Mastic

Related Terms

1,2,3,4,6-Pentagalloylglucose, aldehydes, alpha-phellandrene, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, alpha-terpinolene, alpha-tocopherol, Anacardiaceae (family), anthocyanins, arabic gum, arabino-galactan proteins, arbre de mastic (French), beta-caryophyllene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, cadmium, chios mastic gum, chios tears, ?ori, copper, crude fat, delta(3)-carene, digallic acid, (E)-beta-ocimene, fatty acids, gallic acid, germacrene D, iron, legeltxor (Basque), lentisc, lentisco (Italian, Portuguese, Spanish), lentisco mastich, lentisk, lentisque (French), limonene, linalool, linolenic acid, llentiscle, manganese, mastich, mastichic acid resin, masticin resin, mastick, mastick tree, mastiek (Dutch), mastiha, Mastisol?, mastix (Danish, Czech, Slovak Swedish), Masitx (German), Mastixpistazie (German), matich, methyl oleanonate, myrcene, nickel, oleic acid, palmitic acid, p-cymene, perillyl alcohol, phytosterols, pinene, pistache, Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia lentiscus L. (lentisk), Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia, Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, pistheqa-pesag, sabinene, Saladin, sch?nos, sch?sei, sumac family, terpinen-4-ol, tirucallol, trans-caryophyllene, triterpenic acids, triterpenic alcohols, verbenone, (Z)-ocimene, zinc.

Background

Mastic is the resin of Pistacia lentiscus, a shrub of the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) found in the Mediterranean regions of France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and Africa. Mastic is sometimes referred to as "arabic gum," which is not to be confused with "gum arabic," a different substance consisting of hardened sap from the acacia tree (Acacia senegal, Acacia seyal). Other plant parts of Pistacia lentiscus, such as the leaf, may contain compounds not present in the resin.
Pistacia lentiscus has been traditionally used to treat high blood pressure and upset stomach. It has also been used for ulcers and may have antibacterial activity against the bacteria that plays a role in some ulcers (Helicobacter pylori). Further trials are needed to confirm the antiulcer activity of Pistacia lentiscus and to establish any benefit that it may have over other conventional treatments for ulcer. There is currently insufficient high-quality scientific evidence in support of Pistacia lentiscus for other uses, such as other gastrointestinal disorders and dental plaque.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Although preliminary evidence suggests mastic may be beneficial for individuals with Crohn's disease, conclusions cannot be drawn at this time. Further researchis required.

 C


Although preliminary evidence suggests mastic may be beneficial for individuals with Crohn's disease, conclusions cannot be drawn at this time. Further researchis required.

 C


Mastic has shown antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori in vitro. Therefore, mastic gum may reduce the amount of dental plaque in users. However, more research is needed in this area, including studies comparing mastic gum to other forms of oral hygiene, before a recommendation can be made.

 C


Mastic has shown antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori in vitro. Therefore, mastic gum may reduce the amount of dental plaque in users. However, more research is needed in this area, including studies comparing mastic gum to other forms of oral hygiene, before a recommendation can be made.

 C


Mastic has been used by traditional Mediterranean healers to treat intestinal ulcers since the 13th Century. Mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori, which may help to explain its ulcer-healing properties. Additional research is needed to make a strong recommendation.

 C


Mastic has been used by traditional Mediterranean healers to treat intestinal ulcers since the 13th Century. Mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori, which may help to explain its ulcer-healing properties. Additional research is needed to make a strong recommendation.

 C


Early research suggests that mastic gum may help decrease symptoms associated with dyspepsia (indigestion). Further well-designed research is required before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Early research suggests that mastic gum may help decrease symptoms associated with dyspepsia (indigestion). Further well-designed research is required before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Mastic may decrease the severity of induced gastric ulceration, but its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Additionally, mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori, which may help to explain its ulcer-healing properties. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Mastic may decrease the severity of induced gastric ulceration, but its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Additionally, mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori, which may help to explain its ulcer-healing properties. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Although not well studied in humans, mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Although not well studied in humans, mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For Crohn's disease, six capsules (0.37 grams per capsule) of mastic powder taken has been by mouth daily for four weeks.
For duodenal ulcer, one gram of mastic powder has been taken daily, before breakfast, for a period of two weeks.
For dyspepsia (indigestion), 350 milligrams of chios mastic gum has been taken by mouth three times daily for three weeks.
For gastric ulcer, one gram of mastic powder has been taken twice daily, before breakfast and at bedtime, for a period of four weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Blood pressure lowering and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition properties of compounds from Pistacia lentiscus have been noted in early research. However, these compounds have been found to be present in the leaf of Pistacia lentiscus, not the resin, commonly referred to as mastic.
Mastic may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Mastic may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, anthelmintics (worm expellers), antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, antilipemics (agents that lower blood lipids), antiulcer drugs, dental agents, gastrointestinal drugs, iron, and wound-healing agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Al Said MS, Ageel AM, Parmar NS, et al. Evaluation of mastic, a crude drug obtained from Pistacia lentiscus for gastric and duodenal anti-ulcer activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986;15(3):271-278.
Ali-Shtayeh MS, Abu Ghdeib SI. Antifungal activity of plant extracts against dermatophytes. Mycoses 1999;42(11-12):665-672.
Cooper, W. O., Hernandez-Diaz, S., Arbogast, P. G., et al. Major congenital malformations after first-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors. N.Engl.J.Med. 6-8-2006;354(23):2443-2451.
Dabos, K. J., Sfika, E., Vlatta, L. J., et al. Is Chios mastic gum effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia? A prospective randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2-3-2010;127(2):205-209.
Dabos, K. J., Sfika, E., Vlatta, L. J., et al. The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(3-4):296-299.
Huwez FU, Al Habbal MJ. Mastic in treatment of benign gastric ulcers. Gastroenterol.Jpn. 1986;21(3):273-274.
Huwez FU, Thirlwell D, Cockayne A, et al. Mastic gum kills Helicobacter pylori. N.Engl.J Med 12-24-1998;339(26):1946.
Kaliora, A. C., Stathopoulou, M. G., Triantafillidis, J. K., et al. Chios mastic treatment of patients with active Crohn's disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2-7-2007;13(5):748-753.
Koutsoudaki C, Krsek M, Rodger A. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil and the gum of Pistacia lentiscus Var. chia. J Agric.Food Chem 10-5-2005;53(20):7681-7685.
Magiatis P, Melliou E, Skaltsounis AL, et al. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia. Planta Med 1999;65(8):749-752.
Sanz MJ, Terencio MC, Paya M. Isolation and hypotensive activity of a polymeric procyanidin fraction from Pistacia lentiscus L. Pharmazie 1992;47(6):466-467.
Sanz MJ, Terencio MC, Paya M. Pharmacological actions of a new procyanidin polymer from Pistacia lentiscus L. Pharmazie 1993;48(2):152-153.
Takahashi K, Fukazawa M, Motohira H, et al. A pilot study on antiplaque effects of mastic chewing gum in the oral cavity. J Periodontol. 2003;74(4):501-505.
Watanabe, H., Hagiwara, S., Fukuda, M., et al. Double blind randomized control test for the usefulness of mastic compound dentifrice against periodontitis under using sonic toothbrush 2010. Yakuri to chiryo 2010;38(10):915-925