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Mastic Gum Extract

Also known as: Mastic Gum, Mastic, Pistacia lentiscus (Tree Resin), Chios Mastic Gum

Overview

Chios mastic gum is a natural resin obtained from the mastic tree found predominantly in Chios, Greece. It has been historically used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, especially gastrointestinal disorders and skin conditions. Comprised of over 120 chemical compounds—including triterpenes and volatile metabolites—mastic gum exhibits significant pharmacological effects due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Clinical studies validate its efficacy in alleviating mild dyspeptic disorders while supporting overall gastrointestinal health. Regulatory endorsements from bodies like the European Medicines Agency highlight its medicinal benefits, showing growing acceptance in contemporary herbal treatments.

Benefits

Chios mastic gum demonstrates several notable benefits, particularly emphasized in the MASTIQUA trial, where significant improvements in symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) were observed, as reflected in reduced IBS Symptom Severity Scores and enhanced quality of life metrics. It enhances gastrointestinal health by reducing inflammation and boosting antioxidant levels. Recent investigations are exploring its cardiometabolic advantages, particularly in obese individuals by modulating inflammatory markers. While promising, these findings necessitate further extensive research to pinpoint exact mechanisms and validate benefits across different demographics.

How it works

The therapeutic properties of Chios mastic gum are primarily attributed to its anti-inflammatory capabilities, which lower levels of inflammatory cytokines while reducing oxidative stress. Its antioxidant properties aid in preventing cellular damage by free radicals. Additionally, Chios mastic may improve the diversity of gut microbiota, promoting better gastrointestinal health. Its influence on lipid metabolism may also be linked to improvements in cardiometabolic health through mechanisms related to inflammation and lipid processing.

Side effects

Chios mastic gum is regarded as mostly safe due to its extensive historical usage. However, comprehensive large-scale trial data defining a complete safety profile are currently lacking. The most frequently reported side effects include mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Rare adverse effects have not been adequately documented. Caution is advised for individuals on medications that impact gastrointestinal or cardiovascular functions, as potential interactions have yet to be thoroughly explored. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare providers before use due to insufficient safety data in these populations.

Dosage

The dosage of Chios mastic gum can vary depending on the condition being addressed. In the MASTIQUA study, the effective dose was recorded at 600 mL/day of an aqueous mastic extract with a concentration of 0.55% for managing IBS symptoms. A standardized minimum effective dose is not well-established, though a consistent daily intake is recommended for optimal benefits. While the safety of higher doses is not comprehensively studied, users are advised to adhere to recommended daily regimens for therapeutic outcomes.

FAQs

Is Chios mastic gum safe?

Chios mastic gum is generally safe, but long-term safety data and potential interactions with other medications require further investigation.

When should I take Chios mastic gum?

Consistent daily use is recommended for best results, although specific timing around meals is not yet determined.

What benefits can I expect?

Expect improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and possibly cardiometabolic health based on existing studies.

Is mastic gum a cure for all diseases?

No, mastic gum is not a cure-all but may provide specific benefits particularly for gastrointestinal health.

Research Sources

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02968362 – The MASTIQUA trial demonstrated significant improvements in IBS symptoms with daily intake of Chios mastic gum. The trial's methodology highlights the effectiveness of the extract in reducing severity scores and enhancing quality of life, supporting its therapeutic use.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26394247/ – A systematic review of mastic gum's pharmacological activities noted its potential benefits in gastrointestinal disorders, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The review emphasized the need for more research to establish broader health claims and applications.