Anti-cancer and antidiabetic properties of Aristotelia chilensis (maqui berry)

Researchers at NOVA Southeastern University in Florida reviewed the potential use of Aristotelia chilensis, also known as Chilean maqui berry, as a nutritional supplement to combat hyperinsulinemia and related diseases. Their report was published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness.

• The scientific community has long considered nutritional supplementation to be a possible alternative medicine or adjunct treatment to conventional therapies for common ailments and diseases.
• Recent studies show that A. chilensis can reduce postprandial insulin levels by as much as 50 percent and is just as effective as metformin at increasing insulin sensitivity and stabilizing blood glucose levels.
• The berry’s mechanism of action involves inhibiting sodium-dependent glucose transporters in the small intestine and slowing glucose’s rate of entry in the bloodstream, which effectively reduces the likelihood of blood sugar spikes and the corresponding rise in insulin levels.
• At the same time, the A. chilensis contributes to cancer prevention since chronically high blood glucose levels are linked to the development of cancers.
• Studies have shown that diabetics and prediabetics have an elevated risk of developing cancerous growths.

Based on the findings of previous studies, the researchers believe that consistent supplementation with A. chilensis could indirectly reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases that are promoted by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Deters B, Saleem M. HYPERINSULINEMIA, CANCER AND MAQUI BERRY: THE PROMISE OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION. Food Science and Human Wellness. September 2019;8(3):264–267. DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2019.07.001