Noni - Gemzar (Gemcitabine) Interaction
Herbal: Noni
Also Known As: Morinda citrifolia, Ba Ji Tian, Bois Douleur, Canarywood, Cheese Fruit, Hawaiian Noni, Hog Apple, Indian Mulberry, Indian Noni, Luoling, Mengkudu, Morinda, Mulberry, Nhau, Noni Juice, Nono, Nonu, Rotten Cheese Fruit, Ura, Wild Pine
Drug: Gemcitabine
Brand names:
Gemzar
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 15, 2025
Interaction Details
Gemcitabine is classified as belonging to the following category: Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, taking noni with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
There is concern that noni might cause hepatotoxicity in some patients. Advise patients against combining noni with potentially hepatotoxic drugs.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Millonig G, Stadlmann S, Vogel W. Herbal hepatotoxicity: acute hepatitis caused by a Noni preparation (Morinda citrifolia). Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005;17:445-7.
- Stadlbauer V, Fickert P, Lackner C, et al. Hepatotoxicity of NONI juice: report of two cases. World J Gastroenterol 2005;11:4758-60.
- Yuce B, Gulberg V, Diebold J, Gerbes AL. Hepatitis induced by noni juice from morinda citrifolia: a rare cause of hepatotoxicity or the tip of the iceberg? Digestion 2006;73:167-70.
Noni Overview
Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is a tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is also known by a variety of other names, including Indian mulberry, beach mulberry, and cheese fruit. Noni fruit is typically not eaten fresh due to its strong flavor and smell. Regardless, many parts of the plant, including the roots, fruit, stem, bark, leaves, and flowers are used to make juice, supplements, and other products.
Noni has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Some studies have suggested that noni may have potential health benefits, including the ability to reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and lower blood pressure. It is also thought to have antioxidant and anti-tumor effects.
Gemcitabine Overview
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Gemcitabine is used in combination with carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed) that returned at least 6 months after finishing a previous treatment. It also used in combination with paclitaxel (Abraxane, Taxol) to treat breast cancer that has not improved or that has worsened after treatment with other medications. Gemcitabine is used in combination with cisplatin to treat a type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with surgery. Gemcitabine is also used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not improved or worsened after treatment with another medication. Gemcitabine is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Noni - More Interactions
Noni interacts with 516 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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