Meet the maqui berry — a Patagonian superfruit with one of the highest known antioxidant concentrations of any fruit, and a growing body of clinical research behind it.
You might have heard about the benefits of superfruits like goji berries and açaí, but did you know there's another lesser-known fruit with a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than either of them, based on ORAC testing?1
Let us introduce you to the maqui berry, an antioxidant-rich superfruit native to the Patagonian Andean forests.
A Fruit Rooted in Patagonia's Native Forests
The maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis), native to Chile and Argentina, grows wild on the slopes and valleys of the Patagonian Andes. For generations, it has been wild-harvested by local communities in southern Chile's native forests, who valued it as part of their traditional wellness practices.
Beyond its deep purple color, maqui has long held cultural significance for the communities who harvest it — from the fruit itself to the tree's other parts, different elements of the plant were used in traditional practices passed down across generations.
Exceptionally High Antioxidant Levels and Unique Phytochemicals
One of the reasons maqui berries stand out among superfruits is their exceptionally high concentration of delphinidins, a special kind of polyphenol.
Delphinidins are a type of phytochemical — a naturally occurring compound found in certain fruits, like maqui berries, that gives them their deep purple color. Phytochemicals are a type of antioxidant, which means they support the body's defenses against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Because of their unique structure, delphinidins are studied for being particularly effective against oxidative stress, compared to similar antioxidants found in other fruits. Among various berries, maqui has one of the highest known concentrations of delphinidins.
Want the full picture on maqui's nutritional profile? We break down its composition, ORAC score, and how it compares to açaí, goji, and blueberries in Unlocking the Secrets of Maqui Berry and our superfruit comparison article.
Areas Where Maqui Berry Has Been Studied
Now that we've covered what makes maqui a superfruit, let's look at some of the areas where standardized maqui extracts have been studied:
Skin Wellness
Since delphinidins are studied for their role in supporting collagen and elastin — two proteins essential for skin firmness — maqui extract has been researched for its potential to support skin hydration and help protect skin from the visible effects of oxidative stress.2
A randomized controlled trial found that a standardized maqui extract was associated with improvements in skin brightness and redness over the course of supplementation.
Shimizu et al., J Cosmet Dermatol Sci Appl, 2020You can incorporate maqui into your skincare routine with products like Delphinol® or REDOX Radiance by ASEA, both easy-to-use options formulated with standardized maqui extract.
Metabolic Wellness
Clinical research on standardized maqui extract suggests it may help support a healthy glucose response, particularly following meals.3 This has made it of interest to individuals focused on general metabolic wellness.
If you're focused on metabolic wellness, products like Glycemic Guard™ Capsules or MaquiRx are formulated with standardized maqui extract for this purpose.
Eye Comfort
People who experience occasional eye dryness from extended screen use may be interested in maqui, as certain compounds have been studied for their potential to support tear fluid production and help ease eye fatigue.4
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that a standardized maqui extract (MaquiBright®) supported tear fluid production and helped ease self-reported eye dryness and fatigue after screen use.
Yamashita et al., J Tradit Complement Med, 2019If you spend long hours in front of screens, consider products like Eye Moisturize with MaquiBright® Capsules, Tear Support with MaquiBright®, or Swanson's Maqui Berry Extract Dry Eye Formula.
Cardiovascular Wellness
Early clinical research suggests maqui extract may help support already-healthy LDL and HDL cholesterol levels as part of an overall approach to cardiovascular wellness.3
Consider adding Delphinol®, a standardized maqui berry extract, to your routine as part of an overall approach to cardiovascular wellness.
How to Incorporate Maqui Berry into Your Diet
Since fresh maqui berries can be hard to find outside of Chile, here are some simple ways to enjoy them as part of your routine:
- Powder – Add freeze-dried maqui powder to smoothies or dissolve it in water for a nutritious juice.
- Capsules – Standardized extracts like Delphinol® or MaquiBright® offer an easy daily option.
- Functional beverages – Some wellness or energy drinks include maqui as a key ingredient.
Final Thoughts
From its roots in traditional Patagonian wellness practices to its wild sourcing and growing body of clinical research, maqui berry offers a rare combination of heritage and modern wellness science.
Ready to try maqui? Explore some of the partner products formulated with standardized maqui extract:
- MaquiRX Capsules
- Glycemic Guard™ Capsules
- REDOX Radiance Maqui Extract
- Eye Moisturize with MaquiBright® Capsules
- Tear Support with MaquiBright®
- Swanson's Maqui Berry Extract Dry Eye Formula
Use our Find Products page to explore more partner products and find the option that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is maqui berry good for?
Maqui berry has been studied for its potential to support skin wellness, a healthy glucose response, eye comfort, and cardiovascular wellness, thanks to its exceptionally high concentration of delphinidin antioxidants.
Where does maqui berry come from?
Maqui berry grows wild in the Andean forests of Chilean Patagonia, and to a lesser extent in Argentina. It is primarily wild-harvested by local communities in southern Chile's native forests.
How does maqui berry compare to açaí and goji berries?
Based on ORAC laboratory testing, maqui berry has a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than both açaí and goji berries, largely due to its high concentration of delphinidin-type anthocyanins.
Can maqui berry help with eye dryness from screen use?
Clinical research on standardized maqui extract (MaquiBright®) has shown it may help support tear fluid production and ease occasional eye discomfort and fatigue associated with extended screen use.
What's the best way to add maqui berry to my daily routine?
Maqui is available as freeze-dried powder, standardized extract capsules like Delphinol® and MaquiBright®, and in functional beverages. Use our Store Locator to find the option that best fits your routine.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Watson RR, et al. Nutraceutical and antioxidant effects of a delphinidin-rich maqui berry extract (Delphinol®). Minerva Cardioangiol. 2015;63(Suppl. 1 No. 2):3-8.
- Shimizu N, et al. Effect of maqui berry extract on skin brightness and redness: a randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol Sci Appl. 2020;10(4):159-166. doi:10.4236/jcdsa.2020.104017
- Alvarado J, Schoenlau F, Leschot A, Salgado AM, Portales PV. Delphinol® standardized maqui berry extract significantly lowers blood glucose and improves blood lipid profile in prediabetic individuals in three-month clinical trial. Panminerva Med. 2016;58:1-6.
- Yamashita SI, Suzuki N, Yamamoto K, Iio SI, Yamada T. Effects of MaquiBright® on improving eye dryness and fatigue in humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Tradit Complement Med. 2019;9:172-178. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.11.001