It is also a part of the Mediterranean cuisine for its therapeutic values, which can help treat several intestinal, stomach, and teeth problems. This article explores the potential health benefits of mastic gum and also explains how much of it you should consume. Take a look. Mastic gum drips through these incisions as a clear, gummy liquid that solidifies over time. These translucent-opaque granules of mastic gum are cleaned, segregated, and processed further (1). Traditional medicine has used mastic gum as a remedy for several gastrointestinal disorders. The Greeks believed it could treat gastralgia, peptic ulcers, and dyspepsia. The anti-ulcer activity of this resin is experimentally proven too (2). Mastic gum also possesses proven antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Above all, it has a potent antioxidant effect and inhibits the production and activation of pro-inflammatory compounds (3). Want to know how this resin can help maintain your health? Read on!
3 Main Ways Mastic Gum Can Benefit Your Health
1. Can Reduce H.pylori Infection, Ulcers, and Inflammation
Mastic gum possesses antibacterial properties. It is, hence, possibly effective in reducing Helicobacter pylori infection. This progressive pathogenic infection can lead to chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers if left untreated (2). Mastic gum extracts showed about a 30-fold drop in H.pylori colonization. But there’s not enough evidence backing this (2). However, some hypothesize that this property is because of the mono- and sesquiterpenoids (essential oils) and triterpenoids (e.g., masticadienonic acid) the gum contains (1). Also, this resin has no/minimal side effects on long-term consumption. So, the habitual intake of mastic gum might control the colonization of H. pylori in your stomach (1), (2).
2. Works On Functional Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is the uncomfortable feeling or pain in the upper-middle part of your stomach. It is usually accompanied by bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and burning stomach ache. In various studies, hydrogen receptor antagonists and proton-pump inhibitors did not improve dyspepsia. Herbal remedies like Iberogast and artichoke leaf extract showed promising results. Mastic gum is a well-known herbal alternative that can treat this condition (3). Almost 25% of its total weight is a polymer. In an acid environment, this becomes a runny resin, which could have gastric cell-protectant effects in patients. The gum has triterpenoid acids that could have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects on these cells (3). Dyspepsia patients treated with mastic gum showed double the improvement in the placebo group (3). Identifying the active substances of the resin involved in fighting dyspepsia can give more clarity about its dosage and specificity.
3. Can Reduce The Severity Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammation of the parts of intestines can cause inflammatory bowel disease. This inflammation can be a result of a pathogenic attack, fat accumulation, gastritis, etc. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are common forms of IBD. Due to its established anti-inflammatory effect, chios mastic gum could make an excellent remedy in this case. It also possesses antibacterial and antioxidant activities that can help address the cause of IBD (6), (7). In several studies, mastic gum treatment reduced the severity of Crohn’s disease. It lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory compounds in the serum, such as IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α (6), (7). Mastic gum also inhibited other factors responsible for the migration of white blood cells to inflamed sites (7). Seems like mastic gum is a great go-to for all GI and excretory tract issues! Any idea what is/are behind such potent cytoprotective properties? Here is the answer!
What Are The Active Components Of Mastic Gum?
Mastic gum has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities because of a power-packed biochemical profile. It has triterpenes of oleanane, euphane, lupine-type. Alpha-tocopherol, polyphenols, verbenone, alpha-terpineol, and linalool were also identified in the resin. Triterpenes have been associated with the hypotensive effect of mastic gum. Linalool and similar compounds were responsible for its antibacterial activity (8). Are you wondering how much mastic gum to take? Scroll down.
How Much Should You Take?
Chewing or ingesting mastic gum can clear your teeth, tummy, and bowel. About 0.06 mg/ml of this resin could effectively kill H.pylori. Concentrations as low as 125 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml inhibited 50% and 90% of H. pylori strains (9). However, further information is required to help decide the right dosage of mastic gum. Until then, you may contact your physician or nutritionist to know more about this resin. Is mastic gum good for kidneys? Yes. Mastic gum contains antioxidants that aid kidney function. Is mastic gum a prebiotic? No, mastic gum is not prebiotic. But, it can improve gastrointestinal issues. Does mastic gum lower blood pressure? Mastic gum can reduce blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (10). Is mastic gum good for the pancreas? Yes, mastic gum can improve pancreatic health. Mastic gum paired with gemcitabine may be an effective therapy for pancreatic cancer (11).
