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Maqui Berry

Maqui BerryIn recent years there has been an increased interest in the health benefits of exotic berries. Studies show that most exotic berries are nutritious, high in bioactive compounds, and have potent antioxidant action. In addition, most berries are rich in polyphenols.

Maqui Berry is native to South America and mainly grows in Chile and Argentina. It is purple-black in colour, and like most berries, this dark colour is due to its high anthocyanins content. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants. However, it seems that Maqui Berry contains a unique and highly potent antioxidant, delphinidin.1

Health Benefits of Maqui Berry

Below are some of the well-known health benefits of Maqui Berry:

  • Potent Antioxidant

    Like most other berries, it is packed with antioxidants. However, it differs because it has a high amount of delphinidin, one of the most potent anthocyanins. Studies show that Maqui Berry extract may considerably lowers oxidative stress. Therefore, it may help prevent chronic disorders and slow down aging. It is also suitable for overweight adults and smokers as it may lower the risk of certain ailments.1,2

  • Fights Inflammation

    Maqui Berry is suitable for systemic inflammation that increases the risk of heart and brain disorders and also for local inflammation. Therefore, it may also be good for inflamed joints. In addition, it downregulates the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It seems that most of these actions are due to the content of phenolic compounds found in the Maqui Berry.3

  • Diabetes Control

    Studies show that Maqui Berry extract can lower blood glucose by as much as 5% after one month of regular intake. It also appears to have a positive impact on the blood lipid profile. In addition, after about three months of use, it may significantly reduce bad cholesterol levels. Therefore, it may have a particular role in managing pre-diabetes or mild diabetes.4

  • Eye Health

    It appears that Maqui Berry is good for eye health. It may significantly help prevent photodamage to photoreceptors in the eye. Such an effect must be due to its content of anthocyanins. Therefore, Maqui Berry may be suitable for preventing eye fatigue related to prolonged use of various gadgets.5
  • Good For Microbiota and Gut Health

    Anthocyanins also appear to act as probiotic agents, and therefore they may help alter microbiota. These effects may occur on frequent consumption of berries and may have widespread beneficial effects on health.6

  • Anti Cancer

    Most phenolic compounds, like anthocyanins or flavonoids, are known to possess anti-cancer properties. In one of the experimental studies, researchers tested Maqui Berry extract for its ability to suppress colon cancer cells. The study found that it not only suppresses cancer growth but also reduces local inflammatory responses. Therefore, Maqui Berry may be recommended for preventing cancers in high-risk individuals. However, those living with cancer should only use any supplement after consulting a medical practitioner.7

  • Manage Dry Eyes

    Studies show that oxidative stress is the primary cause of dry eyes. In one of the pilot studies, researchers found that taking Maqui Berry extract for two months may help with dry eyes.8

Side Effects of Maqui Berry

There appears to be no severe side effects of Maqui Berry. Further, looking at its content of various bioactive compounds, it seems that chances of any unexpected side effects are minimal. Nonetheless, it is worth noticing that there are no safety reports regarding its continuous and prolonged use. 

Properties

  • Anti-Aging1,2
  • Anti-Inflammatory3
  • Antioxidant1,2
  • Arthritis3
  • Cancer Prevention7
  • Cholesterol4
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar4
  • Digestive Function6
  • Eye Health5,8
  • Fluid Retention1,2
  • Heart Support / Health1,2
  • High/Good Levels of Polyphenols1,2
  • Oxidation Reduction1,2

References:

  1. Schön C, Wacker R, Micka A, Steudle J, Lang S, Bonnländer B. Bioavailability Study of Maqui Berry Extract in Healthy Subjects. Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1720. doi:10.3390/nu10111720
  2. Davinelli S, Bertoglio JC, Zarrelli A, Pina R, Scapagnini G. A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of an Anthocyanin–Maqui Berry Extract (Delphinol®) on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(sup1):28-33. doi:10.1080/07315724.2015.1080108
  3. Cespedes CL, Pavon N, Dominguez M, et al. The Chilean superfruit black-berry Aristotelia chilensis (Elaeocarpaceae), Maqui as mediator in inflammation-associated disorders. Food Chem Toxicol Int J Publ Br Ind Biol Res Assoc. 2017;108(Pt B):438-450. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2016.12.036
  4. Alvarado J, Schoenlau F, Leschot A, Salgad AM, Vigil Portales P. Delphinol® standardized maqui berry extract significantly lowers blood glucose and improves blood lipid profile in prediabetic individuals in three-month clinical trial. Panminerva Med. 2016;58(3 Suppl 1):1-6.
  5. Tanaka J, Kadekaru T, Ogawa K, Hitoe S, Shimoda H, Hara H. Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) and the constituent delphinidin glycoside inhibit photoreceptor cell death induced by visible light. Food Chem. 2013;139(1-4):129-137. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.01.036
  6. Faria A, Fernandes I, Norberto S, Mateus N, Calhau C. Interplay between anthocyanins and gut microbiota. J Agric Food Chem. 2014;62(29):6898-6902. doi:10.1021/jf501808a
  7. Céspedes-Acuña CL, Xiao J, Wei Z-J, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from Maqui berry Aristotelia chilensis in human colon cancer cells. J Berry Res. 2018;8(4):275-296. doi:10.3233/JBR-180356
  8. Hitoe S, Tanaka J, Shimoda H. MaquiBrightTM standardized maqui berry extract significantly increases tear fluid production and ameliorates dry eye-related symptoms in a clinical pilot trial. Panminerva Med. 2014;56(3 Suppl 1):1-6.