Greece, Greek Chios (Xios) Mastic Gum (Mastiha or Mastixa) 50 Gr Box New

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Find sources: "Mastic"plant resin– news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR ( July 2019) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) Dabos, K.J.; Sfika, E.; Vlatta, L.J.; Frantzi, D.; Amygdalos, G.I.; Giannikopoulos, G. Is Chios mastic gum effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia? A prospective randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2010, 127, 205–209. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Mastic gum has a low risk of serious side effects. However, people should always ask a doctor before using mastic or any other natural supplements.

Change in serum triglycerides from baseline. Groups: C, control group; M, mastic intake group; M+PA, mastic intake with physical activity group. * P<0.05 versus C Researchers in a small 2014 study looked at the effect of three types of mastic gum on both the pH and bacteria level found in saliva. Depending on their group, participants chewed pure mastic gum, xylitol mastic gum, or probiotic gum three times daily for three weeks. Biria M, et al. (2014). Effects of three mastic gums on the number of Mutans streptococci, Lactobacilli and pH of the saliva. Ezz Eldin, H.M.; Badawy, A.F. In vitro anti-trichomonas vaginalis activity of pistacia lentiscus mastic and ocimum basilicum essential oil. J. Parasit. Dis. 2015, 39, 465–473. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef][ Green Version]One 2007 study found that chewing mastic gum may help prevent cavities. After 15 minutes, people who chewed mastic gum had lower levels of certain bacteria in their mouths. The bacteria levels were even lower after 135 minutes. A placebo did not provide the same results. Moudi, Z.; Edozahi, M.; Emami, S.A.; Asili, J.; Pour, M.S. Effects of mastic oleoresin on wound healing and episiotomy pain: A mixed methods study. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018, 214, 225–231. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Kang, J.S.; Wanibuchi, H.; Salim, E.I.; Kinoshita, A.; Fukushima, S. Evaluation of the toxicity of mastic gum with 13 weeks dietary administration to F344 rats. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2007, 45, 494–501. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef]

Mastic is excreted by the resin glands of certain trees [3] and dries into pieces of brittle, translucent resin. When chewed, the resin softens and becomes a bright white and opaque gum. The flavor is bitter at first, but after some chewing, it releases a refreshing flavor similar to pine and cedar. To assess dietary habits, all participants were interviewed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire based on food groups (Kenpakusha, Tokyo, Japan) at three timepoints (baseline, and 3 and 6months). Diets were analyzed using the computerized nutritional analysis system of the Food Frequency Questionnaire [ 17].Mastic gum is a resin that comes from the mastic tree, an evergreen shrub that grows on the Greek island of Chios. There may be health benefits of masic gum, but research into its safety or side effects is limited. Magkouta, S., et al. (2009). Protective effects of mastic oil from Pistacia lentiscus variation chia against experimental growth of lewis lung carcinoma [Abstract]. Belles, Christos (2005). Mastiha Island. Athens: Ellinika Gramatta Press. pp.212–13. ISBN 978-960-89048-9-7. Producing the mastic resin is a whole-year process for the local growers. The harvest is known as kentos and takes place from the beginning of July to the beginning of October. First, the area around the trees is cleared and sprinkled with inert calcium carbonate. Then, every 4–5 days, 5–10 incisions are made in the bark of each tree to release the resin. As these clear drops hang from the tree, and sparkle in the sunlight, they are said to resemble crystalline teardrops; for this reason, the mastic resin is known as the "tears of Chios". It takes about 15–20 days for the first resin crystals to harden and fall to the ground. The farmers then collect the pieces of dry mastic and wash them in natural spring water, and spend most of the winter cleaning and separating the tears from the sand. This cleaning process is performed by hand and is regulated by the legislative framework of the Mastic Growers' Association. In addition to mastic, mastic oil is also produced.

Kanoni, S.; Kumar, S.; Amerikanou, C.; Kurth, M.J.; Stathopoulou, M.G.; Bourgeois, S.; Masson, C.; Kannt, A.; Cesarini, L.; Kontoe, M.S.; et al. Nutrigenetic interactions might modulate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status in mastiha-supplemented patients with NAFLD. Front. Immunol. 2021, 12, 1688. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Poznyak, A.V.; Nikiforov, N.G.; Markin, A.M.; Kashirskikh, D.A.; Myasoedova, V.A.; Gerasimova, E.V.; Orekhov, A.N.; Pandey, A.K.; Woolard, M.D.; Eid, A.H. Overview of OxLDL and its impact on cardiovascular health: Focus on atherosclerosis. Front. Pharmacol. 2021, 11, 2248. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] As of 2018 [update] there were twenty-four mastichochoria, or mastic villages, on the island of Chios dedicated to the cultivation and production of mastic. [ citation needed] Mastic production in Chios is protected by a European Union protected designation of origin.Research suggests that the effects of CMG on lipid metabolism could be mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Oleanolic acid, oleanonic acid, and gallic acid (components of CMG) are known to act on PPARs. PPARs regulate lipid metabolism, cell differentiation and proliferation, and immune responses, and are structurally similar to steroid hormone receptors [ 20]. PPARs also function as transcription factors, aiding lipid synthesis and oxidation, glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory and immunoregulatory gene expression via activation of cell signaling pathways [ 21]. To date, three types of PPARs have been identified: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ. PPARα inhibits apolipoprotein C-III gene expression and reduces the formation of TG [ 21]. PPARβ/δ improves serum lipid profiles and increases insulin sensitivity [ 22, 23]. PPARγ is expressed on adipocytes, regulates the expression of genes that mediate adipogenesis, energy metabolism, and the actions of insulin [ 24, 25], and is a pivotal regulatory factor in adipogenesis [ 26]. According to Dedoussis et al. [ 27], the restoration of intracellular glutathione levels and downregulation of CD36 expression are pathways through which mastic triterpenes exert their antioxidant and antiatherogenic effects. This supports the idea that the overall effect of CMG on lipid metabolism is mediated via its function as a PPARα agonist. Furthermore, the activation of PPARβ/δ improves the serum lipid profile, which seems to support the notion that CMG exerts beneficial effects on lipid metabolism [ 16]. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Mastic gum contains potent antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties of mastic gum may assist in reducing inflammation and protecting against these ailments, promoting overall well-being. Spyridopoulou, K., et al. (2017). Dietary mastic oil extracted from Pistacia lentiscus var. chia suppresses tumor growth in experimental colon cancer models.

Loizou, S.; Paraschos, S.; Mitakou, S.; Chrousos, G.P.; Lekakis, I.; Moutsatsou, P. Chios mastic gum extract and isolated phytosterol tirucallol exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in human aortic endothelial cells. Exp. Biol. Med. 2009, 234, 553–561. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] In this blog, we will delve into the incredible health benefits associated with this ancient Greek treasure. Health Benefits of Chios Mastic Gum Georgiadis, I.; Karatzas, T.; Korou, L.M.; Katsilambros, N.; Perrea, D. Beneficial health effects of chios gum mastic and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: Indications of common mechanisms. J. Med. Food 2015, 18, 1–10. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] Qiao J, et al. (2010). Mastic alleviates allergic inflammation in asthmatic model mice by inhibiting recruitment of eosinophils. DOI:

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. The reason why it only thrives in the southern part of the island is mainly due to the temperate climate and mainly the microclimate of the region, but also underwater volcanoes and limestone soil. In the past, there have been many attempts to cultivate mastic in other parts of Greece and even in other countries, but without success. Another small study of healthy Japanese males found that those who took 5 g per day of mastic powder had lower triglyceride and insulin levels after 6 months. Those who took the mastic powder and exercised three times per week had the biggest improvement. Loutrari, H., et al. (2006). Mastic oil from Pistacia lentiscus var. chia inhibits growth and survival of human K562 leukemia cells and attenuates angiogenesis [Abstract]. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.