Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (Agraz): A systematic review of phytochemical composition, extraction technologies, and biological effects.

Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (agraz) is a wild Andean berry with a rich phytochemical profile, but evidence remains fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous, limiting its technological and nutraceutical use. This systematic review synthesized studies published between 2009 and 2026 on its phytochemical composition, extraction technologies, and biological effects. Following PRISMA guidelines, 43 primary studies were included from 163 identified records. Agraz is mainly characterized by cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, A- and B-type procyanidins, vitamin C, and prebiotic oligosaccharides. Pomace often showed higher flavonol content and 3.2-fold more anthocyanins than fresh fruit, highlighting its by-product potential. Microwave-assisted extraction was the only systematically optimized method and outperformed conventional extraction under tested conditions, while ultrasound-assisted extraction was the most widely used. Reported bioactivities included antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer-related, cardiometabolic, and antimicrobial effects, mostly supported by in vitro and preclinical evidence, with limited and heterogeneous clinical data.