Maqui berry powder
Also known as: Maqui berry, Chilean wineberry, Aristotelia chilensis
Overview
Maqui berry, scientifically known as Aristotelia chilensis, is a dark purple berry native to Chile and Argentina, renowned for its exceptionally high concentration of anthocyanins, particularly delphinidin derivatives. It is primarily consumed as a powder, extract, or juice. This botanical extract is classified as a polyphenol-rich antioxidant supplement due to its potent capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Its main applications include supporting cardiometabolic health, mitigating oxidative stress, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates its potential to positively modulate lipid and glucose metabolism. While several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses on anthocyanins provide indirect support, direct high-quality evidence specifically on maqui berry is emerging but still somewhat limited, with a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Maqui berry offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich anthocyanin content. For cardiometabolic health, meta-analyses of anthocyanins, which include maqui berry extracts, demonstrate significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose, often showing 5-15% improvements compared to placebo. These effects are particularly relevant for individuals with metabolic syndrome or dyslipidemia. Regarding oxidative stress, RCTs report improved markers such as oxidized LDL and F2-isoprostanes in healthy adults supplementing with maqui berry (e.g., 450 mg/day), indicating reduced oxidative damage. Secondary benefits include potential anti-inflammatory effects through the reduction of TNF-α and IL-6, and improvements in insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) in some studies. The effect sizes are modest but statistically significant, with benefits typically observed after 4-12 weeks of consistent supplementation. The quality of evidence is moderate to high, with several RCTs and meta-analyses supporting these claims.
How it works
Maqui berry exerts its effects primarily through its potent antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species. Its anthocyanins modulate lipid metabolism enzymes, contributing to improved lipid profiles. Furthermore, maqui berry influences anti-inflammatory signaling pathways, notably by inhibiting NF-κB, which reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. It interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving lipid profiles and with the endocrine system by aiding in glucose regulation. At a molecular level, it targets enzymes involved in oxidative stress, such as NADPH oxidase, and indirectly influences lipid metabolism regulators. While anthocyanins have moderate bioavailability, maqui berry anthocyanins are absorbed and metabolized, with bioavailability potentially enhanced when consumed with food.
Side effects
Maqui berry is generally regarded as safe, with no serious adverse events consistently reported in randomized controlled trials lasting up to 12 weeks. Common side effects (>5% frequency) have not been consistently reported. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Rare side effects (<1% frequency) have not been reported in high-quality studies. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when combining maqui berry with anticoagulants due to the potential for mild antiplatelet effects associated with anthocyanins. There are no established contraindications; however, due to a lack of sufficient data, caution is recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Limited data are available for children and individuals with severe chronic diseases, so its use in these populations should be approached with prudence.
Dosage
Based on clinical trials, the minimum effective dose of maqui berry extract standardized to anthocyanins is around 250-450 mg per day. The optimal dosage range for general health benefits is typically 250-500 mg per day of extract or an equivalent anthocyanin content. A maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 500 mg per day have appeared safe in trials. For optimal absorption, it is recommended to take maqui berry daily, preferably with meals. Maqui berry is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and juice; however, extracts standardized for anthocyanin content are preferred for ensuring consistent and reliable dosing. No specific cofactors are required to enhance its absorption.
FAQs
Is maqui berry powder effective for heart health?
Yes, evidence suggests maqui berry can modestly improve lipid profiles (like LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) and reduce oxidative stress markers, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Are there safety concerns with maqui berry?
Maqui berry is generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting minimal side effects, primarily mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. No serious adverse events have been consistently observed.
How long does it take to see effects from maqui berry supplementation?
Benefits from maqui berry supplementation are typically observed after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can maqui berry replace prescription medications?
No, maqui berry should not replace prescribed medications. It is intended to be an adjunctive supplement to support health and should be used in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Is fresh maqui berry better than powder or extract?
While fresh berries are nutritious, standardized extracts or powders offer more reliable and consistent dosing of active compounds like anthocyanins, which is crucial for achieving therapeutic effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10204221/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of anthocyanins on cardiometabolic markers. It found that anthocyanin supplementation significantly reduced LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose, with low heterogeneity across studies, supporting the benefits of anthocyanin-rich sources like maqui berry for metabolic health.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5593100/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including a subgroup analysis on maqui berry, concluded that maqui berry extract (450 mg) improved oxidative stress and glycemic markers. Despite some heterogeneity and small sample sizes in individual trials, the overall findings suggest a positive impact on these health parameters.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Randomized-Clinical-Trial-Evaluating-the-Efficacy-Davinelli-Bertoglio/1871d8d84794b304d5826d4b6decceaddc91db24 – This randomized clinical trial involving 40 healthy adults demonstrated that maqui berry extract supplementation over 4 weeks significantly improved markers of oxidative stress, such as oxidized LDL and F2-isoprostanes. Although the study had a small sample size and short duration, it provided direct evidence of maqui berry's antioxidant properties in humans.
Supplements Containing Maqui berry powder
Max Multi Men's
MM Sports Nutrition
Max Multi Women's
MM Sports Nutrition
Vision Essentials
Dr. Whitaker
Vision Essentials Gold
Whitaker Nutrition
Vision Essentials Gold
Dr. Whitaker
Organic Freeze Dried Maqui Berry Powder One Kilo
CurEase
Organic Freeze Dried Maqui Berry Powder One Pound
CurEase
Organic Freeze Dried Maqui Berry Powder
CurEase
Vision Essentials Gold
Whitaker Nutrition
Ruby Reds
New Vitality
Vision Essentials Gold
Whitaker Nutrition
Inno Greens
INNOSUPPS