Natural Botox Alternative? Maple Leaf Extract Could Prevent Wrinkles, Scientists Say

Are maple leaves the answer to those who desire a natural alternative to the wrinkle-erasing effect of botox?

Their extract may just do the trick, according to new research from the University of Rhode Island (URI) in Kingston. Navindra P. Seeram, a professor in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at URI, was the principal investigator.



The findings were presented at the 256th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Boston on Aug. 20.

Previously, the research team examined the benefits of sap and syrup sourced from sugar maple and red maple trees. When studying historical records, they were made aware of potential therapeutic benefits in other parts of the trees.

"Native Americans used leaves from red maple trees in their traditional system of medicine," Seeram said, "so why should we ignore the leaves?"

The elasticity of our skin is maintained with the help of proteins such as elastin, which allow the skin to stretch and remain supple. But when the enzyme elastase breaks down elastin, we end up with wrinkles — considered to be a prominent sign of aging or a consequence of habits like smoking and unprotected sun exposure.

"We wanted to see whether leaf extracts from red maple trees could block the activity of elastase," said Hang Ma, a research associate in Seeram's lab who presented the findings at the meeting.

In previous studies, a compound known as glucitol-core-containing gallotannins (GCGs) has been found to have a protective effect against skin inflammation. It was also able to lighten dark spots, such as unwanted freckles or age spots.

This compound is present in maple leaves, which the researchers focused on during their examinations.

"You could imagine that these extracts might tighten up human skin like a plant-based Botox, though they would be a topical application, not an injected toxin," Seeram explained.

While the lack of needles may attract those who have an aversion to pricking their skin, it was also noted consumers may appreciate the use of natural, plant-based ingredients in their skincare products.

The team has developed a proprietary patent-pending formulation known as Maplifa. It contains GCGs from summer and fall maple leaves as well as maple sap.

If they are able to find a market for the products, Seeram believed it could help farmers in North America and provide a boost to the local economy.

"Many botanical ingredients traditionally come from China, India and the Mediterranean, but the sugar maple and the red maple only grow in eastern North America," he said.

Furthermore, the process is a sustainable one as it involves the collection of leaves during pruning or when they naturally detach from the tree during the fall season.

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