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This study focused on the oil extraction from freeze-dried maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2). The basic objective was to optimize the oil yield and the tocopherol concentration. A Box/Behnken experimental design was developed with three processing variables: supercritical pressure (74, 187, and 300 bar), temperature (35, 48, and 60 °C), and extracting time (30, 135, and 240 min). Multiple optimizations, based on the combination of factor levels at 274 bar, 240 min, and 60 °C, led to the highest oil yield and tocopherol values. The validation of the optimized conditions of maqui oil extraction led to an oil yield of 8% and values of 735, 53, and 97 (mg·kg-1 oil) for α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, and γ-tocopherol, respectively. A higher concentration of tocopherol compounds was observed when compared to the employment of the conventional extracting method. The optimized SFE-CO2 method led to an oil extract exhibiting higher Hydrophilic-Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (H-ORAC) assay and total phenol content (22 µmol Trolox equivalents·g-1 oil and 28 mg gallic acid equivalents·g-1 oil) than the oil obtained by the conventional procedure. A practical and accurate oil extraction is proposed for obtaining tocopherol-enriched oil including high concentrations of valuable lipophilic antioxidants.

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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.

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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-ß-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.

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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.

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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.

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Introduction: Crohn's disease (CD) involves activation of mast cells (MC) and NF-кB in parallel with the PPAR-α/NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1ß pathway in the inflamed colon. Whether polyphenols from maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) represent a natural alternative treatment for CD is unclear. Therefore, we used an animal model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD-like colitis to investigate protective effects of maqui extract through monitoring NLRP3 inflammasome and MC activation in colon tissue. Methods: Maqui extract was administered via orogastric route to mice after (post-Treatment group) or prior (pre-Treatment group) to TNBS-induction. Colon pathology was characterized by histoarchitectural imaging, disease activity index (DAI), and assessing NF-кB, p-NF-кB, PPAR-α/NLRP3 expression and IL-1ß levels. Results: Compared to mice treated with TNBS alone administration of anthocyanin-rich maqui extract improved the DAI, colon histoarchitecture and reduced both colon wet-weight and transmural inflammation. Induction with TNBS significantly increased colonic NLPR3 inflammasome activation, while co-treatment with maqui extract (either post- or pre-Treatment) significantly downregulated NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 levels, which manifested as reduced colonic IL-1ß levels. Supplemented maqui extract marginally diminished NF-кB activity in epithelial cells but reached statistical significance in immune cells (as judged by decreased NF-кB phosphorylation). PPAR-α signaling was largely unaffected by Maqui whereas MC infiltration into the colon mucosa and submucosa decreased and their level of degranulation was suppressed. Conclusion: These outcomes show the post- and pre- Treatment effect of a polyphenolic extract rich in anthocyanins from maqui the acute phase of TNBS- induced CD-like colitis is linked to suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced MC responses. These data indicate that maqui extract represents a potential nutraceutical for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

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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.

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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.

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This work aimed at developing powders rich in antioxidants and pigments from two wild berries: maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) and murra (Rubus ulmifolius). Fruits were subjected to successive ultrasound-assisted extractions (UAE) and then freeze-dried. Physical properties, anthocyanin stability of powders, and their performance as natural colorants in yogurts were evaluated. The optimum extraction methods were: UAE for 10 min in murra, and without UAE (control) in maqui, with juice extraction yields ranging between 80 and 82%. Maqui powder exhibited ≈ 2.8 times more polyphenol and anthocyanin content than murra. However, murra powder showed better stability characteristics as powder colorant since it exhibited greater protection of anthocyanins by means of copigmentation phenomena. Regarding consumer's perception of colored yogurt, samples with 4% and 8% maqui powder could be considered as future prototypes to be launched into the market. The obtained powders may be used in different industrial food applications.

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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.

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The best conservation method for native Chilean berries has been investigated in combination with an implemented large-scale extract of maqui berry, rich in total polyphenols and anthocyanin to be tested in intestinal epithelial and immune cells. The methanolic extract was obtained from lyophilized and analyzed maqui berries using Folin-Ciocalteu to quantify the total polyphenol content, as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) to measure the antioxidant capacity. Determination of maqui's anthocyanins profile was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-MS/MS). Viability, cytotoxicity, and percent oxidation in epithelial colon cells (HT-29) and macrophages cells (RAW 264.7) were evaluated. In conclusion, preservation studies confirmed that the maqui properties and composition in fresh or frozen conditions are preserved and a more efficient and convenient extraction methodology was achieved. In vitro studies of epithelial cells have shown that this extract has a powerful antioxidant strength exhibiting a dose-dependent behavior. When lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-macrophages were activated, noncytotoxic effects were observed, and a relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation response was demonstrated. The maqui extract along with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) have a synergistic effect. All of the compiled data pointed out to the use of this extract as a potential nutraceutical agent with physiological benefits for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

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The liver is one of the first organs affected by accumulated ectopic lipids. Increased de novo lipogenesis and excessive triglyceride accumulation in the liver are hallmarks of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and are strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Maqui dietary supplemented diet-induced obese mice showed better insulin response and decreased weight gain. We previously described that these positive effects of maqui are partially due to an induction of a brown-like phenotype in subcutaneous white adipose tissue that correlated with a differential expression of Chrebp target genes. In this work, we aimed to deepen the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of maqui on the onset and development of the obese phenotype and insulin resistance focusing on liver metabolism. Our results showed that maqui supplementation decreased hepatic steatosis caused by a high-fat diet. Changes in the metabolic profile include a downregulation of the lipogenic liver X receptor (LXR) target genes and of fatty acid oxidation gene expression together with an increase in the expression of small heterodimer partner interacting leucine zipper protein (Smile), a corepressor of the nuclear receptor family. Our data suggest that maqui supplementation regulates lipid handling in liver to counteract the metabolic impact of a high-fat diet.

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Cancer of the reproductive tract includes diseases with higher prevalence in the female population. This investigation examined whether an anthocyanin-enriched extract of Aristotelia chilensis, commonly known as "maqui," could affect some hallmarks of endometrial cancer. Cultures of the human endometrial cancer cell line Ishikawa were treated with a hydroethanolic maqui extract at 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, or 1000 µg/mL to determine the effect on cell viability by MTT assay. Then, we used the 50% Effective Concentration (EC50) to evaluate whether the effect of the maqui extract is mediated via an arrest of the cell cycle or induction of apoptosis using flow cytometry or Annexin V-FITC assays, respectively. The effects of sublethal doses of the maqui extract on migration and invasiveness of Ishikawa cells were also evaluated by the wound healing and Boyden Chamber assay, respectively. Our results show that the hydroethanolic maqui extract inhibits the cell viability with an EC50 of 472.3 µg/mL via increased apoptosis, and that reduces the invasive capacity but not migration of Ishikawa cells. These findings suggest that the hydroethanolic maqui extract has antineoplastic properties for endometrial cancer and merits further studies to corroborate its efficiency as anticancer therapy in reproductive organs.

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Avocado oil is considered a highly prized food due to its nutritional contribution. On the other hand, Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz (Elaeocarpaceae), common name "maqui", is an endemic fruit in Chile, well known for its exceptional antioxidant properties. In general, maqui by-products such as leaves are considered as waste. Thus, maqui leaves extracts were used to improve the stability of vegetable oils, particularly avocado oil. Hence, avocado oil was fortified with two extracts (ethyl ether and methanol) obtained of maqui leaves and exposed to 120 °C for 386 h in an oven. The results showed a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (69.46%, mainly oleic acid), followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (16.41%, mainly linoleic acid) and finally saturated fatty acids (14.13%). The concentration of the total phenolic compounds in the pure oil, ethyl ether and methanol maqui leaves extracts were 45.8, 83.7, and 4100.9 ppm, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activity was 5091.6 and 19,452.5 µmol Trolox eq/g for the ethyl ether and methanol extracts, respectively. The secondary degradation compounds showed significant differences between the fortified and non-fortified samples after 144 h and the TG/DTG analysis showed a significant increment of 7 °C in the degradation temperature (Tonset) of avocado oil fortified with the methanol extract when compared to the non-fortified oil and fortified oil with ethyl ether extract. After heating for 336 h, fortified oil with methanol extract reached the limit percentages of polar compounds, while pure oil reached it in a shorter time, i.e., 240 h. Based on the results, avocado oil can be protected with natural additives such as extracts obtained from maqui leaves, leading to an increase in its thermo-oxidative stability.

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Introduction: Prolonged ozone exposure can produce a state of oxidative stress, which in turn causes alterations in the dynamics of the brain and affects memory and learning. Moreover, different investigations have shown that high flavonoid content berries show a great antioxidant activity. The relationship between the protective effect of the maqui berry extract and its antioxidant properties in the brain has not been studied in depth. Objectives: The present study evaluated whether the protection exerted by the aqueous extract of maqui berry in brain regions associated with cognitive performance is due to its antioxidant capacity. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone and administered with maqui berry extracts. At the end of the treatments, spatial learning and short- and long-term memory were evaluated, as well as oxidative stress markers. Results: The administration of 50 and 100 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of maqui berry was effective in preventing the cognitive deficit caused by chronic exposure to ozone. The antioxidant effect of the administration of maqui berry was analyzed in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Oxidative stress markers levels decreased and the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase diminished in animals exposed to ozone treated with the 50 mg/kg dose of maqui berry. Discussion: These results show a relationship between protection at the cognitive level and a decrease in oxidative stress markers, which suggests that the prevention of cognitive damage is due to the antioxidant activity of the maqui berry.

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The native flora of Chile has unique characteristics due to the geographical situation of the country, with the vast desert in the North, Patagonia in the South, the Andean Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. This exclusivity is reflected in high concentrations of phytochemicals in the fruits and leaves of its native plants. Some examples are Aristotelia chilensis (Molina), Stuntz (maqui), Berberis microphylla G. Forst. (calafate), Peumus boldus Molina (boldo), Ribes magellanicum Poir. (Magellan currant), Ugni molinae Turcz. (murtilla), Rubus geoides Sm. (miñe miñe), Drimys winteri J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (canelo), Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret (arrayán) distributed throughout the entire Chilean territory. Some of these Chilean plants have been used for centuries in the country's traditional medicine. The most recent studies of phytochemical characterization of parts of Chilean plants show a wide spectrum of antioxidant compounds, phenolic components, terpenoids and alkaloids, which have shown biological activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This manuscript covers the entire Chilean territory characterizing the phytochemical profile and reporting some of its biological properties, focusing mainly on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, chemopreventive and cytotoxic activity, and potential against diabetes, metabolic syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders.

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The effect of different polysaccharides combinations on the stability of maqui extract was studied in order to design functional foods, dietary supplements or natural colorants. Encapsulation by freeze-drying using maltodextrin, gum Arabic and inulin at 10, 20 and 30% was performed and phenolics, anthocyanin, antioxidant capacity and color difference of the microcapsules were determined. The stability of the bioactives after 60 days storage at 25 °C was also evaluated, along with analysis of aw, adsorption isotherm, and microstructure to characterize the powders. 10% encapsulating polysaccharide produced best results, with maltodextrin leading to highest process efficiency, while the mixture of maltodextrin/inulin in equal proportion led to highest retention of polyphenols (91.1%) and anthocyanin (98.8%) during storage. The inulin microcapsules retained 94.1% of its antioxidant capacity compared to 25.3% for the freeze-dried maqui powder. Concentration level and polysaccharide matrix of encapsulating agent significantly affect retention of bioactives in the microcapsules.

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Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis [Molina] Stunz) is a small dioecious tree, belonging to the Elaeocarpaceae family. Maqui fruit has high levels of antioxidant activity, which are due to elevated anthocyanin and polyphenol content. Here we describe a draft genome sequence data of maqui (A. chilensis). The genomic sequence datasets were obtained using Illumina NextSeq platform. Nucleotide sequences of raw reads and the assembled draft genome are available at NCBI's Sequence Read Archive as BioProject PRJNA544858. Also, a total of 210067 microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were identified.

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The aim of the present work was the development of an innovative in situ gelling system, to be applied on the mucosa of the distal colon via rectal route. The system consisted of three polymers having different functions: gellan (GG), able to jellify in presence of ions; methylcellulose (MC), a thermosensitive polymer with a gelation temperature close to 50 °C; and hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), a mucoadhesive polymer. The three polymers were able to act synergistically, increasing the permanence of the vehicle on the mucosa and forming a protective gel layer. A DoE approach, "simplex centroid mixture design," was used to identify the optimal quantitative composition of the vehicle. The response variables considered were: vehicle viscosity at room temperature; increase in vehicle viscosity on increasing temperature (from room to physiological value) and upon dilution with simulated colonic fluid (SCF); and viscoelastic behavior, thixotropic area, and mucoadhesion properties of the gel formed at 37 °C upon dilution in SCF. The optimized vehicle was loaded with maqui berry extract (MBE), known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. MBE loading (0.5% w/w) into the vehicle improved rheological and mucoadhesive properties of the formulation. Both MBE and the optimized vehicle were not cytotoxic towards human fibroblasts and Caco-2 cells. Moreover, the optimized vehicle did not affect MBE antioxidant properties.

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Maqui (Aristotelia Chilensis) berry features a unique profile of anthocyanidins that includes high amounts of delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside and delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside and has shown positive effects on fasting glucose and insulin levels in humans and murine models of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of maqui on the onset and development of the obese phenotype and insulin resistance was investigated in high fat diet-induced obese mice supplemented with a lyophilized maqui berry. Maqui-dietary supplemented animals showed better insulin response and decreased weight gain but also a differential expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, multilocular lipid droplet formation and thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT). These changes correlated with an increased expression of the carbohydrate response element binding protein b (Chrebpb), the sterol regulatory binding protein 1c (Srebp1c) and Cellular repressor of adenovirus early region 1A-stimulated genes 1 (Creg1) and an improvement in the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) signaling. Our evidence suggests that maqui dietary supplementation activates the induction of fuel storage and thermogenesis characteristic of a brown-like phenotype in scWAT and counteracts the unhealthy metabolic impact of an HFD. This induction constitutes a putative strategy to prevent/treat diet-induced obesity and its associated comorbidities.