Macqui (also "maqui" or "macquei")

Aristotelia chilensis

Review of Rare Berries

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• Saskatoon
• Norton grape
• Yumberry
• Gooseberry
• Aronia
• Blackcurrant
• Elderberry
• Seaberry

[follow the Wikipedia links]

A few facts about macqui ("mah-key")

USDA fact sheet, click

Highlights

• native to Chile but has been introduced into California
• macqui juice or wine may have medicinal properties, as the berry contains neurologically active alkaloids
• reputation for high phenolic (antioxidant) content
• Plants for a Future, click!

(as claimed by a manufacturer of a juice containing macqui)

• • "highest antioxidant value of any known fruit"
  • contains high levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins

  • inhibitor of enzymes that mediate inflammation

  • neutralizes free radicals
  • supports cardiovascular health
  • excellent source of vitamin C and potassium

What does science say?

Anthocyanins are

• the largest group of water-soluble pigments in the plant kingdom
• members of the superfamily of compounds known as polyphenols, subfamily flavonoids
• characteristic in the skins of blueberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, purple grapes and red wine
• shown in preliminary medical research to have broad biological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic activities

Read an 8-part series on berry anthocyanins from a

2007 symposium on berry research !

Is macqui a bona fide superfruit?

Not by these nutritional criteria, click!

It doesn't have enough qualifying evidence for being "super"

•  total nutrient content is undefined
• no presence of carotenoids or dietary prebiotic fiber reported
• very little medical research evidence for potential health benefits
• reputation is not established in mass markets to create excitement for products made from macqui