavity — 1–2 times a day for a course of up to 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply 3 times a day for dermatomycosis, purulent wound, trophic ulcer.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): application up to 4 times a day on limited areas of skin is allowed for extensive bacterial skin lesions and slowly healing wounds.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply 1 time a day for 7–10 days 1–2 times a year for chronic dermatoses in remission to prevent relapse.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): from 6 years of age — application of a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day; under 6 years of age — insufficient data on safe dosage.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, extensive skin damage with violation of dermal integrity, active viral skin infections; no documented contraindications during pregnancy and lactation.

Side Effects (Ointment): in case of overdose, local allergic reactions are possible: hyperemia, itching, burning.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): not required, as the product is applied locally.

Preparation method (Ointment): for 100 grams of ointment: dry extract of Morinda coreia heartwood — 10 grams, coconut oil — 60 grams, beeswax — 30 grams. Melt the coconut oil in a water bath at a temperature of 40–45 °C, add the extract powder and mix thoroughly, then add the melted beeswax and stir until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Pour into sterile jars, cool.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in tightly closed containers, in a cool dark place at a temperature of 5 to 15 °C. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Toxicity and biosafety of Morinda coreia

Data on conducted studies of acute and chronic toxic effects for the heartwood of Morinda coreia are limited. In available pharmacological publications, it is noted that plant extracts with oral administration to laboratory animals at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight did not cause lethal outcomes or pronounced signs of toxicity, which allows the substance to be classified as practically non-toxic (Class V according to the Hodge and Sterner classification). LD₅₀ parameters for the heartwood extract with oral administration exceed 2000 mg/kg in rats. With long-term use at therapeutic doses, no adverse effects on body weight, liver and kidney function parameters were detected. With external use, the extract did not have an irritating or sensitizing effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

Reference: https://ijprajournal.com/issue...

Pharmacodynamics — Morinda coreia

The pharmacodynamic action of Morinda coreia heartwood is determined by a complex of biologically active compounds, including iridoid glycosides, anthracene derivatives, phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and tannins. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies indicate pronounced antioxidant activity due to the ability of phenolic and flavonoid components to neutralize free radicals, restore oxidized forms of biomolecules, and inhibit lipid peroxidation. At the systemic level, an anti-inflammatory effect has been detected, realized through a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of the activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, which helps limit the inflammatory cascade.

Preparations from Morinda coreia heartwood have a hepatoprotective effect, which is associated with the suppression of oxidative stress in liver cells, stabilization of hepatocyte membranes, and improvement of intracellular detoxification processes. A mild spasmolytic effect on the smooth muscle structures of the biliary tract and intestines has been noted, which is probably associated with an effect on calcium channels and mediator mechanisms of muscle fiber contraction.

The antimicrobial activity of extracts covers a wide range of bacterial and fungal microorganisms. Mechanisms of action include disruption of the integrity of pathogen cell walls, inhibition of enzyme systems critical for their vital activity, and suppression of biofilm formation. The antifungal effect is associated with the disruption of ergosterol synthesis and changes in the permeability of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane.

Immunomodulatory properties are manifested both in the stimulation of the phagocytic activity of macrophages and in the regulation of the humoral immunity. An effect on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, has been noted, which further supports the antioxidant status of the body.

On the skin and mucous membranes, the preparations act as a wound healing and regenerative agent, stimulating fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Tannins provide an astringent and antiseptic effect, which is important for local use in injuries and inflammations. A hypolipidemic effect is also observed, realized through an effect on lipid metabolism and a decrease in the activity of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis.

Thus, the pharmacodynamics of Morinda coreia covers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, regenerative, and hypolipidemic effects with an impact on various body systems, including the hepatic, immune, digestive, and skin systems.

Reference: https://ijprajournal.com/issue...

Pharmacokinetics — Morinda coreia

Following oral administration of powder or dry extract of Morinda coreia, absorption of active components occurs mainly in the small intestine. Polar fractions (iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids) are easily soluble in water and are rapidly absorbed by passive diffusion and active transport. Lipophilic triterpenoids and some flavonoids undergo partial emulsification with the participation of bile acids, which improves their absorption.

After absorption, active substances are distributed mainly in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and skin. Some lipophilic components can accumulate in adipose tissue, creating a depot with gradual release. In the blood plasma, a significant part of flavonoids and phenolic compounds circulates in the form of conjugates with glucuronic and sulfuric acids.

Metabolism occurs in the liver with the participation of microsomal oxidation and conjugation enzymes. Iridoid glycosides undergo hydrolysis followed by the conversion of aglycones into more polar metabolites. Flavonoids and phenolic acids are metabolized by methylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation. Some components undergo biotransformation under the action of the colonic microflora, which can lead to the formation of biologically active metabolites.

Excretion of metabolites occurs primarily with urine and bile. Water-soluble compounds are excreted by the kidneys during the first day; lipophilic metabolites may be excreted more slowly, partially with bile and feces. With external use, absorption is minimal and limited to the superficial layers of the skin, where active substances exert a local effect, and systemic exposure is extremely low.

Thus, the pharmacokinetic profile of Morinda coreia combines rapid absorption of hydrophilic components, slower absorption of lipophilic ones, predominant distribution in the liver and skin, active hepatic metabolism, and combined renal-biliary excretion.

Reference: https://ijprajournal.com/issue...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Morinda coreia

The pharmacological activity of Morinda coreia is determined by the multi-target effect of its phytochemical components on molecular and cellular targets. Flavonoids and phenolic acids exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity, realized through direct binding and neutralization of reactive oxygen species, as well as activation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These compounds are able to inhibit lipid peroxidation in cell membranes, stabilize membrane structures, and prevent DNA damage. Iridoid glycosides modulate the activity of NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, reducing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the enzyme systems of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).

Triterpenoids and anthraquinone derivatives of Morinda coreia heartwood have a direct cytotoxic effect on pathogenic microorganisms, disrupting the permeability of their cell membranes and suppressing the activity of key enzymes of energy metabolism. The antifungal activity is partly explained by the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and disruption of the integrity of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane. Iridoid structures may also interact with liver enzyme systems, affecting detoxification mechanisms and the expression of heat shock proteins, which increases cell resistance to oxidative stress.

Studies on cell models have shown that extracts of Morinda coreia are able to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), indicating the potential to influence cholinergic neurotransmission. An effect on the modulation of calcium channels of smooth muscle cells has also been detected, which explains the spasmolytic properties and the ability to regulate the tone of blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Tannins in the heartwood realize an astringent effect through the denaturation of proteins in the surface layers of tissues, which is accompanied by the formation of a protective film and a decrease in capillary permeability.

Thus, the mechanisms of action of Morinda coreia cover antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, spasmolytic, membrane-stabilizing, and astringent effects, realized through interaction with key enzyme systems, signaling pathways, and cellular structures.

Reference: https://ijprajournal.com/issue...

Synergy — Morinda coreia

Pharmacological synergy of Morinda coreia is most pronounced when combined with other taxa that have similar or complementary mechanisms of action. Co-administration with Curcuma longa demonstrates a potentiating enhancement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to the additive suppression of NF-κB activity and combined inhibition of COX-2 and LOX. The combination with Andrographis paniculata enhances the modulation of the immune response, in particular the phagocytic activity of macrophages and the production of interleukins, due to the synchronous effect on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

When combined with Azadirachta indica, an additive and partially potentiating antibacterial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria is observed, due to different but complementary mechanisms of damage to the bacterial membrane and inhibition of bacterial enzymes. The combination with Terminalia chebula enhances the hypolipidemic effect due to a complex effect on lipid metabolism enzymes and an increase in the expression of receptors involved in the uptake of low-density lipoproteins by the endothelium.

In cosmetological compositions, Morinda coreia extract exhibits synergy with Aloe vera, where an enhancement of the regenerative and moisturizing effect on the epidermis is noted due to the combined stimulation of fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Synergy with Camellia sinensis has also been described in relation to the stabilization of the antioxidant status of the skin with topical use, realized through the combined suppression of the activity of metalloproteinases responsible for collagen degradation.

The nature of the interaction between Morinda coreia and the listed taxa varies from additive to potentiating, which indicates the possibility of targeted combination in phytopharmacology and nutraceutics to enhance or expand the spectrum of biological action.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of use and traditional medicine — Morinda coreia

Morinda coreia is traditionally found and used in the countries of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, the heartwood and bark were used in the form of decoctions and infusions as a means to support liver function, improve skin condition, and generally strengthen the body. In rural communities of southern India, the heartwood and bark of the plant were used to prepare concentrated infusions, which were used in the form of compresses and wraps, as well as for rinsing the oral cavity. In the traditional medicine of Sri Lanka, decoctions from the heartwood were used in complex herbal mixtures that were prepared in clay vessels over low heat.

In the folk practices of Myanmar and Thailand, the heartwood was ground and macerated in water or an alcohol base, after which it was applied externally in the form of a paste or intradermally as part of ritual medicinal ointments. In some northern provinces of Laos, the plant was used in the form of fumigation with dried pieces of heartwood to "cleanse" the home and repel insects. In the cultures of certain ethnic groups of Karnataka and Kerala, it was considered a "tree of power" and could be part of amulets hung at the entrance of the house.

Historical references to the plant are found in local herbal guides of South India dating back to the 17th century, where Morinda coreia was mentioned as part of multi-herbal mixtures to strengthen the body and protect against "harmful winds." In Thailand, it was classified among plants that bring harmony and purification, and was used in herbal baths in ritual practice, and in Cambodian communities, the heartwood was added to wood mixtures for sacrificial fires in temple ceremonies. Non-medical use included the manufacture of amulets from fragments of heartwood, which were worn in pouches around the neck or belt as protection against evil spirits.