A Comprehensive Literature Review on Cardioprotective Effects of Bioactive Compounds Present in Fruits of Aristotelia chilensis Stuntz (Maqui)

Abstract

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.

Pomegranate extract-loaded sphingosomes for the treatment of cancer: Phytochemical investigations, formulation, and antitumor activity evaluation

“…Our findings were in line with that of a study by Shalaby et al, where authors established that the pericarps and juice pomegranate extracts demonstrated the capability to inhibit tumor cell growth in multiple human cancer cell lines, including the MCF7 and HCT116 cell lines [46]. Moreover, the observed PEs' anticancer effects against MCT7, HeLa, and HCT116 cell lines are most likely attributed to the presence of flavonoids such as kaempferol, rutin, hesperidin, and catechin, as well as phenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, pyrogallol, and ferulic acid, which, according to the literature, all have anticancer properties against the studied cell lines [47,48]. The phenolic acids that are present in pomegranate extracts can be categorized into two groups: hydroxycinnamic acid (e.g.…”

“…Moreover, the observed PEs’ anticancer effects against MCT7, HeLa, and HCT116 cell lines are most likely attributed to the presence of flavonoids such as kaempferol, rutin, hesperidin, and catechin, as well as phenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, pyrogallol, and ferulic acid, which, according to the literature, all have anticancer properties against the studied cell lines [ 47 , 48 ]. The phenolic acids that are present in pomegranate extracts can be categorized into two groups: hydroxycinnamic acid (e.g.…”

Physiologic effects of the maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis): a focus on metabolic homeostasis

“…Intriguingly, in addition to improving function of key metabolic organ systems including adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreatic β cells, MBs have also been shown to elicit positive effects on the cardiovascular system (Fig. 2), which has been recently extensively reviewed by Rodríguez et al 84 Specifically, MBs reduce oxidative stress in human endothelial cells as well as inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which are both key events in progression of atherosclerosis. 85 Furthermore, extracts of leaves and fruits of several different maqui clones were found to exhibit antiplatelet activity, supporting their role as anti-atherothrombotic agents.…”