Benefits
Photoaging clinical trial — NCT04586816
A randomized double-blind trial (NCT04586816) applied topical Maplifa creams at 1% and 5% versus a vehicle cream to 19 people with photoaging. It is a topical cosmetic study, it enrolled only 19 participants, and it has posted no results, so it does not show that swallowing the extract does anything.
Elastase inhibition (anti-wrinkle mechanism)
Red maple leaf extract exhibits anti-aging effects by inhibiting elastase activity — the enzyme that breaks down elastin in the skin's extracellular matrix. Elastase inhibition prevents elastin breakdown and interferes with wrinkle formation. Mechanism supports the topical applications for fine lines and skin firmness.
Collagenase inhibition (synergy with Pomella®)
Maplifa shows concentration-dependent collagenase inhibition (25.7-94.0% at 100-800 µg/mL), with synergistic effects with Pomella® (Verdure's pomegranate extract) at a 1:2 combination ratio. Collagenase inhibition protects type I collagen, supporting skin structure preservation and anti-wrinkle effects.
Skin radiance and elasticity support
The manufacturer describes topical skincare uses for antioxidant support, skin radiance, and elasticity, but the only human study applied it as a cream to 19 people and posted no results, so these outcomes are not demonstrated in people. Supporting data on radiance and skin-cell balance come from cell-culture (in vitro) tests, not from swallowing the extract.
Pigmentation and dark spots (in-vitro, cell-line evidence)
In laboratory tests on cultured melanoma cells, red maple gallotannins lowered melanin production, which is why they are studied for dark spots and uneven tone. This is in-vitro evidence only. The registered human trial was topical and posted no results, so pigmentation benefits are not shown in people.
Sustainable autumn-pruning harvest
Red maple leaves are harvested during their natural autumn pruning — making Maplifa environmentally friendly and sustainable. Leaf collection does not negatively impact or harm the maturing trees (unlike bark collection which can damage trees). Aligns with the 'Verdugration' initiative targeting traceability, sustainability, and global stewardship.
North American sourcing — clean-label
Maplifa is sourced and manufactured solely in North America — supporting traceability and clean-label positioning. Non-GMO Project Verified. Water-soluble extract produced using patented earth-friendly extraction process free of organic solvents. Distinguishes from Asia-sourced botanicals with supply chain transparency challenges.
Free of organic solvents
Maplifa's patented extraction process is free of organic solvents (ethanol, acetone, methanol commonly used in botanical extraction). Water-based extraction supports clean-label and natural positioning. Also avoids residual solvent concerns that complicate regulatory and consumer acceptance of some botanical extracts.
Mechanism of action
Elastase enzyme inhibition
Elastase breaks down elastin — the protein responsible for skin elasticity and recoil. Reduced elastase activity preserves elastin levels in the dermal matrix. The mechanism explains the anti-wrinkle effects since wrinkle formation involves loss of skin elasticity and structural integrity.
Collagenase (MMP) inhibition
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly collagenase (MMP-1), break down type I collagen — the primary structural protein of skin. Maplifa's ginnalin A and glucitol-core containing gallotannins inhibit collagenase in concentration-dependent manner. Mechanism preserves skin structural integrity and supports wrinkle prevention.
GCG (Glucitol-Core Gallotannin) polyphenol activity
Glucitol-core containing gallotannins (GCGs) are distinctive red maple polyphenols with antioxidant activity. Different structural class from common polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids, anthocyanins, ellagic acid). The unique GCG class may explain Maplifa's specific bioactivities not replicated by other antioxidant extracts.
Tyrosinase inhibition (anti-pigmentation)
Glucitol-core gallotannins inhibit tyrosinase — the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis. Reduced tyrosinase activity decreases melanin production, addressing dark spots and pigmentation. Same target as topical reference standards (arbutin, kojic acid) but via different chemical class.
Epidermal homeostasis support
In vitro research demonstrates Maplifa supports the promotion of epidermal homeostasis — the balance between keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis that maintains healthy skin barrier and structure. Disrupted epidermal homeostasis contributes to multiple skin aging changes; supporting homeostasis addresses the underlying process.
Clinical trials
Randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial evaluating topical Maplifa at 1% and 5% concentrations in cream base vs vehicle for cosmetic appearance of facial lines, redness, and skin tone. Conducted by Integrative Skin Science and Research, Sacramento, California. ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04586816.
Adults with photoaging concerns (rhytides, hyperpigmentation). Randomized double-blind design with 1% Maplifa, 5% Maplifa, or vehicle.
A topical cosmetic trial that applied 1% and 5% Maplifa creams to the faces of 19 people versus a vehicle cream. It is registered as completed but has posted no results, so it does not report whether Maplifa worked, and it studied a cream on the skin rather than a swallowed supplement, so it says nothing about oral use.
Published mechanistic study (PMC9696304) evaluating Maplifa® and Pomella® extracts plus their major bioactive phytochemicals (ginnalin A and punicalagin) for collagen protection. Used enzymatic assays, anti-glycation, cell-based models, and computational methods. Validated at protein level using human-skin-derived keratinocytes.
Not applicable — enzymatic assays, cell-based models (human-skin-derived keratinocytes), and computational methods.
Maplifa (100-800 µg/mL) dose-dependently inhibited collagenase activity by 25.7-94.0%. Ginnalin A (50-400 µM) inhibited collagenase by 12.0-98.0%. Synergistic effects with Pomella® at 1:2 combination ratio. First report on synergistic effects supporting their usefulness as bioactive ingredients for skincare, anti-aging, and beauty products.
Foundational research conducted at University of Rhode Island Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences by Navindra P. Seeram, PhD. Research investigated chemical composition of sugar maple and red maple trees for therapeutic benefits. Earlier 2017 work on maple sap prebiotic properties led to investigation of leaves.
Not applicable — academic research at University of Rhode Island characterizing red maple chemistry.
Researchers identified red maple leaves as containing glucitol-core containing gallotannins (GCGs) with antioxidant activity. Foundation for the commercial Maplifa product. Continued research demonstrating skin benefits supports the topical anti-aging applications. Licensed by Verdure Sciences for commercial development.