Inhibitory effects of skin permeable glucitol-core containing gallotannins from red maple leaves on elastase and their protective effects on human keratinocytes - ScienceDirect

Chang Liu, Yiming Xu, Riley D. Kirk, Huifang Li, Dongli Li, Nicholas A. DaSilva, Matthew J. Bertin, Navindra P. Seeram, Hang Ma

Collagen Preservation & Structural Integrity

In Simple Terms:

Red maple leaf extract has shown the ability to help reduce collagen degradation while supporting the maintenance of the skin’s structural framework.

Key Findings:

  • Collagen degradation reduced by up to 98% in controlled studies

  • Supports preservation of structural proteins

  • Helps maintain skin firmness over time

Study Breakdown:

Collagen is one of the primary structural proteins in the skin, responsible for maintaining firmness, density, and overall structural integrity.

In laboratory studies, red maple leaf extract demonstrated a significant ability to reduce collagen degradation — with reductions observed up to 98% under controlled conditions.

This effect is attributed to the extract’s high concentration of polyphenolic compounds, which help protect collagen from enzymatic breakdown and oxidative stress.

Why It Matters for Your Skin:

Loss of collagen is one of the main contributors to visible aging, including wrinkles and loss of firmness.

By helping preserve collagen structure, red maple leaf extract supports long-term skin strength and structural resilience.