Home Ingredients Maplifa® (Red Maple Leaf Skin Extract — Verdure Sciences)
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Maplifa® (Red Maple Leaf Skin Extract — Verdure Sciences)

Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
8 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Maplifa® is Verdure Sciences' patent-pending phenolic-enriched red maple (Acer rubrum) leaf extract, standardized to ginnalin A and other glucitol-core containing gallotannins (GCGs), distinctive polyphenols with antioxidant activity. Science developed at University of Rhode Island by Navindra Seeram, PhD. Sustainably harvested using eco-friendly autumn pruning that does not impact maturing trees. Non-GMO Project Verified, sourced solely in North America. Water-soluble, organic-solvent-free patented extraction.

Studied Dose Topical 1% or 5% in cream base.
Active Compound Phenolic-enriched red maple (Acer rubrum) leaf extract, standardized to glucitol-core gallotannins (GCGs) incl. ginnalin A.

Benefits

Photoaging clinical trial — NCT04586816

A randomized double-blind clinical trial evaluated topical Maplifa at 1% and 5% concentrations vs vehicle for hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and rhytides (wrinkles). Foundational clinical evidence for the topical anti-aging applications.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

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.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

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.

Supported by Trial 2

Skin radiance and elasticity support

Maplifa is clinically studied in humans to support antioxidant function, skin radiance, skin elasticity, and anti-microbial activity at functional skincare levels. In vitro research demonstrates Maplifa supports the promotion of epidermal homeostasis and multiple mechanisms associated with anti-aging. Multi-parameter skin improvements.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Reduction in skin inflammation, dark spots, pigmentation

Glucitol-core containing gallotannins (GCGs) help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and may decrease skin inflammation, dark spots, and pigmentation. The trial specifically examines effects on facial lines, redness, and skin tone — addressing the full spectrum of skin aging concerns rather than wrinkles alone.

Supported by Trial 1

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.

Supported by Trial 3

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.

Supported by Trial 2

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.

Supported by Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

1
Maplifa Photoaging RCT — NCT04586816

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.

Clinical trial registered to examine effects of topical Maplifa on cosmetic appearance of facial lines, redness, and skin tone. Foundation for the topical anti-aging applications. Glucitol-core containing gallotannins (GCGs) demonstrated reduce wrinkle appearance and may decrease skin inflammation, dark spots, and pigmentation.

2
Maplifa + Pomella® Collagen Protection Study

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.

3
Red Maple Research Foundation — University of Rhode Island

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.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated topically; non-irritating in clinical testing.
Mild GI effects rare in oral applications.
Polyphenol-rich extract — may have mild astringent effects.
Non-GMO Project Verified — supports clean-label positioning.
Free of organic solvents in extraction — supports natural positioning.
Long-term topical safety supported by clinical testing.
Pregnancy and lactation: topical applications generally considered safe; consult clinician for oral applications.

Important Drug interactions

Topical retinoids — complementary; can combine in skincare routines.
Topical hydroquinone and arbutin — complementary skin-lightening mechanisms.
Topical vitamin C — complementary antioxidant.
Topical AHAs/BHAs — generally complementary; some pH considerations.
Oral antioxidant supplements — complementary if combined.
Pregnancy and lactation: consult clinician.
No significant drug interactions documented.

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Frequently asked questions about Maplifa® (Red Maple Leaf Skin Extract — Verdure Sciences)

What is Maplifa?

Maplifa® is Verdure Sciences' patent-pending phenolic-enriched red maple (Acer rubrum) leaf extract, standardized to ginnalin A and other glucitol-core containing gallotannins (GCGs), distinctive polyphenols with antioxidant activity. Science developed at University of Rhode Island by Navindra Seeram, PhD.

What is Maplifa used for?

Maplifa is researched primarily for Hair, Skin & Nails and Antioxidant. A randomized double-blind clinical trial evaluated topical Maplifa at 1% and 5% concentrations vs vehicle for hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and rhytides (wrinkles). Foundational clinical evidence for the topical anti-aging applications.

What is the recommended dosage of Maplifa?

The clinically studied dose is Topical 1% or 5% in cream base. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Maplifa safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Maplifa is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated topically; non-irritating in clinical testing. Mild GI effects rare in oral applications. It may also interact with some medications. Maplifa is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Maplifa interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Topical retinoids — complementary; can combine in skincare routines. Topical hydroquinone and arbutin — complementary skin-lightening mechanisms. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Maplifa?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Maplifa as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Li H, Roy T, Boateng ST, He H, Liu C, Liu W, Li D, Wu P, Seeram NP, Chamcheu JC, Ma H Standardized Pomegranate (Pomella®) and Red Maple (Maplifa®) Extracts and Their Phenolics Protect Type I Collagen by the Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases, Collagenase, and Collagen Cross-Linking Molecules. 2022;27(22):7919. doi: 10.3390/molecules27227919.PubMedUsed to support: Directly tests Maplifa® extract (branded ingredient) and its phenolic ginnalin A in vitro, demonstrating dose-dependent collagenase inhibition (25.7–94.0%), MMP downregulation, increased type I collagen expression, and anti-glycation effects. Supports Collagenase inhibition and Skin radiance/elasticity benefits. In vitro mechanistic study.
  2. Liu C, Guo H, Dain JA, Wan Y, Gao XH, Chen HD, Seeram NP, Ma H Cytoprotective effects of a proprietary red maple leaf extract and its major polyphenol, ginnalin A, against hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes Food & Function. 2020;11(6):5105-5114. doi: 10.1039/d0fo00359j.PubMedUsed to support: Tests a proprietary red maple leaf extract (Maplifa™) and ginnalin A in human keratinocytes, showing ROS reduction of up to 84.1%, reduced apoptosis, and cell viability protection against oxidative insults. Supports Skin radiance and elasticity support and Reduction in skin inflammation benefits. In vitro study on the branded extract in human skin cells.
  3. Ma H, Xu J, DaSilva NA, Wang L, Wei Z, Guo L, Johnson SL, Lu W, Xu J, Gu Q, Seeram NP Cosmetic applications of glucitol-core containing gallotannins from a proprietary phenolic-enriched red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves extract: inhibition of melanogenesis via down-regulation of tyrosinase and melanogenic gene expression in B16F10 melanoma cells Archives of Dermatological Research. 2017;309(4):265-274. doi: 10.1007/s00403-017-1728-1.PubMedUsed to support: Demonstrates that the proprietary Maplifa™ red maple extract (standardized to ginnalin A) inhibits melanin production and downregulates tyrosinase, MITF, TRP-1, and TRP-2 gene expression in melanoma cells. Supports Reduction in dark spots and pigmentation benefit. In vitro cell-line study on the branded extract.