Ba Ji Tian

Botanical

What is it

Ba ji tian (Morinda officinalis) is a Chinese vine whose root is used in traditional Chinese medicine for kidney yang deficiency, sexual function, and musculoskeletal complaints.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Bone health

Limited Evidence

Some clinical and preclinical work suggests bone-protective effects, but rigorous Western-standard trials are limited.

Mood and depressive symptoms

Limited Evidence

A few small Chinese trials report antidepressant effects of M. officinalis oligosaccharides; broader replication is needed.

How it works

The root contains anthraquinones, iridoid glycosides (monotropein, deacetyl asperulosidic acid), and oligosaccharides. Preclinical studies suggest osteoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and pro-fertility effects in animal models. A significant body of Chinese-language clinical research exists, though Western-style randomized controlled trials are limited. It is commonly included in TCM formulations for menopause, infertility, and bone health.

Dosage

Traditional decoction doses use 6 to 15 g of dried root daily. Modern extract capsules typically deliver 300 to 1000 mg.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken once or twice daily.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Morinda root extract

Standardized to characteristic markers; widely used in TCM blends.

Oligosaccharide absorption is limited.

Safety

Considered safe at traditional doses with limited reported adverse effects. Long-term safety in concentrated extract form is not well characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Caution in hormone-sensitive conditions.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antidepressants based on preclinical serotonergic activity. Possible interactions with hormone therapy.

Frequently asked questions

Is ba ji tian the same as noni?⌄

Both are Morinda species, but ba ji tian is M. officinalis (root) and noni is M. citrifolia (fruit). Uses and chemistry differ.

Does ba ji tian help with menopause?⌄

It is used traditionally for menopause; modern Western trial data are limited.

References

Ba Ji Tian on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ba Ji Tian on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ba Ji Tian (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.