Native leaves from Aysén surpass fruits in antioxidant levels and open a new frontier for functional foods
Research led by Agroindustria AYC with support from Corfo Aysén reveals that species such as nalca, maqui, cauchao, and lenga contain up to three times more antioxidants than the most globally renowned fruits.
In the Aysén Region, an unexpected discovery could transform the way plant waste is valued. With the support of Corfo’s "Innova Región Mujeres" program, the company Agroindustria AYC is developing a line of functional ingredients using discarded leaves of nalca, maqui, cauchao, and lenga.
The project, currently in the research and development phase, has already yielded surprising results. Laboratory analyses show that these leaves contain between 98,000 and 140,000 antioxidant units per 100 grams—far surpassing traditionally recognized antioxidant-rich fruits, which top out around 40,000 units.
"We’ve achieved very promising and satisfactory results. The leaves of nalca, maqui, cauchao, and lenga have a high amount of antioxidants—far above what we find in fruits. Therefore, we project excellent results in the final products," said Carolina Jara Sanhueza, legal representative of Agroindustria AYC.
The initiative aims to transform this plant waste into natural supplements with high nutritional value, for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, under a sustainability-oriented approach.
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"Today, there are major health and nutrition challenges, and through this initiative, we can deliver a healthy, natural product that promotes the well-being of those who consume it. That’s why we’re developing products that are safe, effective, and sustainable—products that can be used to prevent or treat various conditions," added Jara.
Thanks to co-financing from Corfo Aysén and its focus on promoting innovation with territorial identity, the project has made rapid progress in scientifically validating these species, acquiring appropriate technology, and conducting laboratory trials with experts in functional foods. This support has been essential in driving forward a solution with high potential to position itself in national and international markets as a new category of functional supplement originating from Patagonia.
Humberto Marín Leiva, regional director of Corfo Aysén, highlighted the project’s strategic impact: "This project represents exactly what we aim to promote: innovation with regional identity, led by a female entrepreneur, turning waste into a high-value nutritional solution. It showcases Patagonia’s potential to lead globally impactful developments from the southernmost part of Chile."
"With this initiative, Aysén is advancing as an innovation ecosystem where science, sustainability, and the smart use of biodiversity can contribute to health and sustainable development. From Coyhaique, innovation is born from waste and projected to the world with a strong sense of place," said Marín.
In addition to progressing in research, equipment acquisition, and implementation of specialized processes, the Agroindustria AYC team has also established collaborative work with more than 100 harvesting families, strengthening the local production chain and contributing to the development of a circular economy with a territorial focus.
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