Maple-leaf extract is a 'plant-based Botox', researchers claim.Leaves of the Canadian trees, which produce the natural sweetener maple syrup, contain compounds that prevent wrinkles forming, a study found.Wrinkles develop when the enzyme elastase breaks down elastin, which maintains skin elasticity, as part of the natural ageing process.

Previous research suggests the maple-leaf extracts, known as glucitol-core-containing gallotannins (GCGs), also prevent skin inflammation and lighten dark blemishes, such as age spots.Lead author Dr Navindra Seeram, from the University of Rhode Island, 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.'

The researchers, who believe consumers prefer natural skincare, have had maple-leaf extracts put into cosmetics and are awaiting a patent. It is unclear when such products may be available. Maple-leaf extract is as good as Botox! Compounds in the leaves prevent wrinkles and could be available as a topical lotion once a patent is available.Following is the basic behind wrinkles:---------------
Wrinkles occur when the enzyme elastase breaks down elastin
Elastin maintains skin elasticity, with its destruction being part of ageing
Previous research suggests such extracts also lighten dark blemishes
Researchers believe the extracts tighten skin like 'a plant-based Botox'
Unlike Botox, the extracts can be applied topically, not via an injection