Abstract

Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, commonly called "maqui" is a native tree of Chile considered sacred for the Mapuche people. The fruits are sweet blackberries with a high concentration of polyphenols which stain the hands and mouth when eaten. The Mapuche people use it for creating "chicha" an alcoholic beverage, while leaves are used to treat infected wounds, inflammation and ulcers. In this review, we will give an overview of the pharmacology reported for the plant and molecules isolated from leaves and fruits, with the scope of giving a better understanding of the potential of this tree.