Maqui as a Chilean Functional Food: Antioxidant Bioactivity, Nutritional Value, and Health Applications

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology
• Food Science

Background:

• Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is a Chilean berry rich in phenolic compounds, especially delphinidin anthocyanins.
• These compounds possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, driving interest in maqui as a functional food.
• Research is exploring maqui's biological mechanisms, including Nrf2 pathway activation and effects on cardiometabolic, renal, and vascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on maqui's nutritional and bioactive composition.
• To analyze its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and bioavailability.
• To explore its clinical applications in preventing and treating chronic non-communicable diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of maqui's nutritional profile, including delphinidins, fiber, and micronutrients.
• Examination of maqui's impact on key signaling pathways like Nrf2-HO-1 and NF-κB.

Main Results:

• Maqui exhibits rich delphinidin content, fiber, and antioxidants, modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.
• Preclinical and early clinical data suggest cardiometabolic and nephroprotective effects.
• Evidence indicates improvements in glycemic control, lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and endothelial function.

Conclusions:

• Maqui demonstrates significant potential as a functional food due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Its application in human health, particularly for chronic diseases, is promising.
• Further rigorous clinical trials and bioavailability-enhanced formulations are necessary to establish its therapeutic role.