Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis)
Synopsis of maqui berry
Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a small, dark-purple fruit native to the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and Argentina. It grows on an evergreen shrub and is prized for its extraordinarily high concentration of anthocyanins, particularly delphinidins, which give the berry its deep coloration and potent antioxidant properties. In fact, maqui berry is often ranked among the highest of all fruits in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scores, a measure of antioxidant strength.
Maqui is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and fiber, and exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and metabolic-regulating effects. It is commonly used in functional foods and dietary supplements for supporting immune health, cardiovascular function, metabolic balance, and eye health.
One of the most researched benefits of maqui berry is its potential to support blood sugar regulation. Studies suggest it may help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce postprandial glucose spikes, and modulate inflammatory markers in individuals with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. It is also used in vision health formulas, particularly for its protective effects on retinal cells and ability to combat eye fatigue from screen exposure.
In sports nutrition and anti-aging supplements, maqui is used to combat oxidative stress, improve circulation, and enhance cellular recovery. The berry’s compounds may inhibit lipid peroxidation and reduce DNA damage associated with aging and environmental toxins.
Most commonly available as powdered freeze-dried fruit, capsules, or liquid extracts, maqui is often included in superfruit blends, antioxidant complexes, and beauty-from-within products.
Historical Use
Maqui berry has been used for centuries by the Mapuche people of Chile—an indigenous group known for their strength, endurance, and resistance during Spanish colonization. The Mapuche consumed the berries fresh or dried and used them to prepare infusions, fermented beverages, and medicinal tonics.
Traditionally, maqui was valued for its ability to reduce inflammation, treat fevers, soothe sore throats, and speed recovery from injury or illness. It was also used topically in poultices to address wounds, burns, and skin infections, reflecting its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
The Mapuche warriors reportedly drank a fermented maqui beverage to sustain stamina, vitality, and mental clarity during battle. These uses reflect a traditional understanding of the berry’s restorative and energizing properties, which align with modern findings related to oxidative stress reduction and immune modulation.
Maqui remained largely unknown outside of South America until the early 2000s, when interest in superfruits and natural antioxidants led to scientific exploration of its bioactive compounds. Since then, it has become a prominent ingredient in global health markets, often compared with other antioxidant-rich fruits like acai, blueberry, and elderberry.
Today, maqui continues to gain recognition in clinical and nutritional circles for its remarkable capacity to combat inflammation, glycemic imbalance, and oxidative aging, rooted in centuries of traditional use and validated by modern research.
Maqui berry is used for these health conditions
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
maqui berry is used to support these body systems
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Skin (Traditional)
