What is Mastic Gum | 9 Health Benefits of Mastic Gums

Mastic gum is a resin-like substance that comes from the mastic tree, an evergreen shrub that grows in Greek island of Chios. Mastic gum has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and is therefore used for many therapeutic purposes.

Mastic gum can be chewed like chewing gum, can be ingested as a capsule, and can also be taken in powder form. Essential oil form mastic gum is also available and can be useful.

Though the effectiveness of mastic gum has not been proven in any research or study, there is little evidence that suggests its effectiveness in the stomach and dental conditions.

Even though the risk of serious side effects is very low, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using it.

Mastic gum can help relieve abdominal discomfort, pain, and inflammation. It improves digestion and it can be due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds present in it.

A study found that individuals taking mastic gum have relief in some type of indigestion and stomach pain.⁽¹⁾ They also reported relief from heartburn.

Mastic gum can help treat the symptoms of stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers. Ulcers are caused by H.pylori infections. Mastic gum with its anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antibacterial properties can help fight H.pylori bacteria and six other ulcer-causing bacteria. ⁽²⁾

A study also found mastic gum improving symptoms in 38 people with stomach ulcers. ⁽³⁾

Infection with helicobacter pylori can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

A study found that mastic gum could clear H.pylori infection better than placebo after 14 days. ⁽⁴⁾

Another study found mastic gum to be effective in the form of essential oil. It was effective against those strains that were resistant to antibiotics. ⁽⁵⁾

If wanting to take mastic gum for ulcers, it is recommended to take 350 mg three times a day.

Mastic gum is found effective in easing the symptom of Crohn’s disease that is a common form of inflammatory bowel disease. ⁽⁶⁾

People taking mastic gum observed a decrease in severity of inflammatory symptoms. There was also a decrease in IL-6 and C-reactive protein, the inflammatory markers.

Larger studies are needed to understand the working of mastic gum.

A study found the effectiveness of mastic gum in lowering the cholesterol level. ⁽⁷⁾

Another study found mastic gum to be effective in improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels after a period of 8 weeks. ⁽⁸⁾

A person while taking mastic gum should keep the doctor informed to keep the cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels.

There are a few types of research that suggests mastic oil could help fight cancer.

A study done on mice showed the anti-tumor effects of mastic oil on colon cancer. ⁽⁹⁾ Another study found mastic oil to be effective in a type of lung cancer. ⁽¹⁰⁾

One more study found mastic oil effective in a certain type of leukemia cells. ⁽¹¹⁾

Mastic oil can be used along with other cancer treatments but should ever replace them. Also, a doctor should be informed if planning to take mastic oil for treating cancer.

Acidic saliva, lactobacilli, and mutans streptococci bacterium is responsible for dental cavities.

Research conducted to look at the effect of three types of mastic gum ( xylitol mastic gum, probiotic gum, pure mastic gum) on the pH and bacteria level found in saliva. It was found that all three types of gums reduced the level of mutans streptococci. It was seen that lactobacilli were slightly raised in the group using pure and xylitol mastic gums. ⁽¹¹⁾

It was also seen that probiotic mastic gum lead to a decrease in the ph of saliva making it more acidic. Acidic saliva can leads to dental health issues. Therefore, probiotic mastic gum is not used to prevent cavities.

According to a study conducted in 2007, mastic gum could help prevent liver damage. ⁽¹²⁾ Its intake can lower the levels of liver enzymes that can lead to liver damage.

One more study done on mice found mastic gum to be effective as an anti-inflammatory.

Due to anti-allergic properties, mastic gum can be useful in treating allergic asthma.

A study done on mice found mastic gum could effectively inhibit eosinophilia, reducing hyperresponsiveness and inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances. ⁽¹³⁾ It is found to have a positive effect on lung fluid and lung inflammation.

Mastic gum is well-tolerated by most people. Rarely, it can lead to an upset stomach, headache, and dizziness.

The FDA does regulate mastic gum supplements. Therefore, extra caution should be taken while purchasing them. They should be taken from a reputable source.

Mastic gum is an ancient remedy with a few medicinal properties. It is available in numerous forms and ranges. It is recommended to speak with the doctor before using them as a supplement or for any health benefit.

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