Mastic Gum
Mastic gum: what two small pilot randomized trials found for cholesterol and Helicobacter pylori, and why the evidence is preliminary.
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Overview and identity
Mastic gum is a resin; the trials we read used Chios mastic gum. It is a different product from other gums and resins. [1]What the research shows
Both studies were pilot trials, so they cannot settle whether it works.| Use | What the trial found | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol and glucose in healthy volunteers | In 156 volunteers with total cholesterol over 200 mg/dL, 1 g/day of crude mastic gum (330 mg capsules three times daily) for 8 weeks lowered total cholesterol by 11.5 mg/dL and fasting glucose by 4.5 mg/dL versus placebo; polymer-free mastic and powder mastic produced no significant change; LDL, HDL and triglycerides did not change. No gastrointestinal, liver or kidney adverse events were recorded. [1] | Pilot, healthy volunteers, modest effects |
| Helicobacter pylori | In 52 patients, mastic gum for 14 days eradicated the infection in 4 of 13 (350 mg three times daily) and 5 of 13 (1.05 g three times daily), versus 10 of 13 with standard antibiotic and acid-reducing treatment. The differences from baseline for the mastic groups were not statistically significant. [2] | Pilot, very small groups |
So the H. pylori result shows mastic eradicated the infection in fewer patients than standard treatment; it does not support using mastic instead of it. H. pylori needs medical treatment.
Safety
Both trials reported good tolerance. [1][2] We found no readable source on interactions, allergy or doses beyond these trials, so we give none.Frequently asked questions
Does mastic gum treat H. pylori?
In a small pilot trial it eradicated the infection in some patients but fewer than standard treatment. [2]
References
- Kartalis A, et al. Effects of Chios mastic gum on cholesterol and glucose levels of healthy volunteers: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study (CHIOS-MASTIHA). Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2016;23(7):722-729. PubMed 26311707.
- Dabos KJ, et al. The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(3-4):296-299. PubMed 19879118.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.