COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF MORINDA SPECIES: PHYTOCHEMISTRY, MEDICINAL PROPERTIES, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

The genus Morinda (family Rubiaceae) comprises several species renowned for their medicinal properties, including Morinda citrifolia, Morinda coreia, and Morinda officinalis. These plants have been used in traditional medicine for centuries across various cultures in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. This review compares the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic potential of different Morinda species, highlighting the similarities and differences among them. Studies indicate that Morinda species are rich in bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which contribute to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Despite the promising therapeutic benefits of these plants, further clinical trials and toxicological studies are necessary to establish their safety and efficacy in human health applications.