Maqui Berry

Maqui Berry

Maqui berry is a darkish purple berry which grows wild in Chile and Argentina. These highly nutritious berries have generated widespread attention due to the medicinal compounds they contain. Maqui berries are jam-packed with anthocyanins, specifically delphinidins, which are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Because of its high nutritional value and medicinal properties, maqui berry is considered as a “superfood” and “superberry”.

Benefits of Maqui Berry

Modern research and centuries of traditional use have shown that maqui berries can be beneficial in a wide array of medical conditions. Among its diverse health benefits, here are some that are worth mentioning:

Boosts Immune Function

A 2015 study published in Nutrition Journal suggests that consuming maqui berries can help smokers to overcome respiratory damage associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.[1] When the smokers were given with maqui extract, researchers observed lesser incidence of respiratory infections and lesser oxidative stress in the lungs caused by cigarette smoking.

Maintains Eye Health

Tear fluid is essential for maintaining eye health because it acts to wash away debris such as dust and small particles, and prevents eye dryness. It also contains substances that neutralize the harmful effects of bacteria and viruses. According to a 2014 study, consuming maqui berry at a dose of 60 mg a day for 60 days can help increase the volume of tear fluid in patients with dry eyes.[2]

Fights Skin Aging

A 2015 study found that delphinidins in maqui berry counteract skin-aging by inhibiting ultraviolet-induced damage.[3] This effect can help reverse signs of aging, which ultimately leads to healthy, younger-looking skin.

Fights Cancer

Anthocyanins in maqui berry may aid in the prevention of various types of cancer, according to a laboratory study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2015.[4] In test-tube experiments, scientists showed that the anthocyanins in maqui berry prevented the growth and reproduction of human colon, breast and oral cancer cells.

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

An overwhelming body of research supports the blood sugar-lowering effect of maqui berry. Results from three high quality studies suggest that taking maqui berry extract can significantly reduce the blood sugar levels of prediabetic individuals and those with impaired blood sugar regulation.[5-7] Researchers found that the specific mechanism by which maqui berry exerts its anti-diabetic effects is by improving the body’s response to the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

A 2011 review of 20 clinical trials assessing the effects of berries on cardiovascular health found that higher dietary intake of anthocyanins, particularly from maqui berry, was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.[8] Researchers also found that participants with higher dietary intake of anthocyanins had improved blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels – an elevation in these body parameters can significantly increase one’s risk of developing heart disease.

References:

1. Vergara D, Ávila D, Escobar E, Carrasco-Pozo C, Sánchez A, Gotteland M. The intake of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) berry extract normalizes H2O2 and IL-6 concentrations in exhaled breath condensate from healthy smokers – an explorative study. Nutrition Journal. 2015;14:27. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0008-1.
2. Hitoe S, Tanaka J, Shimoda H. MaquiBright™ standardized maqui berry extract significantly increases tear fluid production and ameliorates dry eye-related symptoms in a clinical pilot trial. Panminerva medica. 2014; 56(3 Suppl 1):1-6.
3. Watson RR, Schönlau F. Nutraceutical and antioxidant effects of a delphinidin-rich maqui berry extract Delphinol®: a review. Minerva cardioangiologica. 2015; 63(2 Suppl 1):1-12.
4. Skrovankova S, Sumczynski D, Mlcek J, Jurikova T, Sochor J. Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Different Types of Berries. Battino M, ed. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2015;16(10):24673-24706. doi:10.3390/ijms161024673.
5. Hidalgo J, Flores C, Hidalgo MA. Delphinol® standardized maqui berry extract reduces postprandial blood glucose increase in individuals with impaired glucose regulation by novel mechanism of sodium glucose cotransporter inhibition. Panminerva medica. 2014; 56(2 Suppl 3):1-7.
6. Alvarado JL, Leschot A, Olivera-Nappa Á, et al. Delphinidin-Rich Maqui Berry Extract (Delphinol®) Lowers Fasting and Postprandial Glycemia and Insulinemia in Prediabetic Individuals during Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests. BioMed Research International. 2016;2016:9070537. doi:10.1155/2016/9070537.
7. 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 medica. 2016; 58(3 Suppl 1):1-6.
8. Basu A, Rhone M, Lyons TJ. Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health. Nutrition reviews. 2010;68(3):168-177. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00273.x.