Search Results (32)

Although the strawberry tree (A. unedo L.) has been long considered a neglected species of the Mediterranean maquis, the valorization of its fruit production may enhance its socioeconomic value, especially in rural areas. In this study, strawberry trees from different Sicilian sites were investigated in terms of macronutrients, fatty acid (FA) composition, tocopherols, total phenols, carotenoids, and minerals. Sicilian berries were a good source of carbohydrates (mainly fructose, glucose and sucrose) and dietary fiber. They were low in fat; however, the FA composition revealed the abundance of unsaturated FAs over saturated FAs and an advantageous n-6/n-3 ratio. Additionally, Sicilian berries showed an inversed linoleic/α-linolenic acid ratio with respect to berries from other Mediterranean regions, that had previously investigated in literature. This evidence suggests that this ratio may have a chemotaxonomic relevance. Considering antioxidants, the fruits had levels of tocopherols, particularly α-tocopherol, total phenols and carotenoids similar to those of certain commercial fruits. Precious amounts of minerals, such as Ca, K, Zn and Fe were also determined. Interestingly, berries harvested near a Sicilian volcanic area had higher levels of minerals, as well as tocopherols, phenols and carotenoids, than fruits from other Sicilian sites, thereby advancing the hypothesis that fruits from volcanic areas may have a superior nutritional value. Overall, data from this study elaborated by a proper statistical analysis revealed that the geographical origin was a relevant variable to consider in the reliable study of this fruit species. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive process of degeneration and neuronal death in the nervous system, with neuroinflammation being one of the main factors contributing to the progression of these diseases. Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui) is a native tree of Chile used in the Mapuche folk medicine for wounds and digestive treatment. It produces edible black berries with the highest antioxidant capacity among berries, and the Mapuche people used it for producing an alcoholic beverage. The leaves of Maqui contain indole alkaloids with different pharmacological properties that suggest neuroprotective effects. Here, the isolation and chemical characterization of a new alkaloid, named 9-hydroxyaristoquinolone, and the evaluation of its anti-inflammatory activity in the microglial cell line HMC-3, treated with LPS, are reported. 9-Hydroxyaristoquinolone protects microglia from LPS-induced morphological changes at concentrations as low as 1 µM, with a reduction in IKBα-P levels and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, which was assessed by THP-1 NF-κB dual cell reporter and Western blot in HMC-3 cells. In silico studies suggest that 9-hydroxyaristoquinolone does not induce hepatotoxicity or genotoxicity and exhibits BBB permeability. Full article

Inadequate nutrient intake, coupled with increased oxidative stress, leads to an imbalance responsible for the current major diseases. Many foods have traditionally been used as traditional medicine, including native berries from southern Chile. Both Maqui and Calafate possess high antioxidant activity, which grants them medicinal power and makes them an excellent alternative for improving health. The aim of this study is to create a functional food with therapeutic properties capable of counteracting oxidative stress and thereby contributing to improving people’s health. To achieve this, a muffin with inulin, Maqui, and Calafate has been developed. The results show that the incorporation of inulin alone increases the fiber content and antioxidant capacity of the muffins; however, Maqui and Calafate contribute significantly more. Furthermore, contents of phenolic compounds are elevated, and an increase in the folic acid content is observed in the samples compared to the control. We can conclude that producing products with inulin, Maqui, and Calafate can be used to enhance the nutritional value and increase the antioxidant activity of bakery products, providing nutrients while also delivering unique characteristics in color, aroma, and flavor, making them appealing to consumers. Full article

The Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, also known as Maqui, is an endemic berry native to southern Chile. It is a very popular berry for its nutritional attributes and health benefits, provided mainly by its polyphenols. This review aims to investigate the Maqui and its nutritional characteristics, its health benefits, and the application of Maqui in the food industry. This fruit provides 150 calories per 100 g of product and has a low protein content and a high fiber content. Its seeds contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); however, its most outstanding feature is its high value of bioactive compounds, mainly anthocyanins, indole alkaloids and flavonoids, coumarins, caffeic and ferulic acids, and delphinidin 3-O-β-glucoside, the latter being the most representative, providing Maqui with high antioxidant activity. Maqui is considered a fruit of high interest as a nutraceutical product for the control and prevention of ongoing diseases, and among its benefits, we can highlight glycemic and metabolic control; the control and prevention of obesity, cancer, cognitive decline, and dementia; the prevention and treatment of bone structure alterations; prevention against oxidative stress, particularly in cigarette smoke-induced stress. In addition to its nutraceutical use, Maqui has been used in the food industry to improve the shelf life (by controlling lipid oxidation) and nutritional value of food products and as a substitute for synthetic additives. In addition, the inclusion of Maqui improves the organoleptic and sensory characteristics of foods. The incorporation of this fruit has been observed mainly in drinks, meat products, bakery products, and milk products. Evidence has shown that Maqui consumption, as well as products with Maqui added, have a good acceptability and exert benefits on people’s health. Knowledge about the application of Maqui in food will allow us to create new nutraceutical and food products that improve their nutritional and functional value. Full article

Maqui berries contain a high percentage of anthocyanins with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity but that are unstable in the colonic site. Nanocarriers based on polysaccharides and/or proteins can protect against the degradation of anthocyanins. The aim of this study was the nanoencapsulation of maqui extract (ME) in chitosan–tripolyphosphate (CTPP-ME), chenopodin (CH-ME), and chenopodin–alginate (CHA-ME). A standardised ME was prepared and then encapsulated in the nanosystems. The physicochemical properties, encapsulation parameters, and the interactions of ME with the nanovehicles were characterised. The cyanidin-3-glucoside released and ORAC activity in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 were evaluated. The content of ME was 8–9 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside/g of extract. CTPP with ME at 3% obtained the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE = 91%), and no significant differences were observed in size (274–362 nm), PDI (0.5–0.7), and zeta potential (+34–+41 mV) when the concentration of ME changed from 1% to 5%. CH-ME was shown to be smaller (152 nm) than CTPP-ME, and CH-ME and CHA-ME showed lower EE (79% and 54%, respectively) than CTPP-ME. FT-IR revealed a stronger interaction of ME with CTPP-ME than with CH-ME. Both systems showed a significantly lower release than free ME, and the T50 value of CTPP-ME 3% (328 min) was higher than CH-ME (197 min). Both protected the ORAC activity of ME. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease that includes metabolic and physiological alterations in various organs such as the heart, pancreas, liver, and brain. Reports indicate that blackberry consumption, such as maqui berry, has a beneficial effect on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. In the present study, in vivo and in silico studies have been performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms implied to improve the metabolic parameters of MetS. Fourteen-day administration of maqui berry reduces weight gain, blood fasting glucose, total blood cholesterol, triacylglycerides, insulin resistance, and blood pressure impairment in the diet-induced MetS model in male and female rats. In addition, in the serum of male and female rats, the administration of maqui berry (MB) improved the concentration of MDA, the activity of SOD, and the formation of carbonyls in the group subjected to the diet-induced MetS model. In silico studies revealed that delphinidin and its glycosylated derivatives could be ligands of some metabolic targets such as α-glucosidase, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ, which are related to MetS parameters. The experimental results obtained in the study suggest that even at low systemic concentrations, anthocyanin glycosides and aglycones could simultaneously act on different targets related to MetS. Therefore, these molecules could be used as coadjuvants in pharmacological interventions or as templates for designing new multitarget molecules to manage patients with MetS. Full article

Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is characterized by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maqui berry extracts on human skin fibroblasts (NHSFs) exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVB). The photoprotective properties of the extracts were investigated via the determination of the total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH), and the chemical composition was assessed. The chemical purity of the extracts was studied via the evaluation of the toxic elements level. The water extract (MWE 57.75 ± 0.44 mg GAE/g) had the highest mean polyphenol content. The water (MWE) and ethanol (MEE70) extracts had the highest inhibitory activities against DPPH radical formation (283.63 ± 7.29 and 284.60 ± 4.31 mg Tx/L, respectively). The analyzed extracts were found to be safe in terms of toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead). The tested extracts of maqui berry did not cause a cytotoxic effect on NHSF cells after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation. When the NHSF cells were exposed to UVB radiation in the presence of maqui extracts, their viability was increased or maintained. The maqui berry extracts had a slightly protective effect against skin damage caused by UVB radiation. These were preliminary studies that require further research to determine which maqui compounds correspond with the photoprotective activity. Full article

Aristotelia chilensis or “maqui” is a tree native to Chile used in the folk medicine of the Mapuche people as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of digestive ailments, fever, and skin lesions. Maqui fruits are black berries which are considered a “superfruit” with notable potential health benefits, promoted to be an antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory. Maqui leaves contain non-iridoid monoterpene indole alkaloids which have previously been shown to act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, potassium channels, and calcium channels. Here, we isolated a new alkaloid from maqui leaves, now called makomakinol, together with the known alkaloids aristoteline, hobartine, and 3-formylindole. Moreover, the polyphenols quercetine, ethyl caffeate, and the terpenes, dihydro-β-ionone and terpin hydrate, were also obtained. In light of the reported analgesic and anti-nociceptive properties of A. chilensis, in particular a crude mixture of alkaloids containing aristoteline and hobartinol (PMID 21585384), we therefore evaluated the activity of aristoteline and hobartine on Na_V1.8, a key Na_V isoform involved in nociception, using automated whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Aristoteline and hobartine both inhibited Nav1.8 with an IC₅₀ of 68 ± 3 µM and 54 ± 1 µM, respectively. Hobartine caused a hyperpolarizing shift of the voltage-dependence of the activation, whereas aristoteline did not change the voltage-dependence of the activation or inactivation. The inhibitory activity of these alkaloids on Na_V channels may contribute to the reported analgesic properties of Aristotelia chilensis used by the Mapuche people. Full article

Smoking is a major risk factor for delayed fracture healing, affecting several aspects of early fracture repair, including inflammation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis. Panax ginseng (GE) and maqui berry extract (MBE) were shown in our previous studies to reduce smoke-induced cellular damage in late bone-healing in vitro models. We aimed here to analyze their effects on the early fracture repair of smokers in a 3D co-culture model of fracture hematomas and endothelial cells. Both extracts did not alter the cellular viability at concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL. In early fracture repair in vitro, they were unable to reduce smoking-induced inflammation and induce osteo- or chondrogenicity. Regarding angiogenesis, smoking-induced stress in HUVECs could not be counteracted by both extracts. Furthermore, smoking-impaired tube formation was not restored by GE but was harmed by MBE. However, GE promoted angiogenesis initiation under smoking conditions via the Angpt/Tie2 axis. To summarize, cigarette smoking strikingly affected early fracture healing processes in vitro, but herbal extracts at the applied doses had only a limited effect. Since both extracts were shown before to be very effective in later stages of fracture healing, our data suggest that their early use immediately after fracture does not appear to negatively impact later beneficial effects. Full article

Cigarette smoking-induced oxidative stress has harmful effects on bone metabolism. Maqui berry extract (MBE) and ginseng extract (GE) are two naturally occurring antioxidants that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress. By using an osteoblast and osteoclast three-dimensional co-culture system, we investigated the effects of MBE and GE on bone cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The cell viability and function of the co-culture system were measured on day 14. Markers of bone cell differentiation and oxidative stress were evaluated at gene and protein levels on day 7. The results showed that exposure to CSE induced osteoporotic-like alterations in the co-culture system, while 1.5 µg/mL MBE and 50 µg/mL GE improved CSE-impaired osteoblast function and decreased CSE-induced osteoclast function. The molecular mechanism of MBE and GE in preventing CSE-induced bone cell damage is linked with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Therefore, MBE and GE can reduce CSE-induced detrimental effects on bone cells and, thus, prevent smoking-induced alterations in bone cell homeostasis. These two antioxidants are thus suitable supplements to support bone regeneration in smokers. Full article

Aristotelia chilensis is a plant whose fruit is considered a powerful natural antioxidant. During the last years, some investigations of the fruit have been carried out, finding antioxidant properties in the juice or the phenolic fraction. The antioxidant properties of the plant are useful in the inhibition of enzymes related to diabetes such as pancreatic aldose reductase and alpha-amylase. Because many synthetic drugs used today have limitations and potentially harmful side effects, the use of naturally occurring compounds, such as flavonoids, is clinically attractive. In this study, the characterization of aqueous extracts of fruits and in vitro plants of A. chilensis was carried out based on their content of anthocyanins and total phenols, the antioxidant capacity by the antiradical activity 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydrazil (DPPH), and the profile of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Subsequently, the effect of these extracts on the inhibition of bovine aldose reductase and pancreatic alpha-amylase enzymes was determined. According to our results, extracts of fruits and in vitro plants of A. chilensis achieved inhibition of the bovine aldose reductase enzyme of 85.54 ± 1.86% and 75.67 ± 1.21%, respectively. Likewise, the percentage of inhibition of the pancreatic alpha-amylase enzyme for fruit extracts was 29.64 ± 0.63%, while for in vitro plant extracts it was 47.66 ± 0.66%. The antioxidant and enzymatic inhibition activity of the extracts were related to the content of anthocyanins, such as delphinidin and cyanidin glycosides as well as the phenols derived from quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol. The results obtained allow us to suggest that the in vitro culture of plants of A. chilensis represents a viable biotechnological alternative to obtain phenolic compounds for the inhibition of aldose reductase and pancreatic alpha-amylase enzymes. Full article

Some fruits and vegetables, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, may inhibit platelet activation pathways and therefore reduce the risk of suffering from CVD when consumed regularly. Aristotelia chilensis Stuntz (Maqui) is a shrub or tree native to Chile with outstanding antioxidant activity, associated with its high content in anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Previous studies reveal different pharmacological properties for this berry, but its cardioprotective potential has been little studied. Despite having an abundant composition, and being rich in bioactive products with an antiplatelet role, there are few studies linking this berry with antiplatelet activity. This review summarizes and discusses relevant information on the cardioprotective potential of Maqui, based on its composition of bioactive compounds, mainly as a nutraceutical antiplatelet agent. Articles published between 2000 and 2022 in the following bibliographic databases were selected: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Our search revealed that Maqui is a promising cardiovascular target since extracts from this berry have direct effects on the reduction in cardiovascular risk factors (glucose index, obesity, diabetes, among others). Although studies on antiplatelet activity in this fruit are recent, its rich chemical composition clearly shows that the presence of chemical compounds (anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, among others) with high antiplatelet potential can provide this berry with antiplatelet properties. These bioactive compounds have antiplatelet effects with multiple targets in the platelet, particularly, they have been related to the inhibition of thromboxane, thrombin, ADP, and GPVI receptors, or through the pathways by which these receptors stimulate platelet aggregation. Detailed studies are needed to clarify this gap in the literature, as well as to specifically evaluate the mechanism of action of Maqui extracts, due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Full article

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) is a Chilean berry rich in antioxidants, which are mostly found in the pulp and skin of the fruit. The objective was to evaluate the cryoconcentration process by centrifugation–filtration as a simultaneous, efficient, and innovative method to increase the content of thermosensitive bioactive compounds of aqueous maqui extract. Cryoconcentration separated the concentrated solute from the aqueous maqui extract with an efficiency of more than 95%; it increased the content of total polyphenols and total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity by 280%, 573%, and 226%, respectively. Although the concentrates obtained by evaporation at 50, 70, and 80 °C increased the content of bioactive compounds, they did so in a lower percentage than the cryoconcentrate. Furthermore, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside was degraded at 70 and 80 °C. In conclusion, cryoconcentration by centrifugation–filtration as a simultaneous process efficiently separates the solutes from the frozen matrix of aqueous maqui extract, and it maintains and increases the contents of polyphenols and anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity. This method is recommended for concentrating natural berry extracts with thermosensitive compounds. Full article

Aristotelia chilensis is a plant rich in phenolics and other bioactive compounds. Their leaves are discarded as waste in the maqui berry industry. A new application of these wastes is intended by the recovery of bioactive compounds using pressurized hot water extraction with conventional or microwave heating. Both technologies have been selected for their green character regarding the type of solvent and the high efficiency in shorter operation times. Extractions were performed in the temperature range 140–200 °C with a solid/liquid ratio of 1:15 (w:w). The extracts’ total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and saccharides content obtained with both heating methods were measured. Additionally, the thermo-rheological properties of the gelling matrix enriched with these extracts were analyzed. Optimum conditions for lyophilized extracts were found with conventional heating, at 140 °C and 20 min extraction; 250.0 mg GAE/g dry extract and 1321.5 mg Trolox/g dry extract. Close to optimum performance was achieved with microwave heating in a fraction of the time (5 min) at 160 °C (extraction), yielding extracts with 231.9 mg GAE/g dry extract of total phenolics and antiradical capacity equivalent to 1176.3 mg Trolox/g dry extract. Slightly higher antioxidant values were identified for spray-dried extracts (between 5% for phenolic content and 2.5% for antioxidant capacity). The extracts obtained with both heating methods at 200 °C contained more than 20% oligosaccharides, primarily glucose. All the formulated gelling matrices enriched with the obtained extracts displayed intermediate gel strength properties. The tested technologies efficiently recovered highly active antioxidant extracts, rich in polyphenolics, and valuable for formulating gelling matrices with potential applicability in foods and other products. Full article

During the last few years, consumers’ demand for animal protein and healthier meat products has increased considerably. This has motivated researchers of the meat industry to create products that present healthier components while maintaining their safety, sensory characteristics, and shelf life. Concerning this, natural plant extracts have gained prominence because they can act as antioxidants and antimicrobials, increasing the stability and shelf life of processed meat products. It has been observed that the leaves of plant species (Moringa oleifera, Bidens pilosa, Eugenia uniflora, Olea europea, Prunus cerasus, Ribes nigrum, etc.) have a higher concentration and variety of polyphenols than other parts of the plants, such as fruits and stems. In Chile, there are two native berries, maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) and murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz), that that stand out for their high concentrations of polyphenols. Recently, their polyphenols have been characterized, demonstrating their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial action and their bioactive action at cellular level. However, to date, there is little information on their use in the elaboration of meat products. Therefore, the objective of this review is to compile the most current data on the use of polyphenols from leaves of native plants in the elaboration of meat products and their effect on the oxidation, stability, and organoleptic characteristics during the shelf life of these products. Full article