Blue-purple berry pigments, richest in maqui. Pooled trials show arteries widening better and modestly improved blood fats; small trials show more tear production and easier dry, tired eyes. Post-meal blood sugar falls short-term but inconsistently over months. Very little is absorbed, so laboratory findings on cancer and brain ageing stay out of reach. Most trials were manufacturer-funded. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | 75–85 mg/dL | Primary glycemic target |
| HbA1c | 4.9–5.4% | Three-month average glucose |
| Fasting insulin | ≤5 µIU/mL | Tracks insulin resistance |
| LDL-C | <100 mg/dL, <70 with established plaque | The lipid fraction delphinidin moved most in structure-stratified pooling |
| Triglycerides | <80 mg/dL | Second lipid endpoint with a delphinidin-specific effect |
| HDL-C | >55 mg/dL (men), >65 mg/dL (women) | Third lipid endpoint, rose in the delphinidin stratum |
| hs-CRP | <0.5 mg/L | Tracks the inflammatory signaling the compound is proposed to dampen |
| Ferritin | 50–100 ng/mL | Catches the iron-absorption risk before it becomes anemia |
| Clotting time (INR) | No delphinidin-specific target; under anticoagulation the prescribed band, usually 2.0–3.0 | Detects the additive antiplatelet effect |
| Schirmer's test | ≥10 mm in 5 minutes | Objective tear volume, the ocular success criterion |
Cadence: Baseline panel before starting; clotting time at 2 and 4 weeks under anticoagulation; glucose and tear measures at 4 weeks; full lipid, HbA1c, inflammation, and ferritin panel at 12 weeks, then every 6–12 months while use continues