Maqui
OTHER NAME(S): Aristotelia chilensis, Chilean wineberry, maqui, maqui berry
Overview
Maqui berries, which come from a plant called Aristotelia chilensis, are available as food, juice, and a dietary supplement. These berries, which are sometimes referred to as a “superfood,” are used for various health purposes. However, their benefits are not well defined. Although the berries seem to be well tolerated, there is not enough research to know what common side effects they may cause. Before taking maqui supplements, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is maqui used for?
Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) berries are available as a juice and in foods. They are also sometimes used to improve overall health, but their benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: Maqui berries are regulated as a food by the FDA. Learn more about the regulation of foods and beverages here. The FDA has not reviewed maqui supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does maqui work (mechanism of action)?
Maqui is a plant called Aristotelia chilensis that is native to certain regions of Chile. Various foods, juices, and dietary supplements are made from the berries of this plant. Maqui berry is sometimes referred to as a “superfood,” but it is not the same as other berries that have become popular “superfoods,” such as acai berries, blueberries, and goji berries. Each of these berries contain different chemicals that may have different effects in the body.
Maqui berries contain chemicals called anthocyanins. These chemicals, which include a specific chemical called delphinidin, act as antioxidants in the body. Over time, antioxidants may help to reduce the risk of certain long-term health problems. They may also be helpful for vision problems, including dry eyes and poor night vision. However, the effects of maqui berries for any purpose are not well defined. There is not enough research to know if or how they may work for any use.
Herbal products, like maqui, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific maqui product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store maqui?
You should store maqui according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of maqui?
Maqui berries seem to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects of maqui supplements may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of maqui that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of maqui?
While less common, the most serious side effects of maqui are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Maqui may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking maqui and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use maqui?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take maqui.
- Aristotelia chilensis
- Chilean wineberry
- Maqui
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific maqui products they stock.
What should I know about maqui before using it?
Maqui is available as a food, juice, and dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep maqui out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as maqui, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific maqui product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the berry was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Maqui is available in many different forms, including as a dried berry, juice, dried ground powder, or capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the berry.
If you are using maqui powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Many maqui powders are meant to be mixed into foods or smoothies. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.
The FDA has not tested maqui supplements to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using maqui?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if maqui is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Diabetes.Products that contain maqui berries, such as juices, may contain added sugar. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider before using these products if you have diabetes.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how maqui could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if maqui passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does maqui interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between maqui and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect maqui.
Does maqui interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between maqui and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, research on drug interactions with maqui is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking maqui with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much maqui?
If you or someone else has used too much maqui, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take maqui safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Biomed Research International: “Delphinidin-rich maqui berry extract (Delphinol®) lowers fasting and postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in prediabetic individuals during oral glucose tolerance tests.”
- EFSA Journal: “Technical Report on the notification of powder or juice concentrate of berries of Aristotelia chilensis as a traditional food from a third country pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.”
- Foods: “A review of the functional characteristics and applications of Aristotelia chilensis (maqui berry), in the food industry.”
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition: “A randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an anthocyanin-maqui berry extract (Delphinol®) on oxidative stress biomarkers.”
- Nutrients: “Maqui and chronic kidney disease: a narrative review on the potential nephroprotective role of anthocyanins.”
- Panminerva Medica: “Delphinol® standardized maqui berry extract reduces postprandial blood glucose increase in individuals with impaired glucose regulation by novel mechanism of sodium glucose cotransporter inhibition.”