Ingredient guide

Maqui Berry: Antioxidants and the Evidence

Maqui berry is a dark purple Chilean fruit with one of the highest antioxidant levels of any food. Laboratory work supports antioxidant and skin-protective effects, but rigorous human trials are scarce.

Limited evidence

Written by Supplements Unpacked Editorial Team

Benefits

One of the highest antioxidant capacities measured in any food.
Rich in anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
Laboratory work shows protective effects on skin cells and platelets.

Evidence summary

What maqui berry is

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is a small dark purple berry from a tree native to southern Chile and Argentina. Traditionally eaten by the Mapuche people, it has one of the highest antioxidant capacities ever measured in a fruit, due to its dense anthocyanin content.

What the human research shows

Most research on maqui is in vitro or in vivo (cell or animal) work showing antioxidant activity, photoprotection of human skin fibroblasts, and antiplatelet effects. Solid human trials are scarce. We grade the human evidence as limited and view maqui as a nutritious berry rather than a proven medical option.

Dosage & safety

Dosage

There is no established human dose. Powders typically supply 1 g to 3 g per day in smoothies. Extracts are dosed at 162 mg to 600 mg of standardised polyphenols. Ask your healthcare provider before regular use if you take medicine.

Side effects

Generally well tolerated as a food.
Concentrated extracts are not well studied for long-term safety.

Interactions

Maqui anthocyanins may add to the effect of blood-thinning medicine in theory.

Warnings

Speak with a doctor before regular high-dose maqui extract use, since long-term safety data is limited.
Choose tested products from reputable suppliers.

Products with this ingredient

Eyevita Plus Eyevita Plus Eyevita Plus is positioned for comprehensive support for your eyesight!, help maintain normal vision, support the stabilisation of collagen in the eye. Use this as a product research starting point until the benefits, ingredients, and safety notes are reviewed. Read review

Related ingredient guides

Bilberry Read guide Ginkgo biloba Read guide Lutein and zeaxanthin (marigold) Read guide Riboflavin Read guide Vitamin A Read guide

Citations

Cardioprotective effects of bioactive compounds in maqui: review ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Antioxidant properties of maqui berry extract and photoprotective role pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Frequently asked questions

Is maqui better than other berries?

It has more anthocyanins than blueberries, but cheaper berries supply plenty of antioxidants too. The differences are smaller than the marketing suggests.

Does maqui have proven health benefits?

Most evidence is laboratory work. Rigorous human trials are scarce, so think of maqui as a high-antioxidant fruit rather than a proven supplement.