However, clinical evidence on the anti-atherogenic or cardioprotective effects of mastic is limited, and mainly derived from studies assessing surrogate markers of atherosclerosis. Scientific studies have proved that chewing Chios mastiha is very helpful for gum exercise, along with all its relevant beneficial effects in dental health. citation needed] Mastic production in Chios is protected by a European Union protected designation of origin. This has been known since at least 1995, when the addition of mastic oil In broth cultures was shown to effectively inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pseudomonas fragi and Salmonella enteritidis.

Chios mastic improves blood pressure haemodynamics in patients with arterial hypertension: Implications for regulation of proteostatic pathways. Ever since antiquity, it had been known that Chios mastiha had a strong positive effect in stomach comfort, e. Another point that should be underlined is that, to date, no significant adverse effects associated with human consumption of mastic have been reported. Such multitude probably justifies the multiple uses of Chios mastiha, in the fields of food industry, health and cosmetic care, worldwide. This unique natural resin is already used very often as a component of bandages, adhesive plasters, compresses and other healing agents applied for the protection and healing of wounds or post-surgical incisions.

It has also been found that mastic reduces liver enzymes and improves hepatic steatosis and collagen content in experimental models with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [ 28]. Chios mastic has been known for its medicinal properties (such as healing stomach pain and inflammatory bowel disease) and since ancient times has been used for natural remedies preparation. Beyond some cases of allergic contact dermatitis following postoperative use of patches containing mastic, there are hardly any reports of remarkable side effects [ 56]. More recent studies have demonstrated a strong antimicrobial action of mastic against Streptococcus species and several other common pharyngeal and ear pathogens, either when administered alone or in combination with antibiotics [ 47]. As it drips, this sap appears as a sticky and translucent liquid which, 15-20 days later, is solidified into irregular shapes influenced by the area's weather conditions in summertime, that is intense drought and sunlight.

W. Contact Dermatitis From Gum Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and Gum Storax (Liquidambar styraciflua) in Mastisol-Allergic Patients. g/day), a significant decrease in the activity index of the disease and the plasma levels of interleukin-6 and CRP compared to baseline was observed, while no significant side effects were reported [ 10]. It represents the human’s immune system response to various stimuli, such as pathogens, toxic compounds and damaged cells, regulated by a variety of endogenous factors, including cytokines, growth factors and activated cells [ 6]. The presence of phenolic molecules, triterpenic compounds as well as phytosterols among Chios mastiha’s components is particularly important because of their action against the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and that is a significant evidence for its potential antioxidant effect.Nonetheless, these findings should be interpreted with caution, given that no effects on LDL, HDL, triglycerides or CRP were observed [ 20]. The aromatic and air dried resinous sap from the tree pistacia lentiscus is known as the first natural chewing gum in the world. Selling mastic with the label Chios Mastic gum that is not proccessed from the Association is illegal and of dubious quality.

Similar findings were reported in 60 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, randomized to either mastic treatment (2. In this context, the aim of this article is to summarize the most important therapeutic actions of Chios mastiha and discuss scientific evidence supporting the expansion of its medical application.On the contrary, mastic showed an antihepatotoxic activity in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats leading to a reduction in bilirubin levels and in the activity of alkaline phosphatase [ 60].

It was also found to prevent the vascular endothelial growth factor, hence decreasing microvessel formation from mouse melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo [ 45]. Of note, after 8 weeks of treatment, only patients treated with 1 g of crude mastic per day exhibited a significant reduction in total cholesterol values of about 11. Mastic Gum (Mastiha), the natural tear-shaped resin drops of the Mastic Tree, is a traditional medicinal and culinary product with a rich and ancient history tied to Greece and the Aegean Sea. Protein kinase C is known to hold a key position in a variety of cellular signaling pathways, being reversibly modulated by ROS owing to its unique structural feature that is susceptible to oxidative modification [ 36].The most well-known Greek mastic sweets are tsoureki (Greek brioche), Greek loukoumi delight with mastic taste, and mastihopita (a type of pie). According to Medical Drug Claims policy, merchants are not allowed to share the medicinal use of their products. The word mastic coming from mastication meaning chewing but it can be used for more than just fresh breath. It is also known as tears of Chios, [2] being traditionally produced on the island Chios, and, like other natural resins, is produced in "tears" or droplets.