- New research shows leaves of red and sugar maple trees could help erase wrinkles.
- Researchers from the University of Rhode Island presented their findings on maple leaves at the National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in Boston.
- Navindra P. Seeram, Ph.D. and Hang Ma, Ph.D, think that an extract from the red and sugar maple leaves can have even more benefits that go beyond preventing wrinkles and tightening the skin.
An extract from the maple tree leaves may prevent wrinkles, according to new research.
According to scientists at the University of Rhode Island, "extracts from summer or fall red maples leaves are formulated into a powder that could be incorporated in skincare products to prevent wrinkles."
Navindra P. Seeram, Ph.D., and Hang Ma, Ph.D., presented the results from their ongoing study at the National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in Boston, Massachusetts on August 20th.
The scientists had previously been researching the health benefits of the sap and syrup from both red and sugar maple trees, according to the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Maple leaf extracts could work similarly to Botox.
Elastin is a protein that helps retain the elasticity of the skin and elastase is an enzyme that breaks down elastin as you age, therefore creating wrinkles.
"We wanted to see whether leaf extracts from red maple trees could block the activity of elastase," said Hang Ma.
The scientists took a closer look at compounds in the leaves and their potential to suppress elastase activity. Seeram's research group found that the compounds might be able to do even more than curb elastase activity, such as protect the skin from inflammation and lighten dark spots.
Although Seeram and Ma plan on researching further, Seeram said, "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."
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