Maqui Berry

Generic name: Aristotelia Chilensis (Molina) Stuntz.
Brand names: Clon, Koelon, Maqui, Queldron, Wineberry

Usage of Maqui Berry

Antioxidant

The antioxidant effects of a standardized maqui berry extract (Delphinol) was explored in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial in 42 overweight, light smokers who had a negative history of chronic disease. Participants were 45 to 65 years of age. Vegetarians, regular users of multivitamins or supplements, and those who exercised vigorously were excluded. After 4 weeks of supplementing their usual diet with the maqui berry extract (450 mg/day equivalent to 162 mg/day anthocyanins) or placebo, a significant improvement was observed in oxidative status (as measured by oxidized-low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol and F2-isoprostanes) in the extract group compared to baseline (P<0.05). No comparative data to placebo was provided for the treatment period. No adverse events were reported in either group.Davinelli 2015

Cardioprotective

The phenolic antioxidants found in the fruit are known cardioprotectants.Céspedes 2008 The cardioprotective properties may be a result of the protection of phenols in the maqui berry juice, which prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or cholesterol. The oxidation of LDL occurs when LDL cholesterol particles React with free radicals. The oxidized LDL itself becomes more reactive with the surrounding tissues, which can produce tissue damage.

Animal data

The berry protected against intracellular oxidative stress in human endothelial cell culturesMiranda-Rottmann 2002 and acute ischemia/reperfusion in vivo in rat hearts.Céspedes 2008

In vitro data

During one in vitro study, it was observed that the juice extracted from maqui fruits protected against free radicals more effectively than other berries.Miranda-Rottmann 2002 The berries reduced lipids by inhibiting adipogenesis, not by regulation of lipid metabolism at the mature stage of adipocytes. Human erythrocytes are affected in vitro by flavonoids of A. chilensis leaves. Phenolic extracts decreased the production of nitric oxide (3.7% to 25.5%) and prostaglandin E2 (9.1% to 89.1%) and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (9.8% to 61.8%) and cycloxygenase-2 (16.6% to 62%)Schreckinger 2010 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Lipid accumulation was inhibited from 4% to 11% when adipocytes received a single treatment and from 6% to 38% when adipocytes were treated at varying day intervals.Céspedes 2010

In another study, it was shown that the addition of the aqueous extract of maqui berries changed the physical shape of erythrocytes, resulting in antioxidant activity and the ability to penetrate cell membranes.Suwalsky 2008

In a small, unique study, fermented berry juice increased antioxidant capacity, despite quantities of the phenolics not being greater than the unfermented berries.Wang 2012

Glucose metabolism

As a follow up to positive results in animal studies, a standardized extract of maqui berries (Delphinol; 25% w/w delphinidin glycosides and 35% total anthocyanins) was investigated in a small double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in 10 healthy volunteers with altered glucose tolerance. After a single 200 mg dose, postprandial blood glucose was significantly lower at 60 and 90 minutes during the maqui berry phase compared to the placebo phase (P<0.05 each) and insulin concentrations were observed to be lower at 60 minutes with maqui berries (P<0.05). No side effects were reported. Hidalgo 2014 An open exploratory study was conducted in 36 prediabetic adults to determine the effects of an acute dose of Delphinol on postprandial blood glucose. Compared to controls, a single dose of Delphinol at 60 mg, 120 mg, and 180 mg produced a significant and dose-Dependent decrease in fasting glucose and insulin levels within 60 minutes of administration. Additionally, a single 12 mg dose significantly reduced 30-minute postprandial blood glucose and insulin (P<0.05). Surprisingly, the delay in peak postprandial glycemia and insulinemia observed with lower doses of the maqui berry extract, was reversed with higher doses. And although glycemia peaks were lowered in a dose-dependent manner, insulinemia peaks were higher with the lowest dose and lower for the higher doses. These data suggest inhibition of intestinal glucose transporters and/or improvement in insulin sensitivity as possible mechanisms of action.Alvarado 2016

Maqui Berry side effects

None documented.

Before taking Maqui Berry

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Maqui Berry

Antioxidant activity was demonstrated when 4 mL of maqui extract was diluted to approximately 200 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents.Wang 2012 Cardioprotective effects were demonstrated with methanol extract (10 mg/kg body weight) on acute ischemia/reperfusion performed in rat heart in vivo.Céspedes 2008 A standardized maqui berry extract (Delphinol) has been studied at 450 mg/day for antioxidant effects in overweight, light smokers.Davinelli 2015

The methanol and acetone partitions of the berry juice had the highest inhibitory activity against radical formation compared with concentration that inhibits 50% values of 4.7, 1.7, and 7.4 ppm, respectively. This action was greater than that of alpha-tocopherol, which at 31.6 ppm caused 53.8% quenching compared with 100% quenching found in the juice fractions.Céspedes 2010

Phenolic extracts of 100 mcmol/L (catechin 3-O-glucoside or epicatechin equivalents) were found to reduce lipids. A. chilensis showed the highest inhibitory effect at 61.8%.Schreckinger 2010

Warnings

No specific numbers were cited. These compounds, particularly the flavonoids, have antioxidant properties and assumed low toxicities.Céspedes 2010, Miranda-Rottmann 2002, Schreckinger 2010

What other drugs will affect Maqui Berry

None documented.

Disclaimer

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