Aristotelia chilensis (Chilean Maqui)

Aristotelia chilensis (Chilean Maqui)

Product Name: Аристотелия чилийская, Aristotelia chilensis, Maqui-Beere, Aristotelia, Maqui, Aristotélie, أرِسْتُوتِيلْيَا, อริสโตเตเลีย

Synonyms: маки, чилийская маки, патагонская маки, maqui berry, Chilean wineberry, Chilean maqui, chilenische Maquibeere, patagonische Weinbeere, baya maqui, maqui chileno, baie de maqui, raisin du Chili, ماكي, توت الماكي, ลูกเบอร์รี่มากี, มาคีเบอร์รี่

Main Indications for Aristotelia chilensis Use: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, tissue hypoxia, neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, allergic dermatitis, retinal pigment degeneration.

Use of Aristotelia chilensis in mixtures and complexes: Atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic viral hepatitis, psoriasis, autoimmune thyroidopathies, bronchial asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, obesity, alcoholic hepatosis, prostatitis, dyshormonal retinopathy.

Pharmacological Properties of Aristotelia chilensis: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, angioprotective, antiplatelet, immunomodulating, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, antiallergic, antibacterial, antiviral, photoprotective, cardiotonic, anti-anemic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Aristotelia chilensis

Powder — Aristotelia chilensis

Indications (Powder): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, allergic dermatitis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1.5 grams of powder 2 times a day orally, on an empty stomach, with warm water (about 37 °C). Course — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2 grams 3 times a day orally for 21 days. Used for pronounced oxidative stress, insulin resistance, pronounced atherosclerosis, active phase of autoimmune inflammation.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 3 grams 3 times a day for 10 days. Used in conditions of acute inflammatory process with systemic manifestations, including severe metabolic syndrome and chronic tissue hypoxia. After 10 days — transition to standard dosage.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram once a day for 45 days, 3 courses per year. Recommended for chronic forms of hyperlipidemia, moderate steatotic transformation of the liver, during post-stress compensation. Suitable for patients over 40 years of age with risks of vascular disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Children from 7 years of age and weighing from 25 kg — 0.5 grams once a day, dissolved in warm water or added to food. For younger children, no clinically significant studies have been identified, safety has not been established.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance, acute allergic reactions to anthocyanins in history, severe forms of hypotension. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation and in children under 7 years of age.

Side Effects (Powder): When exceeding the maximum dosage, dyspeptic disorders, headache, lowering of blood pressure, allergic rash have been recorded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For patients with body weight less than 60 kg, it is recommended to reduce the dosage by 20%. For patients with body weight more than 90 kg, increase the dose by 10%, provided there are no adverse reactions.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder, 500 grams of fresh maqui fruits are used. The fruits are washed in running water, dried with a cloth, then dried in a dehydrator at a temperature of 42–45 °C until completely dry (average 36 hours). The dried fruits are ground in a ceramic mill to obtain a powder. The resulting raw material is sifted through a sieve with a mesh diameter of no more than 0.5 mm to remove large fractions.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in an airtight glass container in a dark place at a temperature of 5 to 20 °C, away from sources of heat, light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 12 months. After opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Aristotelia chilensis

Indications (Dry Extract): Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, arterial hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammation.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals, with warm water (about 37 °C). Course duration — 21–30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 400 milligrams 3 times a day. Recommended for metabolic syndrome, resistant hyperlipidemia, chronic inflammatory syndrome, active phase of rheumatoid arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Up to 500 milligrams 3 times a day, no more than 10 days in a row, only under the supervision of a specialist. Used for acute vascular inflammation, exacerbations of coronary heart disease, systemic inflammatory conditions.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 200 milligrams once a day for 30 days, 2–3 courses per year. Indicated for patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels, a tendency to hyperglycemia, chronic tissue hypoxia, fatty degeneration of the liver.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Dry extract is not recommended for children under 12 years of age due to the lack of reliable clinical data. From 12 years of age with body weight of at least 35 kg — 100 milligrams once a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Hypotension, individual hypersensitivity to anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, severe forms of liver failure. No data on safety during pregnancy and lactation.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): In case of overdose, the following are possible: arterial hypotension, decreased appetite, irritation of the gastric mucosa, skin allergic manifestations.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For patients up to 60 kg, it is recommended to reduce the dose by 15%. With body weight from 90 kg, an increase in the daily dose by 10% is permissible with good tolerance.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): To prepare 100 grams of dry extract, 1 kilogram of dried maqui fruits is used. The raw material is ground and poured with 60% ethanol in a ratio of 1:10. Infused at a temperature of 45 °C for 48 hours. After filtration, the extract is evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 55 °C to a viscous mass, then dried in a vacuum dryer to a powder state. The resulting dry extract is sifted and packaged in glass jars with a tightly closing lid.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in an airtight dark glass container at a temperature of 10–25 °C in a dry, light-protected place. Do not expose to EMI. Shelf life — 18 months. After opening the package, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Aristotelia chilensis

Indications (Tincture): Chronic fatigue syndrome, microcirculation disorders, systemic inflammation, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, cerebral circulation disorders, sluggish skin inflammation.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops (approximately 1 ml) 2 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of warm water, 30 minutes before meals. Course — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 25–30 drops 3 times a day. Recommended for vascular dysfunction, chronic tissue hypoxia, moderate cognitive decline, neurological disorders.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Up to 40 drops 3 times a day, no more than 7 days in a row. Used for acute systemic inflammation, active phase of vasculitis and with a pronounced neuroinflammatory background.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once a day in the morning for 30 days. Used for a tendency to inflammatory reactions, during periods of seasonal stress, in patients over 50 years of age with vascular risks. A repeat course is possible after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Not recommended for children under 14 years of age due to ethanol content. Over 14 years of age with a weight of 45 kg or more — 10 drops once a day after meals.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, liver diseases in the stage of decompensation, individual intolerance, childhood under 14 years of age. No data on safety during pregnancy and lactation.

Side Effects (Tincture): When exceeding the dosage — nausea, palpitations, dizziness, dry mouth, allergic skin reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For patients up to 60 kg — dose reduction by 15%. With body weight more than 90 kg, a dose increase of 10% is possible, but not exceeding the maximum dosage.

Preparation method (Tincture): To obtain 100 ml of alcohol tincture, 20 grams of dry ground maqui fruits and 80 ml of 40% ethanol (food grade alcohol) are used. The raw material is poured with ethanol in an airtight glass container, infused for 14 days in a dark, cool place (not above 25 °C), shaking daily. Then filtered through cheesecloth, the residue is squeezed out. The finished tincture is poured into a dark glass bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly sealed dark glass container at a temperature of 10–25 °C in a light-protected place. Do not expose to heat and EMI. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening — use within 60 days, avoiding contact with metal spoons and pipettes.

Oil Infusion — Aristotelia chilensis

Indications (Oil Infusion): Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, senile skin xerosis, rosacea, photoaging, inflammatory dermatoses, hyperpigmentation, non-allergic forms of acne.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally 1–2 times a day, apply a thin layer to clean skin of the affected area, without rubbing. Course — 14–21 days. Also suitable as a base oil under cosmetic creams or as a standalone product.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 3 applications per day. Used for pronounced dryness, peeling, microcracks and skin irritation, including during prolonged exposure to the sun or exposure to chemical agents.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Application every 4 hours (up to 6 times a day) on extensive areas of skin. Allowed in acute phases of dermatoses accompanied by pain, itching and inflammation. Duration — no more than 5 days, then switch to the standard regimen.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Once a day in the evening on areas of skin prone to dryness, irritation, pigmentation. Course — 30 days, repeat every 3 months. Recommended for patients over 45 years of age, residents of hot and dry climatic zones, persons with impaired skin barrier.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Applicable from 3 years of age in the absence of an individual reaction. Apply no more than once a day to a limited area (no more than 10 cm²). Use on the face and anogenital area requires a doctor's consultation.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual sensitivity, allergic reaction to maqui components, acute pustular skin lesions. No data on systemic toxicity during pregnancy and lactation have been registered, but local use is allowed with caution.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Rarely, local reactions are possible: redness, itching, increased inflammation with individual intolerance.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Adjustment is not required — the form is applied externally and does not have a systemic effect.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To obtain 100 grams of infusion, 20 grams of dried and ground maqui fruits and 80 grams of organic cold-pressed jojoba or grapeseed oil are used. The components are mixed in a glass jar, sealed tightly and infused at a temperature of 40–45 °C for 10 days in a water bath (stirred daily), then kept for another 5 days in a dark place at room temperature. After infusion, the mass is filtered through thick cheesecloth. The sediment is squeezed out.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a tightly closed dark glass bottle at a temperature of 8–18 °C. Avoid exposure to sunlight and sources of EMI. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 45 days.

Ointment/Cream — Aristotelia chilensis

Indications (Ointment/Cream): Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, skin photoaging, post-acne, pigmented spots, rosacea, senile dry skin, cracks, areas of irritation after depilation or mechanical impact.

Standard Dosage (Ointment/Cream): Apply 1–2 times a day in a thin layer to clean skin. With course use — 21 days with a 7-day break between courses. Can be used as a night cream or daily base product under makeup.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment/Cream): Up to 3–4 applications per day on problem areas of the skin. Recommended for pronounced symptoms of irritation, peeling, pigmentation, during active inflammation of the skin barrier.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment/Cream): 5–6 times a day for 5 days, exclusively for a pronounced inflammatory process, active hyperemia and itchy lesions. After that — return to the standard regimen.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment/Cream): Apply once a day at night for 30 days, 2–3 courses per year. Indicated for mature and aging skin, as well as with a tendency to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, with prolonged exposure to the sun. Especially recommended for patients with Fitzpatrick phototypes II–III.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment/Cream): From 3 years of age — once a day on a limited area (no more than 5 cm²). Recommended as part of a cream without essential oils and preservatives. If necessary, use on the face — only in consultation with a physician.

Contraindications (Ointment/Cream): Individual sensitivity, acute purulent skin inflammation, fresh burns, allergy to plant components. No data on systemic action during pregnancy, lactation and childhood — external use is allowed with caution.

Side Effects (Ointment/Cream): Rare cases of contact urticaria, hyperemia, burning and tingling when applied during active inflammation. Symptoms disappear after discontinuation of the drug.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Dose adjustment is not required — topical form without systemic absorption.

Preparation method (Ointment/Cream): To prepare 100 grams of ointment, use: 10 grams of dry maqui extract, 5 grams of beeswax, 40 grams of shea butter, 40 grams of maqui oil (infusion), 5 grams of vegetable glycerin. Shea butter and wax are melted in a water bath at a temperature of 65 °C. Glycerin and maqui extract are added, mixed until smooth. At the end, the oil infusion is introduced. The mixture is whipped and cooled to room temperature. Packaged in sterile dark glass jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment/Cream): Store in a cool place (8–15 °C) in a tightly closed jar, protected from light and heat. Do not freeze. Shelf life — up to 3 months. After opening — use within 30 days, avoid contact with wet hands or metal spatulas.

Serum — Aristotelia chilensis

Indications (Serum): Pigmented spots, photoaging, enlarged pores, dull complexion, inflammatory elements on the skin, post-acne, stress aging of the skin, micro-inflammations, decreased elasticity, damaged hydrolipid barrier.

Standard Dosage (Serum): Apply 2–3 drops of serum to cleansed skin of the face and neck once a day, preferably in the evening, with light patting movements. Course — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): 3–5 drops 2 times a day (morning and evening). Used for pronounced dullness of the skin, the presence of hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory changes, decreased turgor.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): Up to 6 drops 3 times a day — used in a short course (5–7 days) for pronounced photo- and chronoaging, as well as as part of recovery programs after chemical peels and dermatocosmetic interventions.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): 1–2 drops once a day at night for 21 days, 2 courses per year. Recommended for persons over 35 years of age with signs of decreased skin elasticity, a tendency to pigmentation, after prolonged exposure to the sun.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): Not recommended under 14 years of age. From 14 years of age — 1 drop once a day if indicated (e.g., post-inflammatory spots, acne), under the supervision of a cosmetologist.

Contraindications (Serum): Individual intolerance, acute inflammatory rashes with pustular elements, fresh dermatological interventions (less than 48 hours). Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established — use is possible with caution and only externally.

Side Effects (Serum): Rarely — a tingling sensation, short-term hyperemia, feeling of tightness. In case of overdose — peeling, irritation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Not required — the form is intended exclusively for external spot application.

Preparation method (Serum): To prepare 100 ml of serum, take: 1.5 grams of dry maqui extract, 0.5 grams of xanthan gum, 5 ml of vegetable glycerin, 5 ml of jojoba oil, 88 ml of witch hazel hydrolate, 0.5 ml of natural potassium sorbate (preservative). The extract is dissolved in a small amount of warm hydrolate (35–40 °C), then glycerin and gum are added with constant stirring until thickened. The oil, the rest of the hydrolate and the preservative are introduced. The resulting emulsion is whipped and left to stabilize for 12 hours at a temperature of 18–22 °C. Packaged in sterile dropper bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): Store at a temperature of 5–10 °C in a tightly closed dark glass bottle, away from light and EMI. After opening, use within 30 days. Avoid contact of the pipette with the skin and contamination of the solution.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Aristotelia chilensis

Studies assessing the acute toxicity of Aristotelia chilensis fruits have shown a high degree of biosafety with oral use. According to in vivo experiments on laboratory mice and rats, the ethanolic extract of maqui berries does not cause acute toxic effects even when administered at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. This indicates a low-toxicity substance category according to the OECD classification.

Determination of the LD₅₀ for Aristotelia chilensis extracts did not show achievement of a lethal dose even at the maximum permissible administration. Thus, the LD₅₀ of the oral extract exceeds 2000 mg/kg (in rats), which indicates the absence of acute toxicity at recommended dosages. No histopathological abnormalities in the liver, kidneys and other vital organs were detected during the 14-day observation period.

Moreover, a number of studies emphasize the antigenotoxic potential of maqui fruits due to the high content of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds with pronounced antioxidant activity that protect cells from the mutagenic action of reactive oxygen species.

Studies of subchronic toxicity (90-day oral administration in laboratory animals) also did not reveal clinically significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters, which indicates good tolerance with long-term use.

Serious side effects with external use in the form of oil, creams and serums have not been registered. When observing standard technological conditions for processing fruits and observing dosages, Aristotelia chilensis is recognized as a non-toxic and safe herbal remedy.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Aristotelia chilensis

The pharmacodynamic properties of Aristotelia chilensis are due mainly to the high content of anthocyanins, flavonols, catechins, phenolic acids, delphinidin, quercetin, ellagic and chlorogenic acids. The complex of biologically active substances has a multi-level effect on the physiological systems of the body, mainly through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and modulating mechanisms.

The antioxidant action of Aristotelia chilensis berries is recognized as one of the most pronounced among natural compounds. Fruit extracts demonstrate a high ability to inactivate reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit lipid peroxidation processes and protect cell membrane structures. Anthocyanins, in particular delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, activate enzymatic antioxidant systems (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase) and inhibit the formation of oxidized lipoproteins. This indicates a systemic level of action and an effect on cellular redox balance systems.

The anti-inflammatory properties of maqui are realized by suppressing the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inhibiting the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Studies on cell lines and in vivo models confirm that maqui phenolic compounds reduce the activation of the nuclear factor NF-κB and interfere with MAPK signaling pathways, which leads to a decrease in the expression of inflammatory mediators. The effect is realized mainly at the systemic level with the involvement of immune and vascular regulation.

The neuroprotective activity of Aristotelia chilensis fruits is manifested in a reduction of oxidative stress in the tissues of the central nervous system and stabilization of neuronal membranes. It has been found that maqui anthocyanins can have an inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), as well as enhance the expression of neurotrophic factors (BDNF), which indicates potential participation in neuromodulation and adaptation to stress. The effect is realized at the level of neurotransmitter systems and plasticity processes with predominantly central action.

The antiglycative activity is explained by the ability of anthocyanins and ellagic acid to prevent the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are involved in structural changes in proteins and dysfunction of the vascular wall. This action indirectly reduces the levels of systemic inflammation and stabilizes endothelial function, including normalization of vascular permeability and improvement of microcirculation.

The regulation of lipid metabolism and metabolic modulation of Aristotelia chilensis extracts is associated with the inhibition of lipogenesis and stimulation of β-oxidation of fatty acids. It has been found that maqui extracts affect the expression of PPAR-α and AMPK genes, which leads to a decrease in intracellular triglyceride stores and an increase in mitochondrial oxidation. This confirms the systemic nature of the action involving the liver and adipose tissue.

The pharmacodynamic effects on the skin and mucous membranes are realized through local antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, stabilization of the barrier function of the epidermis, a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, as well as suppression of tyrosinase activity, which mediates the depigmenting effect. In topical forms, the action is predominantly local, with a possible systemic component with prolonged use.

The complex pharmacodynamic action of Aristotelia chilensis can be characterized as systemic multi-target, affecting immune, vascular, nervous, endocrine and skin regulation with a predominance of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuromodulating and metabolic effects. The action has been confirmed both in laboratory models and in clinically oriented studies.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacokinetics — Aristotelia chilensis

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Aristotelia chilensis are limited, however, the pharmacokinetic behavior of its biologically active components, mainly anthocyanins, polyphenols and phenolic acids, is well studied within the framework of generalized studies of plant extracts. The main routes of administration for preparations based on maqui are oral (powder, dry extract, infusion), transdermal and local (oil infusion, ointment, serum).

Upon oral administration, the absorption of anthocyanins begins in the oral cavity and continues in the small intestine, where active substances partially pass through enterocytes with the participation of transporters, including SGLT1 and GLUT2. However, a significant part of the anthocyanins reaches the large intestine unchanged, where they undergo transformation by the microflora with the formation of phenolic and aromatic acids that have their own pharmacological activity. Biotransformation of phenolic acids and flavonoids by the microbiota can enhance or change their systemic action, especially with respect to the vascular and neurogenic regulatory link.

After absorption, the main part of the polyphenolic compounds enters the liver, where they undergo phase II metabolism — glucuronidation, sulfation and methylation, with the formation of more polar metabolites. These metabolites are able to circulate in the blood, bind to plasma proteins, penetrate into various tissues, including the liver, kidneys, vascular wall, brain and skin. Local deposition is possible in tissues, especially in lipophilic compartments, where slow release and prolonged action are observed.

Local dosage forms, such as ointments and infusions, act mainly in the epidermis and dermis, penetrating through intercellular lipid layers. Components of maqui oil and extracts can exert an effect at the level of skin receptors and enzymes, with minimal systemic absorption. However, with prolonged use on large areas of skin, partial absorption and subsequent metabolic inclusion in hepatic circulation are possible.

The metabolism of active substances of Aristotelia chilensis occurs mainly in the liver, with the possible participation of phases I and II of biotransformation. Excretion of metabolites is carried out through the kidneys (as water-soluble compounds in the urine) and through bile (with subsequent partial enterohepatic circulation). Some lipophilic compounds can be excreted with sweat and sebum, especially with external use.

Individual features of pharmacokinetics should be taken into account depending on the state of the intestinal microbiota, the activity of hepatic enzyme systems, the glomerular filtration rate and the state of the skin barrier. In case of violations of these links, a slowdown in excretion and an increase in action are possible.

The systemic bioavailability of maqui active substances varies depending on the form of administration, the presence of food substrates and the acidity of the environment, however, in most cases, the achieved concentrations are sufficient for the realization of pharmacodynamic effects. Serums and ointments with transdermal use act within the local skin layers with minimal systemic load.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Aristotelia chilensis

The biological activity of Aristotelia chilensis is due to the high content of anthocyanins, mainly delphinidin and its glycosides, flavonols (including quercetin), catechins and polyphenolic acids (including ellagic and chlorogenic acids). These compounds exhibit a multi-level effect on the key regulatory links of cellular and tissue homeostasis. One of the main mechanisms is the inhibition of oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and stabilizing membrane lipids. These effects are realized mainly in vascular, hepatic and neuronal tissues, where a decrease in lipid peroxidation helps protect cellular structures from damage.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Maqui anthocyanins and polyphenols are able to modulate inflammation signaling cascades. In vitro and in vivo studies have established that they suppress the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which leads to a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and inhibition of COX-2 expression. An inhibitory effect on MAPK cascades (p38, ERK1/2) involved in signal transmission from extracellular mediators to the nucleus is also noted. A decrease in the production of prostaglandins and inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis suggest the participation of maqui in the regulation of the innate immune response and a decrease in tissue inflammation.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...; https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Polyphenolic fractions of Aristotelia chilensis fruits demonstrate an effect on metabolic regulation, including activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear receptors of the PPAR family, especially the PPAR-α isoform. These effects lead to an increase in β-oxidation of fatty acids, a decrease in lipogenesis and modulation of glucose transport in tissues. In addition, maqui reduces the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), preventing their interaction with RAGE receptors, which can reduce pro-inflammatory and oxidative signals in the endothelium.

References: https://link.springer.com/arti...; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Among the neuromodulatory mechanisms, inhibition of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) activity stands out, which can increase the concentrations of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft. Anthocyanins also affect the expression of neurotrophic factors, including BDNF, and protect neurons from apoptosis mediated by oxidative damage. These effects are realized in the structures of the central nervous system, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...; https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Maqui phenolic compounds are also able to modulate the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanogenesis, suppressing melanin synthesis. This determines the depigmenting effect with local application. In addition, they stabilize the barrier function of the skin by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (especially MMP-1 and MMP-9) involved in the destruction of collagen and elastin.

References: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921...; https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Thus, the mechanisms of action of Aristotelia chilensis are complex, covering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, metabolic and dermatotropic links, involving multiple enzymatic and receptor targets. The reliability of these mechanisms has been confirmed by studies on cellular and animal models, as well as by biochemical analyses of the components.

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Aristotelia chilensis

Aristotelia chilensis is a plant that grows mainly in the temperate and humid regions of the southern part of South America, especially in Chile and southern Argentina. Its natural range covers the central and southern zone of Chile — from the Maule region to Aysén, including the Andean foothills and the coast, where climatic conditions favor the growth of evergreen maqui shrubs. This plant has deep ethnocultural significance, especially in the culture of the Mapuche people, who live in the south-central regions of Chile and Argentina.

In Mapuche folk medicine, Aristotelia chilensis berries were traditionally used fresh and dried. Aqueous infusions were prepared from them, which were used internally and externally. The fruits were considered a tonic, their juice was consumed after physical overload and during the change of seasons. Washing, lotions and wraps with maqui decoction were widely practiced, especially in rural settlements of the Chilean foothills, where the plant was considered "cleansing from fatigue" and was used in the form of warm wet compresses. An infusion of maqui leaves and twigs was also used in the form of sprinkling rooms and objects, accompanied by whispering chants — such rituals had a cleansing and protective function.

In the ethnocosmological ideas of the Mapuche, maqui was considered a "plant of power" associated with vital energy and protection of the body. It was often included in ritual drinks during rites of passage, especially those associated with growing up, recovery from illness and the return of "mental balance". In the traditional practice of Mapuche women, a decoction of maqui berries was used after childbirth as a general tonic. Special attention was paid to the use of maqui during lunar cycles — it was believed that the plant is associated with the rhythms of water and blood. The peel of the fruit was used as a natural dye for fabrics, as well as in rituals associated with the patronage of forest spirits.

Separate mentions of the use of Aristotelia chilensis are recorded in Chilean herbalists of the 18th–19th centuries, mainly in sections describing local plants with a "calming" and "nourishing" character. In some villages of the Los Ríos region, maqui berries were part of ritual smoking mixtures, mixed with herbs and tree resin, which symbolically meant "inhaling the power of the earth." It was believed that the smoke of maqui fruits cleanses the space, expels "invisible diseases" and returns "silence to the spirit."

From the point of view of the traditional medicine of central Patagonia, maqui was classified as a "dark water" plant — it was collected mainly before dawn, protecting it from the heat of the sun. At the same time, the collectors observed a strict ban on contact with iron during collection and preparation. The use of maqui was always accompanied by balancing herbs — both physically and ritually. According to folklore, the plant was especially suitable for people "with faded eyes" — a metaphor for internal exhaustion.

In the 20th century, interest in maqui went beyond traditional communities, and the plant began to be mentioned in botanical and ethnographic surveys as one of the rare species combining food, medicinal and ritual value. However, despite modern attempts at integration into global phytotherapy, maqui continues to be used in local practices as a symbol of restoring the connection between body and land, especially in the rituals of rural areas of Chile.