Rumi Mastagi - Roomi Mastgi - Mastic Gum - Pistacia Lentiscus

1. It may help relieve digestive issues

An article from 2005 reports that mastic gum can be used to relieve abdominal discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Mastic gum’s positive effect on digestion may be due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds it contains. Further research is needed to learn more about the exact mechanisms in which mastic gum works.

2. It may help clear H. pylori bacteria

A small 2010 study found that mastic gum may kill off Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Researchers found that 19 out of 52 participants successfully cleared the infection after chewing mastic gum for two weeks. Participants who took an antibiotic in addition to chewing mastic gum saw the highest success rate. H. pylori is a gut bacterium related to ulcers. It’s become antibiotic-resistant, but mastic gum is still effective.

3. It may help treat ulcers

H. pylori infections can cause peptic ulcers. Older research suggests that the antibacterial properties of mastic gum can fight H. pylori bacteria and six other ulcer-causing bacteria. This may be due to its antibacterial, cytoprotective, and mild antisecretory properties. Researchers found that doses as low as 1 mg per day of mastic gum inhibited bacterial growth. Still, newer research is needed to further explore these properties and assess its efficacy.

4. It may help ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Research presented in a 2015 reviewTrusted Source suggests that mastic gum may help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, which is a common form of IBD. In one small study, people who took mastic gum for four weeks experienced a significant decrease in the severity of their inflammatory symptoms. Researchers also found decreased levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein, which are markers of inflammation. Larger studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms in which mastic gum works. More research is needed that focuses on using mastic gum to treat Crohn’s disease and other forms of IBD.

5. It may help lower cholesterol

A 2016 study found that mastic gum can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Participants who took mastic gum for eight weeks experienced lower levels of total cholesterol than those who took a placebo. People who took mastic gum also experienced lower blood glucose levels. Glucose levels are sometimes associated with high cholesterol levels. Researchers also found that mastic gum had a greater effect on people who were overweight or obese. Still, further research with a larger sample size is needed to truly determine the potential efficacy.

6. It helps promote overall liver health

According to one 2007 study, mastic gum may help prevent liver damage. Participants who took 5 g of mastic gum powder for 18 months experienced lower levels of liver enzymes related to liver damage than participants who did not. Research is ongoing to learn more about the hepatoprotective effect of mastic gum. One newer study found it effective for protecting the liver while used as an anti-inflammatory in mice.

7. It may help prevent cavities

Researchers in a small 2014 studyTrusted Source 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. Acidic saliva, Mutans streptococci bacterium, and Lactobacilli bacterium can lead to cavities. Researchers found that all three types of gum reduced the level of Mutans streptococci. Lactobacilli levels were slightly raised in the groups using pure and xylitol mastic gums. However, Lactobacilli levels significantly decreased in the group using probiotic mastic gum. It’s worth noting that probiotic mastic gum caused the pH of the saliva to decrease significantly, making it more acidic. Acidic saliva can lead to dental health issues, so probiotic mastic gum isn’t recommended for use in preventing cavities. Further studies involving larger samples sizes are needed.

8. It may help treat symptoms of allergic asthma

Mastic gum has anti-inflammatory properties that may make it useful in treating allergic asthma. This type of asthma often includes airway inflammation, eosinophilia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In a 2011 study on mice, mastic gum significantly inhibited eosinophilia, reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and inhibited the production of inflammatory substances. It had a positive effect on lung fluid and lung inflammation. In vitro tests found that mastic gum inhibited cells that react negatively to allergens and cause airway inflammation. Although these results are promising, further studies are needed to determine efficacy in human cases.

9. It may help prevent prostate cancer

Researchers are investigating mastic gum’s role in inhibiting prostate cancer development. According to a 2006 laboratory studyTrusted Source, mastic gum can inhibit an androgen receptor that may have an effect on the development of prostate cancer. Mastic gum was shown to weaken the expression and function of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells. Human studies are needed to confirm and expand upon these findings.

10. It may help prevent colon cancer

Research from 2017Trusted Source suggests that mastic essential oil may also help suppress tumors that can lead to colon cancer. Researchers found that mastic oil inhibited the increase of colon cells in vitro. When given orally to mice, it inhibited the growth of colon carcinoma tumors. Further study is needed to expand upon these findings.