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Organic Mastic Gum

Also known as: Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, Mastic gum, Chios mastic gum, Organic mastic gum

Overview

Organic mastic gum is a natural resin derived from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, specifically the variety grown on the island of Chios, Greece. Historically, it has been used for gastrointestinal issues and as a cosmetic agent. The resin is harvested as a hardened gum and can be processed into extracts or aqueous distillates for supplementation. Its primary applications include managing digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reducing inflammation, and potentially providing cardiometabolic benefits. Research on mastic gum has evolved from traditional uses to clinical trials and mechanistic studies, but more high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews are needed to strengthen the evidence base. Mastic gum's effects are attributed to its bioactive compounds, including triterpenes, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds.

Benefits

Mastic gum primarily benefits gastrointestinal health, particularly in individuals with IBS. A 3-month double-blind RCT demonstrated that an aqueous mastic extract improved IBS symptoms and quality of life compared to a placebo. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, including inhibiting Helicobacter pylori, which can contribute to gastrointestinal health. Secondary benefits include potential cardiometabolic improvements, such as improved lipid profiles and antioxidant effects, although the evidence is preliminary and primarily from in vitro or animal studies. Adults with IBS or general digestive complaints appear to benefit most from mastic gum supplementation. Benefits are typically observed after at least 3 months of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Mastic gum's mechanism of action involves its bioactive phytochemicals, such as triterpenes (e.g., tirucallol), phytosterols, and phenolic compounds. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Mastic gum modulates inflammatory pathways and inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. Its antimicrobial effects, including against H. pylori, may be due to the disruption of bacterial cell membranes. While absorption and bioavailability data are limited, aqueous extracts may enhance the bioavailability of active constituents. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of mastic gum's active components.

Side effects

Mastic gum is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but the incidence is low (around 5%). No significant adverse reactions have been documented in high-quality studies. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to limited data. There are no formally established contraindications, but caution is recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety data in these populations. Safety in children has also not been established. Overall, mastic gum appears to be safe for most individuals when taken at recommended dosages, but further research is needed to fully assess its long-term safety and potential interactions.

Dosage

Clinical trials have used varying doses of mastic gum, often employing standardized extracts or aqueous distillates. The optimal dosage requires further research, but current evidence suggests that at least 3 months of supplementation is needed to observe improvements in IBS symptoms. The MASTIQUA RCT used low and high doses of a natural aqueous mastic extract, but specific mg amounts were not detailed in the summary. Traditional doses of mastic gum resin vary. The timing of administration and the formulation (aqueous extract vs. resin) may affect efficacy and absorption. More research is needed to determine precise dosage recommendations for different conditions and formulations.

FAQs

Is organic mastic gum safe?

Yes, organic mastic gum is generally considered safe, with minimal side effects reported in clinical studies. However, as with any supplement, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before use.

How long before effects are noticed?

Clinical benefits in IBS have been observed after approximately 3 months of consistent use. Individual results may vary, and it's important to maintain realistic expectations.

Can it replace conventional IBS treatments?

Mastic gum may be used as an adjunct to conventional IBS treatments, but it should not be considered a replacement without consulting a healthcare provider. More evidence is needed to support its use as a standalone treatment.

Does it work for all digestive issues?

Evidence is strongest for its effectiveness in managing IBS symptoms. While it may offer benefits for other digestive conditions, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Research Sources

https://journals.lww.com/iphr/fulltext/2024/01000/real_world_safety_and_effectiveness_of_pistacia.2.aspx – This observational study assessed the safety and long-term effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus extract in diabetic patients. The study found that mastic gum was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported, providing real-world evidence supporting its safety. However, the observational design limits the ability to draw causal inferences about its effectiveness.
https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/the-effectiveness-of-a-natural-aqueous-extract-of-chios-mastic-in-the-management-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome-the-mastiqua-randomized-controlled-clinical-trial – The MASTIQUA RCT was a 3-month, double-blind, parallel-group study that evaluated the effectiveness of a natural aqueous extract of Chios mastic in managing IBS. The study found significant improvements in IBS symptom severity and quality of life with mastic extract compared to placebo. This high-quality RCT provides strong evidence for the benefits of mastic gum in managing IBS symptoms.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3181/0811-RM-338 – This study investigates the effects of mastic gum on inflammatory markers and lipid profiles in mice. The results suggest that mastic gum may have anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. However, these findings are based on animal studies and may not directly translate to humans.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/17/2941 – This review discusses the potential health benefits of mastic gum, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It highlights the traditional uses of mastic gum and summarizes the current scientific evidence supporting its various health applications. The review suggests that mastic gum may be a promising natural remedy for various conditions, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32092498/ – This narrative review examines the pharmacology and phytochemistry of Chios mastic gum, covering its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological effects. It identifies key bioactive compounds and mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. While useful for mechanistic insights, the review's narrative nature limits its ability to draw definitive conclusions about clinical efficacy.