- 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.
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ingredients
Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)
Contents
- Al Habbal MJ, Al Habbal Z, Huwez FU. A double-blind controlled clinical trial of mastic and placebo in the treatment of duodenal ulcer. Clin Exp Pharmacol.Physiol 1984;11(5):541-544.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - Ali-Shtayeh MS, Abu Ghdeib SI. Antifungal activity of plant extracts against dermatophytes. Mycoses 1999;42(11-12):665-672.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - Huwez FU, Al Habbal MJ. Mastic in treatment of benign gastric ulcers. Gastroenterol.Jpn. 1986;21(3):273-274.
View Abstract - Huwez FU, Thirlwell D, Cockayne A, et al. Mastic gum kills Helicobacter pylori. N.Engl.J Med 12-24-1998;339(26):1946.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - Sanz MJ, Terencio MC, Paya M. Pharmacological actions of a new procyanidin polymer from Pistacia lentiscus L. Pharmazie 1993;48(2):152-153.
View Abstract - 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.
View Abstract - 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
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