Based on findings from a previous study on maple sap and syrup, a team from the University of Rhode Island recently set out to determine if leaf extracts from red maple trees could block elastase activity. More specifically, they were looking at compounds called glucitol-core-containing gallotannins (GCGs).

In both test tube experiments and computer models, it was found that GCGs containing multiple galloyl groups (which are a type of phenolic group) were particularly effective at doing so – much more so than ones containing a single galloyl group. As a side benefit, these same compounds may also be able to protect skin against inflammation, and lighten unwanted dark spots.