Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Maqui

Botanical

Useful mainly for people with dry eye symptoms trying a standardized anthocyanin extract.

Quick decision guide

May help most

people with dry eye symptoms trying a standardized anthocyanin extract

Common dosing range

100–200 mg/day standardized extract (or 1–2 g whole-berry powder)

When to expect effects

Weeks

Watch out for

may add to blood-glucose-lowering effects; limited long-term safety data

What is it

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is a deep purple berry native to the Patagonian region of Chile and Argentina, traditionally used by the Mapuche people. It is among the highest known dietary sources of anthocyanins, particularly delphinidin glycosides.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

You have dry eye and want to try a standardized maqui extract (e.g. MaquiBright)
You want an anthocyanin-rich addition with a meal to blunt glucose spikes

Probably skip if…

You want proven cardiovascular benefit (evidence is weak)
You take antidiabetic drugs and cannot monitor for additive effects
You expect general antioxidant supplementation to change outcomes

Evidence at a glance

dry eye syndrome

Limited Evidence
Effect
Modest
Best fit
adults with mild dry eye and reduced tear production
Time
Weeks

postprandial glucose

Limited Evidence
Effect
Small reduction in post-meal glucose
Best fit
people interested in blunting post-meal glucose spikes
Time
Acute (per meal)

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

dry eye syndrome

Supplement benefit
Limited Evidence

Small trials of a standardized maqui extract (MaquiBright) report increased tear fluid production and improved dry eye symptoms. The evidence is preliminary, from limited studies of short duration, and tied to the specific standardized extract.

Effect size
Modest
Time to effect
Weeks
Best fit
adults with mild dry eye and reduced tear production
Less likely
people with severe or structural dry eye disease

Bottom line: A standardized maqui extract may modestly help dry eye, but the trial base is small.

SourceKundu et al., 2023 — PMCHitoe et al., 2014 — PubMed

postprandial glucose

Biomarker support
Limited Evidence

Maqui anthocyanins, especially delphinidin glycosides, have been studied for blunting postprandial glucose and insulin, possibly by inhibiting intestinal carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. The measured outcome is a blood-glucose marker after a meal, not a clinical diabetes endpoint, and trials are small. This is a biomarker effect and does not establish prevention or treatment of disease.

Effect size
Small reduction in post-meal glucose
Time to effect
Acute (per meal)
Best fit
people interested in blunting post-meal glucose spikes
Less likely
people seeking a treatment for diagnosed diabetes

Bottom line: May modestly lower post-meal glucose as a biomarker effect; not shown to treat or prevent diabetes.

SourceHidalgo et al., 2014 — PubMedAlvarado et al., 2016 — PMC

How it works

Maqui berries contain exceptionally high concentrations of anthocyanins, with delphinidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside as the dominant pigment. These compounds are responsible for the berry's deep purple-black color and contribute most of its measured antioxidant capacity in vitro. Anthocyanins from maqui have been studied for effects on glucose metabolism, including modulation of postprandial glucose and insulin response. Mechanistically, anthocyanins may inhibit intestinal carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and alter glucose transporter expression in cell models. Research also suggests possible benefits for tear fluid production in dry eye, linked to a standardized extract (MaquiBright). Maqui is also rich in polyphenols beyond anthocyanins, including phenolic acids and ellagitannins. As with other anthocyanin-rich foods, absorption is low (around 1 to 2 percent of ingested dose), so much of the systemic effect may come from gut metabolites.

How to take it

1. Typical dose
100–200 mg/day standardized extract (30–40% delphinidin glycosides), or 1–2 g whole-berry powder
2. Timing
anytime; for glucose effects, take with carbohydrate-containing meals
3. With food
with or without food; anthocyanins are water-soluble and do not need fat
4. How long to try
for dry eye, trial consistently for several weeks

What to track

dry eye comfort and tear production
postprandial energy or glucose if monitored
any GI upset

3 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized maqui extract

Capsules of MaquiBright or similar extracts standardized to anthocyanin content (typically 30 to 40 percent). Used in most clinical research.

Concentrated delphinidin glycosides; most studied form.

Maqui berry powder

Freeze-dried berry powder. Less concentrated than extracts but provides fiber and full nutrient matrix.

Whole-fruit form; full polyphenol spectrum.

Maqui juice

Less commonly available outside South America. Provides anthocyanins in juice form.

Liquid form; check for added sugars.

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

uncommon; mild gastrointestinal upset

Who should avoid it

  • people on antidiabetic drugs without monitoring (additive glucose lowering)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Limited safety data; pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a clinician before using concentrated extracts.

Interactions

antidiabetic medicationsModerate

may add to blood-glucose-lowering effects

anticoagulantsMinor

polyphenols may have mild antiplatelet activity (theoretical)

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

Look for…

standardized delphinidin glycoside content
named extract for eye use (e.g. MaquiBright)

Be skeptical of…

'superfood' or ORAC antioxidant-score marketing
diabetes or disease-cure claims

Frequently asked questions

Is maqui higher in antioxidants than other berries?⌄

Maqui has one of the highest ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) values measured for any berry, primarily due to its high anthocyanin content. ORAC is an in-vitro measure that does not always translate directly to in-body effects.

Does maqui actually help with dry eye?⌄

Several small randomized trials of standardized maqui extract (60 mg/day) suggest improvements in tear production and dry eye symptoms. The evidence is preliminary and most studies have used the same proprietary extract.

Can I eat fresh maqui berries?⌄

Fresh maqui is rarely available outside Chile and Argentina because the berries are delicate and do not transport well. Most North American and European consumption is via powder, extract, or juice.

Is maqui safe long-term?⌄

Most clinical trials have lasted only weeks to months. Long-term safety data are limited but no significant adverse effects have been reported at typical doses.

References by claim

dry eye syndrome

Kundu et al., 2023 — PMC (2023) link

Hitoe et al., 2014 — PubMed (2014) link

postprandial glucose

Hidalgo et al., 2014 — PubMed (2014) link

Alvarado et al., 2016 — PMC (2016) link

Track Maqui with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.