What is mastic gum?
Mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus) is a unique resin that comes from a tree grown in the Mediterranean. For centuries, the resin has been used to improve digestion, oral health, and liver health. It contains antioxidants that are said to support its therapeutic properties.
Depending on your individual need, mastic gum can be chewed as gum or used in powders, tinctures, and capsules. You can also apply mastic essential oil topically to help treat certain skin conditions.
Keep reading to learn how you can add this complementary therapy to your routine.
An article from 2005 reports that mastic gum can be used to relieve abdominal discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Mastic gum’s positive effect on digestion may be due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds it contains. Further research is needed to learn more about the exact mechanisms in which mastic gum works.
How to use: Take 250 milligrams (mg) of mastic gum capsules 4 times per day. You can also add 2 drops of mastic gum oil to 50 milliliters (mL) of water to make a mouthwash. Don’t swallow the liquid.
A small 2010 study found that mastic gum may kill off Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Researchers found that 19 out of 52 participants successfully cleared the infection after chewing mastic gum for two weeks. Participants who took an antibiotic in addition to chewing mastic gum saw the highest success rate. H. pylori is a gut bacterium related to ulcers. It’s become antibiotic-resistant, but mastic gum is still effective.
How to use: Chew 350 mg of pure mastic gum 3 times per day until the infection has cleared.
H. pylori infections can cause peptic ulcers. Older research suggests that the antibacterial properties of mastic gum can fight H. pylori bacteria and six other ulcer-causing bacteria. This may be due to its antibacterial, cytoprotective, and mild antisecretory properties.
Researchers found that doses as low as 1 mg per day of mastic gum inhibited bacterial growth. Still, newer research is needed to further explore these properties and assess its efficacy.
How to use: Take a daily mastic gum supplement. Follow the dosage information provided by the manufacturer.
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In one small study, people who took mastic gum for four weeks experienced a significant decrease in the severity of their inflammatory symptoms. Researchers also found decreased levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein, which are markers of inflammation.
Larger studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms in which mastic gum works. More research is needed that focuses on using mastic gum to treat Crohn’s disease and other forms of IBD.
How to use: Take 2.2 grams (g) of mastic powder divided into 6 doses throughout the day. Continue use for four weeks.
A 2016 study found that mastic gum can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Participants who took mastic gum for eight weeks experienced lower levels of total cholesterol than those who took a placebo.
People who took mastic gum also experienced lower blood glucose levels. Glucose levels are sometimes associated with high cholesterol levels. Researchers also found that mastic gum had a greater effect on people who were overweight or obese. Still, further research with a larger sample size is needed to truly determine the potential efficacy.
How to use: Take 330 mg of mastic gum 3 times per day. Continue use for eight weeks.
According to one 2007 study, mastic gum may help prevent liver damage. Participants who took 5 g of mastic gum powder for 18 months experienced lower levels of liver enzymes related to liver damage than participants who did not.
Research is ongoing to learn more about the hepatoprotective effect of mastic gum. One newer study found it effective for protecting the liver while used as an anti-inflammatory in mice.
How to use: Take 5 g of mastic gum powder per day. You can divide this amount into three doses to be taken throughout the day.
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Acidic saliva, Mutans streptococci bacterium, and Lactobacilli bacterium can lead to cavities. Researchers found that all three types of gum reduced the level of Mutans streptococci. Lactobacilli levels were slightly raised in the groups using pure and xylitol mastic gums. However, Lactobacilli levels significantly decreased in the group using probiotic mastic gum.
It’s worth noting that probiotic mastic gum caused the pH of the saliva to decrease significantly, making it more acidic. Acidic saliva can lead to dental health issues, so probiotic mastic gum isn’t recommended for use in preventing cavities.
Further studies involving larger samples sizes are needed.
How to use: Chew a piece of mastic gum three times per day. Chew the gum after meals for at least five minutes.
Mastic gum has anti-inflammatory properties that may make it useful in treating allergic asthma. This type of asthma often includes airway inflammation, eosinophilia, and airway hyperresponsiveness.
In a 2011 study on mice, mastic gum significantly inhibited eosinophilia, reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and inhibited the production of inflammatory substances. It had a positive effect on lung fluid and lung inflammation. In vitro tests found that mastic gum inhibited cells that react negatively to allergens and cause airway inflammation.
Although these results are promising, further studies are needed to determine efficacy in human cases.
How to use: Take 250 mg of mastic gum capsules 4 times per day.
Researchers are investigating mastic gum’s role in inhibiting prostate cancer development. According to a
How to use: Take 250 mg of mastic gum capsules 4 times per day.
How to use: Take a daily mastic gum supplement. Follow the dosage information provided by the manufacturer.
Mastic gum is generally well tolerated. In some cases, it may cause headache, upset stomach, and dizziness.
In order to minimize side effects, start with the lowest possible dose and gradually work your way up to the full dose.
Supplements like mastic gum aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You should only purchase mastic gum from a manufacturer that you trust. Always follow the dosage instructions outlined on the label and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Allergic reactions are also possible, especially in people who have an allergy to the flowering plant Schinus terebinthifolius or other Pistacia species.
You shouldn’t take mastic gum if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Although mastic is generally considered safe to use, you should still check in with your doctor before use. This alternative remedy isn’t meant to replace your doctor-approved treatment plan and may interfere with medications you’re already taking.
With your doctor’s approval, you can work the supplement into your daily routine. You may be able to reduce your risk of side effects by starting with a small amount and increasing the dosage over time.
If you begin experiencing any unusual or persistent side effects, discontinue use and see your doctor.
