**4. Cardioprotective Role of Maqui**

Food and/or pharmaceutical supplements have become attractive alternatives to reducing CVRFs [63]. Some non-communicable diseases, including CVD, could be prevented by improving the lifestyle of the population, including the consumption of a healthy diet [64]. Studies have highlighted the importance of natural antioxidants present in vegetables, to provide cardiovascular protection [42]. An investigation showed the cardioprotective effect of proanthocyanidins present in a grape seed extract evaluated in mice [65]. Some works refer to the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of the fruit of Maqui and the cardioprotective effects on acute ischemia/reperfusion induced in the hearts of rats [20]. It has been described that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables favors adequate platelet function, with positive effects on cardiovascular health [30]. Undoubtedly, the Maqui compared to other fruits presents a wide biological potential, being a promising target for study mainly in the cardiovascular area (Figure 4).

**Figure 4.** Cardioprotective effect of chemical compounds identified in Maqui.
