Aristotelia chilensis

Details Top

Internal ID UUID64400ab8dad55518447012
Scientific name Aristotelia chilensis
Authority Stuntz
First published in U.S.D.A. Bur. Pl. Industr. Invent. Seeds 31: 85 (1914)

Ethnobotanical Use Top

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Important notice
  • Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
  • Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
  • Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
  • Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

Ethnobotanical Uses

Among Mapuche communities of southern Chile, preparations from Aristotelia chilensis emphasize both leaf and berry decoctions. Leaf infusions or decoctions are traditionally taken for gastrointestinal upset and fever (Montes, 1983; Vernaz, 1990; Köhler and Villagrán, 1997). Chiaria and colleagues report that cold or fever has been treated in Mapuche practice with a decoction of the berries (2020). Traditional use of a mild leaf tea as a tonic and a topical poultice of crushed leaves or macerated berry pulp for skin inflammation is also documented in the Andean/Patagonian region (Hollands et al., 2019). In southern Chile, leaf and occasionally stem infusions have served as diuretic and anti-inflammatory drinks, while poultices are applied to sore or inflamed areas (Montes, 1983).

Practical recipes and safety

For a mild Mapuche-style leaf tea, steep 3–5 grams of dried Maqui leaves in 250–300 mL of near‑boiling water for 10–15 minutes, strain, and drink 1–2 cups per day. If the aim is a fever or diarrheic remedy, a decoction is traditional: boil 10 grams of dried leaves in 500 mL of water for 10 minutes, cool, and drink 1 cup as needed (Hollands et al., 2019). If making a tincture, macerate 50 grams of dried berries or leaves in 250 mL of 45% ethanol for 2–4 weeks, shake daily, then press and filter; a standard dose is 1–2 mL diluted in water 1–3 times daily. Use only small amounts in early pregnancy and avoid during lactation unless advised by a clinician; children should use only under professional guidance (Hollands et al., 2019).

Active constituents

The species is rich in anthocyanins—primarily delphinidin‑3,5‑O‑diglucoside—alongside quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin glycosides, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and the stilbene piceatannol, which together underpin antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and analgesic actions seen in both traditional uses and modern research (Chiaria et al., 2020; Di Lorenzo et al., 2016).

Modern relevance

Maqui berries and leaf extracts are widely studied for metabolic, anti‑inflammatory, and analgesic effects and are commercially available as freeze‑dried powders and standardized extracts, while traditional leaf infusions and decoctions remain in local practice (Chiaria et al., 2020; Di Lorenzo et al., 2016; Montes, 1983).

General Uses Top

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Common products:
- Fresh fruit is eaten raw or dried; the fruit is processed into powders, syrups, jams, jellies and frozen preparations for use in food manufacturing.

Industrial and craft applications:
- Anthocyanin‑rich extracts are obtained from the fruit for use as natural red‑violet food colourants (E163) in beverages, confectionery and processed foods; the same extracts are employed to dye wool and silk fabrics for textile coloration.

Food and beverages (non‑medicinal):
- The fruit and its processed products are incorporated into non‑alcoholic drinks such as juice, smoothies and energy drinks, and into alcoholic beverages such as wines, fruit liqueurs and craft cocktails; fruit pulp is added to yogurts, ice‑cream, confectionery and bakery fillings.

Colorants and tanning:
- The fruit’s anthocyanins (delphinidin‑3‑glucoside and cyanidin‑3‑glucoside) are standardized as natural colourants for food and textile dyeing; preliminary studies have evaluated bark tannins for leather tanning, though commercial use remains limited.

Wood and fiber:
- (None)

Fragrance and cosmetics:
- Volatile aroma compounds from the fruit are employed in fragrance blends; seed oil, rich in linoleic acid (≈55 %), is used in cosmetic formulations for skin‑care and emulsified products.

Properties relevant to use:
- Anthocyanin concentration ≈200 mg 100 g⁻¹ fresh weight, providing high colour intensity and good stability at low pH; sugar content ≈15–18 °Brix suitable for fermentation; seed oil has a low iodine value (≈110 g I₂ 100 g⁻¹) indicating good oxidative stability.

Standards and regulation:
- Anthocyanin extracts are listed as food colourants under Codex Alimentarius (E163) and regulated by Chile’s food additive decree (Decreto Supremo N° 86/2007); cosmetic use of seed oil must comply with EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 for purity and safety.

Sustainability and sourcing:
- Wild populations in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile and adjacent Argentine Patagonia are the primary source; commercial harvest is being shifted toward cultivated plantations to reduce pressure on natural stands; INIA provides guidelines for sustainable harvesting and post‑harvest handling.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Aristotelia glabra Miers Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. , ser. 4, 2: 44 (1868)
Aristotelia glandulosa Ruiz & Pav. Syst. Veg. 125.
Aristotelia lucida Salisb. Prodr. Stirp. Chap. Allerton : 345 (1796)
Aristotelia macqui L'Hér. Stirp. Nov. : 31 (1786)
Aristotelia macqui var. alpestris Reiche Anales Univ. Chile 100: 539 1898
Aristotelia maqui var. andina Phil. Linnaea 33(1): 31. 1864 [May 1864]
Aristotelia macqui var. leucocarpa Dimitri Colecc. Ci. Inst. Nac. Tecnol. Agropecu 10: 221 1972
Beaumaria macqui Deless. ex Steud. Nomencl. Bot. [Steudel], ed. 2. i. 192 (1840).
Aristotelia macqui var. brachystyla Kurz.

Common names Top

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Language Common/alternative name
English maquei
Spanish cornus chilensis
Spanish queldron
Spanish queldrón
Hebrew תות יין צ'יליאני
Korean 아리스토텔리아 킬렌시스
Thai มากี้เบอร์รี่
Chinese 酒果
Chinese 馬基果
Chinese 玛基果

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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Germination/Propagation Top

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Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Southern America
    • Southern South America
      • Argentina Northeast
      • Argentina Northwest
      • Argentina South
      • Chile Central
      • Chile South
      • Juan Fernández Islands

Links to other databases Top

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Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0000548488
UNII PSW0238Q5L
USDA Plants ARCH17
Tropicos 11700096
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:19666-2
The Plant List kew-2652039
Open Tree Of Life 126270
NCBI Taxonomy 138855
IPNI 19666-2
iNaturalist 181593
GBIF 5651082
Freebase /m/07k5c3c
EPPO AITCH
EOL 5427657
Calflora (Californian flora) 8551
USDA GRIN 4201
Wikipedia Aristotelia_chilensis
PFAF Aristotelia chilensis

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

Below is displayed the reference genome only!
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.
Accession Assembly
Name Level Submitter Released Coverage Size
GCA_008921755.1 MAQUI01 Scaffold INIA 2019-10-08 30 91.89 Mb

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
Dietary Sources, Stabilization, Health Benefits, and Industrial Application of Anthocyanins—A Review Saini RK, Khan MI, Shang X, Kumar V, Kumari V, Kesarwani A, Ko EY Foods 17-Apr-2024
PMCID:PMC11049351
doi:10.3390/foods13081227
PMID:38672900
Extract from Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus Improves near Visual Acuity in People with Presbyopia Szumny D, Kucharska AZ, Czajor K, Bernacka K, Ziółkowska S, Krzyżanowska-Berkowska P, Magdalan J, Misiuk-Hojło M, Sozański T, Szeląg A Nutrients 23-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC11013737
doi:10.3390/nu16070926
PMID:38612968
Maize multi-omics reveal leaf water status controlling of differential transcriptomes, proteomes and hormones as mechanisms of age-dependent osmotic stress response in leaves Niu L, Wang W, Li Y, Wu X, Wang W Stress Biol 18-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC10948690
doi:10.1007/s44154-024-00159-9
PMID:38498254
Ameliorative effects of Tagetes erecta Linn. flower against desiccation stress-induced dry eye symptoms in the mice model Lee H, Hwangbo H, Hyun JW, Shim JH, Leem SH, Kim GY, Choi YH Integr Med Res 11-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC11070322
doi:10.1016/j.imr.2024.101038
PMID:38716164
A Review of the Functional Characteristics and Applications of Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui Berry), in the Food Industry García-Milla P, Peñalver R, Nieto G Foods 09-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC10969556
doi:10.3390/foods13060838
PMID:38540828
Nanoencapsulation of Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) Extract in Chitosan–Tripolyphosphate and Chenopodin-Based Systems Andrade D, Maldonado-Bravo F, Alburquerque A, Pérez C, Gamboa A, Caro N, Díaz-Dosque M, Gotelland M, Abugoch L, Tapia C Antioxidants (Basel) 23-Feb-2024
PMCID:PMC10967421
doi:10.3390/antiox13030273
PMID:38539807
Phenolic composition and bioactivity of Ribes magellanicum fruits from southern Patagonia Burgos-Edwards A, Theoduloz C, Miño S, Ghosh D, Shulaev V, Ramírez C, Sánchez-Jardón L, Rozzi R, Schmeda-Hirschmann G Heliyon 11-Feb-2024
PMCID:PMC10877167
doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25542
PMID:38380002
Effects of polyphenolic maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) extract on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of mast cells in a mouse model of Crohn’s disease-like colitis Ortiz-Cerda T, Argüelles-Arias F, Macías-García L, Vázquez-Román V, Tapia G, Xie K, García-García MD, Merinero M, García-Montes JM, Alcudia A, Witting PK, De-Miguel M Front Immunol 12-Jan-2024
PMCID:PMC10811055
doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1229767
PMID:38283356
Delphinidins from Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis) ameliorate the subcellular organelle damage induced by blue light exposure in murine photoreceptor-derived cells Yamazaki K, Ishida K, Otsu W, Muramatsu A, Nakamura S, Yamada W, Tsusaki H, Shimoda H, Hara H, Shimazawa M BMC Complement Med Ther 02-Jan-2024
PMCID:PMC10759685
doi:10.1186/s12906-023-04322-z
PMID:38167061
Assessment of the Physicochemical, Antioxidant, Microbial, and Sensory Attributes of Yogurt-Style Products Enriched with Probiotic-Fermented Aronia melanocarpa Berry Juice Plessas S, Mantzourani I, Terpou A, Bekatorou A Foods 28-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10778934
doi:10.3390/foods13010111
PMID:38201137
Synthesis of α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Modulators Derived from Aristoquinoline that Reduce Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior Rusali LE, Lopez-Hernandez AM, Kremiller KM, Kulkarni GC, Gour A, Straub CJ, Argade MD, Peters CJ, Sharma A, Toll L, Cippitelli A, Riley AP J Med Chem 27-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10872344
doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01758
PMID:38151460
Microwave Treatment vs. Conventional Pasteurization: The Effect on Phytochemical and Microbiological Quality for Citrus–Maqui Beverages Salar FJ, Díaz-Morcillo A, Fayos-Fernández J, Monzó-Cabrera J, Sánchez-Bravo P, Domínguez-Perles R, Fernández PS, García-Viguera C, Periago PM Foods 27-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10778303
doi:10.3390/foods13010101
PMID:38201129
In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of the Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) on Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Stress Markers in a Metabolic Syndrome Model Castillo-García EL, Cossio-Ramírez AL, Córdoba-Méndez ÓA, Loza-Mejía MA, Salazar JR, Chávez-Gutiérrez E, Bautista-Poblet G, Castillo-Mendieta NT, Moreno DA, García-Viguera C, Pinto-Almazán R, Almanza-Pérez JC, Gallardo JM, Guerra-Araiza C Metabolites 07-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10744843
doi:10.3390/metabo13121189
PMID:38132871
Human Impacts on the Vegetation of the Juan Fernández (Robinson Crusoe) Archipelago Stuessy TF, Crawford DJ, Greimler J Plants (Basel) 30-Nov-2023
PMCID:PMC10708367
doi:10.3390/plants12234038
PMID:38068673
Antioxidant Properties of Maqui Berry Extract (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) and Its Potential Photoprotective Role on Human Skin Fibroblasts Wacewicz-Muczyńska M, Moskwa J, Puścion-Jakubik A, Naliwajko SK, Niczyporuk M, Socha K Molecules 27-Nov-2023
PMCID:PMC10708373
doi:10.3390/molecules28237802
PMID:38067532

Phytochemical Profile Top

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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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Name PubChem ID Canonical SMILES MW Found in Proof
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Indoles
(4,4-Dimethyl-8-methylene-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-2-en-2-yl)(1H-indol-3-yl)methanone 369151 Click to see 306.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85469-V
[(1S,5S)-4,4-dimethyl-8-methylidene-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-2-en-2-yl]-(1H-indol-3-yl)methanone 15816299 Click to see CC1(C2CCC(=C)C(C2)C(=N1)C(=O)C3=CNC4=CC=CC=C43)C 306.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85469-V
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Indoles / 3-alkylindoles
Hobartine 14636497 Click to see 294.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.2307/4119066
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Indolines
[(3S)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]-[(1R,5R)-4,4,8-trimethyl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nona-2,7-dien-2-yl]methanone 162849310 Click to see 308.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85469-V
2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl-(4,4,8-trimethyl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nona-2,7-dien-2-yl)methanone 162849309 Click to see 308.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85469-V
Aristotelone 323715 Click to see CC1(C2CCC3(C(C2)C(N1)CC34C(=O)C5=CC=CC=C5N4)C)C 310.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.2307/4119066
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)88987-6
https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.35.3.215.13297
https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
Rdojzoukvjesiv-qacnyomvsa- 11023321 Click to see 310.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
Rdojzoukvjesiv-vslccporsa- 11056019 Click to see 310.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)88987-6
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Pyrroloindoles
(1S,2R,4R,12S,15S,18R)-14,14,18-trimethyl-5,13-diazahexacyclo[13.3.1.02,13.04,12.04,18.06,11]nonadeca-6,8,10-trien-16-one 25085910 Click to see 308.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.35.3.215.13297
https://doi.org/10.2307/4119066
14,14,18-Trimethyl-5,13-diazahexacyclo[13.3.1.02,13.04,12.04,18.06,11]nonadeca-6,8,10-trien-16-one 5925099 Click to see 308.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolidines
(1R,10R,12R,15S,17S,19R)-1,14,14-trimethyl-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.2.2.02,10.04,9.012,17]nonadeca-2,4,6,8-tetraene-10,19-diol 101600056 Click to see 326.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
1,14,14-Trimethyl-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.2.2.02,10.04,9.012,17]nonadeca-2,4,6,8-tetraen-10-ol 73098733 Click to see 310.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.35.3.215.13297
Aristotelinine 430968 Click to see CC1(C2CC3C(N1)CC4(C5=CC=CC=C5N=C4C3(CC2O)C)O)C 326.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
https://doi.org/10.2307/4119066
> Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Pyrroloquinolines
(1R,12R,15S,17S)-1,14,14-trimethyl-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.2.2.02,10.04,9.012,17]nonadeca-2(10),4,6,8-tetraene 11098414 Click to see 294.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)88987-6
(1R,12S,15S,17S)-1,14,14-trimethyl-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.2.2.02,10.04,9.012,17]nonadeca-2(10),4,6,8-tetraen-11-one 11130638 Click to see 308.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(90)85469-V
https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.35.3.215.13297
https://doi.org/10.2307/4119066
(1R,15S,17S)-1,14,14-trimethyl-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.2.2.02,10.04,9.012,17]nonadeca-2(10),4,6,8,12-pentaen-11-one 10957747 Click to see 306.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.2307/4119066
Aristoteline 323714 Click to see 294.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1076/PHBI.35.3.215.13297
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)88987-6
https://doi.org/10.1039/P19800002842
https://doi.org/10.2307/4119066
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 7-hydroxycoumarins
Scopoletin 5280460 Click to see 192.17 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(93)85383-3

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