Chios Mastic v2 (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Chios mastic work against H. pylori bacteria?

Chios mastic contains bioactive triterpenic acids, particularly masticadienonic acid and isomasticadienonic acid, which disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with H. pylori's ability to colonize the gastric mucosa. Research suggests these compounds may also inhibit bacterial enzyme systems essential for H. pylori survival. Unlike antibiotics, mastic's mechanism appears to work through multiple pathways, potentially reducing resistance development. Evidence level C studies support these antimicrobial properties, though more robust clinical trials are needed to fully elucidate the mechanism.

Can I take Chios mastic with other medications?

Currently, no significant drug interactions have been documented for Chios mastic gum. Unlike many herbal supplements, mastic does not appear to affect cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for drug metabolism. However, because mastic may reduce gastric acid and affect stomach pH, it could theoretically alter the absorption of certain medications requiring acidic environments. Patients taking acid-suppressing medications or anticoagulants should consult a healthcare provider before combining treatments. Always inform your doctor about all supplements you are taking.

What is the recommended dosage of Chios mastic for gastric ulcers?

The typical adult dosage for Chios mastic gum is 350-1000mg taken three times daily on an empty stomach. This can be taken as capsules, chewable gum, or powdered resin. For H. pylori eradication support, clinical studies have commonly used doses around 1000mg daily divided into doses. Treatment duration typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for digestive complaints. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified herbalist, as optimal dosing may vary based on individual health conditions and treatment goals.

Is Chios mastic safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Chios mastic is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used at recommended doses. No adverse effects have been reported in pregnant or nursing women in available literature. The resin has been consumed as a food and chewing gum for centuries in Mediterranean cultures without documented reproductive toxicity. However, pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, as individual circumstances may warrant caution. Evidence level: Traditional use supports safety.

What are the health benefits of Chios mastic gum?

Chios mastic gum is primarily used for digestive health, particularly for gastric ulcers and H. pylori infections. It holds EU Protected Designation of Origin status and is recognized for antimicrobial properties against H. pylori bacteria. Additional benefits include improving dental health by reducing oral bacteria, treating bad breath (halitosis), and supporting general digestive function. Some evidence suggests potential benefits for inflammatory bowel conditions. The resin contains antioxidant triterpenes that may contribute to its gastroprotective effects. Evidence level C supports these traditional applications.

What are the side effects of taking Chios mastic?

Chios mastic is well-tolerated by most individuals, with side effects being very rare. Occasional mild gastrointestinal upset, including bloating or loose stools, has been reported in sensitive individuals. The primary contraindication is known allergy to pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera), as cross-reactivity may occur due to botanical relatedness. Those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution or avoid mastic products entirely. No serious adverse events have been documented in clinical literature at recommended therapeutic doses.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Chios mastic gum (CMG) is a natural resin from Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia with recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [PMID:35276949, PMID:39275256].

Contexte

Chios mastic gum is a unique aromatic resin produced exclusively in the southern part of the Greek island of Chios from the trunk and branches of the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree [PMID:32092498, PMID:35276949, PMID:36437867].

Usages traditionnels

Since antiquity, it has been used by local populations for treating gastrointestinal disorders, as a cosmetic agent, and as a spice [PMID:32092498, PMID:36437867].

Composés actifs

The resin is rich in triterpenes, specifically the major triterpenic acids 24Z-masticadienonic acid (MNA) and 24Z-isomasticadienonic acid (IMNA) [PMID:37048208, PMID:39766325]. Its essential oil contains monoterpenes such as α-pinene, β-myrcene, and β-pinene [PMID:37329633, PMID:30835111]. Leaf extracts contain phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, and terpenes [PMID:37562489].

Mécanisme d'action

CMG exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting TNF-alpha induced oxidative stress and inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) activity [PMID:21645369]. Triterpenes in the resin have structures similar to glucocorticoids and may interfere with glucocorticoid receptor signaling [PMID:37048208, PMID:35406916]. It also modulates oxidative phosphorylation, the electron transport chain, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle [PMID:41373501].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BFunctional Dyspepsia

CMG (350 mg tid) significantly lowered symptom scores compared to placebo [PMID:19961914].

Preuve BInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Oral supplementation (2.8 g/day) significantly improved Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) scores and decreased faecal lysozyme [PMID:30450689].

Preuve BHypercholesterolemia

Total mastic (1 g/day) reduced total cholesterol by 11% over 8 weeks in healthy volunteers [PMID:26311707]. Chios Mastiha essential oil (200 mg/day) significantly improved triglycerides and LDL levels in adults with abdominal obesity [PMID:37329633].

Preuve BNon-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Mastiha was not superior to placebo on changes in iron-corrected T1 and Liver Inflammation Fibrosis score in the entire population, though effects may vary by BMI [PMID:33629536].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

No specific adverse effects are detailed in the provided abstracts, though it is described as a natural product used for preventing and healing without side effects [PMID:31284520].

Posologie et administration

Dosages cited in trials include 1 g/day (as 330 mg capsules tid) [PMID:26311707], 2.8 g/day for IBD [PMID:30450689, PMID:30668352], and 200 mg/day of essential oil capsules [PMID:37329633, PMID:37634870]. Consult a healthcare provider.

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence consists primarily of review articles (Level C) and several randomized controlled trials (Level B) focusing on gastrointestinal and cardiometabolic health. Preclinical data (Level D) suggests broader potential in antiviral and bone-loss prevention [PMID:33416468, PMID:34316481].

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 32092498 (2020) — Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Chios mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, Anacardiaceae): A review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 35276949 (2022) — Overview of Chios Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus) Effects on Human Health. · Nutrients
3.PMID: 38892571 (2024) — Pistacia lentiscus: Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic Properties. · Nutrients
4.PMID: 39275256 (2024) — Chios Mastic Gum: A Promising Phytotherapeutic for Cardiometabolic Health. · Nutrients
5.PMID: 36437867 (2022) — Effects of Chios mastic gum on cardiometabolic risk factors. · World journal of diabetes
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Chios Mastic v2

Sources et citations

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