Spices · Spice
Mastic (mastiha)
Pistacia lentiscus · also called Mastiha, mastic gum, tears of Chios, lentisco (Spanish)
Mastic is the hardened sap of a Mediterranean tree, used in tiny amounts in Greek and Middle Eastern sweets, breads and drinks for a pine-like, slightly musky flavor. Small trials of mastic capsules found some relief of indigestion, but none tested mastic as a flavoring. The main caution is allergy to the resin, and it is not advised as a medicine in pregnancy.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Mastic (mastiha)
Mastic is a pine-scented resin from a Mediterranean tree, used a few crystals at a time in sweets, breads and drinks. It is a flavoring, not a proven remedy. Trials used capsules, powder, oil, gum or toothpaste, not a pinch in a recipe.
What it is
Mastic is the hardened sap of the mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus, an evergreen shrub in the same plant family as the pistachio (Anacardiaceae). The best-known source is the Greek island of Chios, where it is called the "tears of Chios". When chewed it is bitter at first, then releases a fresh, pine-like flavor and softens into a white, chewy gum.
We found no nutrition data for mastic and give none. It is used a few crystals at a time, so it is a flavoring, not a source of nutrients.
In the kitchen
The flavor is faintly like pine, with a deep, almost musky aroma. A chef describes it as earthy, woody and a little like vanilla, and says some find it an acquired taste. It can overpower other flavors, so cooks use very little.
In Greece it flavors bread, Easter cheese pastries, cookies, spoon sweets, ice cream and the liqueur mastika. In Turkey and the Levant it goes into Turkish delight, ice cream such as booza, and milk puddings. In North Africa it is used in cakes and pastries and to steady meringue and nougat. Cooks also use it with salt in marinades for lamb, fish, poultry and salads.
To prepare it, crush the tears in a mortar with a little sugar for sweet dishes or a little salt for savory ones. Do not use a spice grinder or food processor: the sticky resin can ruin the blades. Keep the tears cool so they stay crisp and grind to powder; one chef advises against freezing. It is sold in Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern shops, and a chef calls it one of the most expensive foods after saffron.
What the research shows
No trial of mastic used as a flavoring was found. The human trials used capsules, powder, mastic water, essential oil capsules, chewing gum or toothpaste, mostly in Greece.
For indigestion with no known cause, a 148-person placebo-controlled trial saw lower symptom scores after 3 weeks, and a 2025 trial against no treatment also saw improvement. For H. pylori, a small pilot found mastic alone cleared the infection in some people but standard antibiotics did much better. Small trials in bowel disease saw changes in inflammation markers. For cholesterol, one pilot saw a small fall in one of three mastic groups; a 2026 trial found no change in blood pressure. Two small trials found less plaque and bad breath with mastic gum and toothpaste.
The flavoring versus capsules, oil and toothpaste
Capsules, powder, mastic water, essential oil, chewing gum and toothpaste are different products from mastic crushed into a recipe. Even among them results differ: in one trial crude mastic gum lowered cholesterol but powdered and polymer-free mastic did not. Results for one form should not be assumed for another.
Amounts
This page gives no amounts to eat or take. Ask a doctor, pharmacist or dietitian what is right for you, especially in pregnancy, with an allergy to nuts or resins, or before using mastic capsules or powder.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- A flavoring for Greek bread, Easter pastries, cookies, ice cream, sweets and liqueur, and a chewing resin
- A traditional medicine for mild indigestion and, on skin, minor inflammation and wounds; the EU accepts this on long use only
Studied for research
- Mastic eaten as a flavoring: no trial found
- Indigestion with no known cause, capsules: low certainty
- Inflammatory bowel disease markers, supplements: low certainty
- Stomach infection (H. pylori), mastic alone: very low certainty
- Cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, fatty liver: low or mixed certainty
- Plaque and bad breath, chewing gum and toothpaste: low certainty
Main compounds
- Alpha-pinene and beta-myrcene (main compounds of the essential oil, pine-like smell)
- Masticadienonic and isomasticadienonic acids (resin acids)
- Linalool (a fragrance compound that can cause skin allergy)
Common forms
- Whole tears, crushed with a little sugar or salt for cooking
- Ground resin or paste
- Chewing gum
- Liqueur (mastika)
- Capsules, powder, mastic water, essential oil and toothpaste (not the same as cooking)
Research links: EMA: European Union herbal monograph on mastic (resin) · Chios mastic gum and functional dyspepsia, trial (J Ethnopharmacol, 2010) · Mastic gum and H. pylori, pilot (Phytomedicine, 2010) · Mastic in well-controlled hypertension, trial (2026) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Pistacia lentiscus
- Naming authority
- L. (GBIF accepted)
- Common names
- Mastic (English); Mastic gum (English); Mastiha (Greek (transliterated)); Tears of Chios (English); Lentisco (resina de lentisco) (Spanish (as listed by the EMA))
- Family or group
- Anacardiaceae, as given by GBIF. Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is in the same genus.
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Sapindales > Anacardiaceae > Pistacia > Pistacia lentiscus
- Native range
- Not verified from a source read. Wikipedia says the best-known producer is the island of Chios in Greece, with some production on the Turkish coast near Cesme.
- Habitat
- Not verified.
- What it looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: An evergreen shrub or small tree (Wikipedia).; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Not verified.
- Cultivation
- Wikipedia: the harvest, called kentos, runs from early July to early October. Cuts are made in the bark every 4 to 5 days, and the resin takes 15 to 20 days to harden and fall. The tears are then washed with spring water and cleaned by hand.
- Harvest and processing
- The hardened sap of the tree is the spice. It is sold as whole tears, a powder or paste, and as chewing gum.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Frankincense and myrrh; Note: Other resins from other trees. Different plants and products.; Name: Pistacia vera (pistachio); Note: Same genus; a different plant and a nut, not a resin.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Photographs
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-pinene PubChem 6654 | monoterpene | Resin (essential oil) | A main compound in the essential oil according to one trial abstract. Gives a pine-like smell. 13 22 | Human data |
| Beta-myrcene PubChem 31253 | monoterpene | Resin (essential oil) | Also named as a main essential oil compound in the same trial abstract. 13 22 | Human data |
| Beta-pinene PubChem 14896 | monoterpene | Resin (essential oil) | Named with alpha-pinene and myrcene in the oil trial abstract. 13 22 | Human data |
| Linalool PubChem 6549 | monoterpene alcohol (fragrance compound) | Resin | A patch-test study notes mastic contains linalool, which may explain some skin reactions. 9 22 | Human data |
| Masticadienonic acid PubChem 11340012 | triterpenic acid | Resin | Rose in the blood in step with the mastic dose in the HYPER-MASTIC trial, showing that people took it. No effect is claimed. 18 22 | Human data |
| Isomasticadienonic acid PubChem 15559978 | triterpenic acid | Resin | Used the same way in the HYPER-MASTIC trial as a marker of intake. 18 22 | Human data |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gut bacteria (possible prebiotic effect) | Not specified | The authors of a 2019 bowel disease trial propose a prebiotic effect to explain lower faecal lysozyme. The NAFLD trial saw changes in gut bacteria diversity. 7 10 | Human exploratory |
| Bacteria in the mouth | Not specified | Fewer bacteria were counted in saliva while chewing mastic gum, in 20 dental students. 1 | Human exploratory |
| Blood vessel gene activity | Pathways for endothelial junctions (as described by the authors) | In a high-risk subgroup of the HYPER-MASTIC trial, mastic changed gene activity in blood cells in pathways related to blood vessel integrity. An early finding, not a proven way of working. 18 | Human exploratory |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not found for mastic as food.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- Not established. The HYPER-MASTIC trial measured masticadienonic and isomasticadienonic acids in blood plasma and saw dose-dependent increases, so some of these compounds are absorbed.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The trials used different products: crude gum capsules, polymer-free mastic, powder, mastic water, essential oil capsules, chewing gum and toothpaste. In the 2016 cholesterol trial, crude gum lowered cholesterol but the polymer-free and powdered forms did not, so results from one form cannot be assumed for another. None of them is the same as a pinch in a recipe.
Nutritional composition
No nutrition data were found for mastic and none are given. We could not confirm whether USDA FoodData Central lists mastic. Cooks say to use only a few crystals at a time, so mastic is a flavouring, not a source of nutrients.
1 mixed findings5 low certainty2 very low certainty2 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 10 benefits and uses checked for Mastic (mastiha), each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Mastic eaten as a flavouring (health effects of kitchen amounts)Not enough evidence
- Indigestion with no known cause (functional dyspepsia), mastic capsulesLow certainty
- Helicobacter pylori stomach infection, mastic gum aloneVery low certainty
- Crohn disease and other inflammatory bowel disease, mastic supplementsLow certainty
- Slow stomach emptying in diabetes (gastroparesis), mastic gumVery low certainty
- Cholesterol and blood sugar, mastic gum capsulesLow certainty
- Blood pressure (mastic supplement; mastic essential oil)Mixed findings
- Fatty liver disease (NAFLD), mastiha supplementLow certainty
- Plaque, gum health and bad breath (mastic chewing gum and toothpaste)Low certainty
- Cell and animal findingsNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Dyspepsia symptom score (Hong Kong index)H. pylori clearance (urea breath test)Crohn disease activity index, CRP and IL-6Faecal lysozyme (a gut inflammation marker in stool)Total cholesterolFasting blood glucose24-hour blood pressureDental plaque index
What is Mastic (mastiha) good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. None of the results are for mastic used as a flavoring; they are for capsules, powder, water, oil, gum or toothpaste.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Mastic eaten as a flavouring (health effects of kitchen amounts)
Not enough evidenceNo trial was found of mastic used as a flavouring in food. Every human trial below used capsules, powder, water, toothpaste or oil, in amounts and forms that are not a pinch in a recipe.
2 studiesWhole tears or ground resin in cooking. The trials on this page used …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No study of mastic eaten as a flavouring was found. The EMA monograph does not describe any either.
Results
No study of mastic eaten as a flavouring was found.
Why this rating
Nothing was found to rate. Absence of studies is not proof of no effect and not proof of safety.
Form and dose studied
Whole tears or ground resin in cooking. The trials on this page used other forms.
Who was studied
Not studied.
Limits
The trials below cannot be read as results for cooking.
Why researchers looked
Mastic is a traditional Greek and Middle Eastern flavouring and chewing resin, so people ask whether eating it does anything for health.
Traditional use
The EMA monograph lists powdered mastic resin as a traditional herbal medicine for mild indigestion and, on skin, for minor inflammation and wounds, based on long-standing use only. Wikipedia says mastic has been used as a traditional medicine for about 2,500 years (not checked against original sources).
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established for food amounts.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab: allergy is the main caution.
Indigestion with no known cause (functional dyspepsia), mastic capsules
Low certaintyOne double-blind trial of 148 adults found lower symptom scores with Chios mastic capsules than with placebo after 3 weeks. A later 2025 crossover trial compared mastic with no treatment and also found improvement. Both are small and short.
3 studiesCapsules of Chios mastic gum, and mastic water. Not a cooking amount.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two human trials of mastic resin products, in Greece.
Results
2010 trial (Chios mastic gum, 350 mg three times daily, 3 weeks, 148 adults with functional dyspepsia): symptom score after treatment 14.78 with mastic versus 19.96 with placebo (p<0.05). Marked improvement in 77% with mastic versus 40% with placebo (p<0.02). Stomach pain, dull upper-belly ache and heartburn improved. 2025 trial (mastic capsules 1.4 g/day or mastic water 20 ml/day, 4 weeks each, compared with a no-treatment period): both improved symptoms (p<0.001); capsules eased bloating, burning and heartburn and the water improved quality of life.
Effect sizes as reported
Score 14.78 vs 19.96 (higher score = more symptoms).
Why this rating
One placebo-controlled trial of 3 weeks, and a second trial whose comparison was no treatment (so people knew what they took). Funding is not stated in the abstracts.
Form and dose studied
Capsules of Chios mastic gum, and mastic water. Not a cooking amount.
Who was studied
Adults with functional dyspepsia (Rome II and Rome IV criteria).
Limits
Short, small, from one country. Dyspepsia needs a doctor if it lasts: the EMA says see a doctor or qualified practitioner if symptoms last longer than 2 weeks.
Why researchers looked
Mastic is traditionally used for stomach complaints.
Traditional use
The EMA lists mastic as a traditional medicine for mild dyspeptic disorders, on long use only.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No serious problems were reported in the abstracts. See Safety.
Helicobacter pylori stomach infection, mastic gum alone
Very low certaintyIn a small pilot, mastic alone cleared the infection in only some people. Standard antibiotic treatment cleared it in most. Mastic is not a replacement for treatment.
1 studiesMastic gum capsules or powder for 14 days.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised pilot, 52 patients.
Results
Pure mastic gum 350 mg three times daily for 14 days cleared H. pylori in 4 of 13 patients; 1.05 g three times daily in 5 of 13; mastic plus pantoprazole in 0 of 13; standard triple therapy (pantoprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, 10 days) in 10 of 13. Only the standard treatment group showed a significant fall in breath-test values (p=0.01).
Effect sizes as reported
Cleared: 4/13, 5/13, 0/13 versus 10/13 for standard treatment.
Why this rating
Tiny groups, no placebo arm, one trial. The standard treatment did clearly better.
Form and dose studied
Mastic gum capsules or powder for 14 days.
Who was studied
Adults with H. pylori infection confirmed by a breath test.
Limits
Pilot. The authors say the trial shows an in vivo germ-killing effect, but most patients were not cleared.
Why researchers looked
Mastic is antibacterial in the lab, so researchers tried it on a stomach bacterium.
Traditional use
Traditional stomach remedy.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
The authors describe a germ-killing effect. This was not shown for how mastic works in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
The abstract says mastic was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Crohn disease and other inflammatory bowel disease, mastic supplements
Low certaintyA few small trials of mastic supplements added to usual treatment saw changes in inflammation markers, but they are small, and the best review asks for better trials.
4 studiesMastic capsules or powder, 2.2 to 2.8 g a day in the human studies th…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One uncontrolled pilot, two randomised placebo-controlled trials from one group, and one systematic review.
Results
2007 pilot (mastic capsules, 6 per day, 4 weeks, 10 patients with active Crohn disease, no placebo group): disease activity index fell from 222.9 to 136.3 (P=0.05), IL-6 fell from 21.2 to 7.2 pg/mL and CRP from 40.3 to 19.7. 2019 placebo-controlled trial (2.8 g/day for 3 months, 60 people with IBD, added to usual treatment): quality-of-life score improved against the group's own start, faecal lysozyme fell in the mastic group, and faecal lactoferrin and calprotectin rose in the placebo group. 2018 trial of the same 60 people: oxidised LDL measures fell in the mastic group. 2023 systematic review of 8 studies: may help, more high-quality trials needed.
Effect sizes as reported
Pilot: activity index 222.9 to 136.3.
Why this rating
Small trials, mostly from one research group, one without a placebo. Marker changes do not show better long-term disease control.
Form and dose studied
Mastic capsules or powder, 2.2 to 2.8 g a day in the human studies the review lists.
Who was studied
Adults with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, taking their usual medicines.
Limits
Do not use mastic instead of medical treatment for bowel disease. Funding not read from the abstracts.
Why researchers looked
Mastic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in lab tests, so researchers tried it in bowel disease.
Traditional use
Traditional stomach remedy.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
The 2019 authors propose a prebiotic effect (feeding gut bacteria). This is a proposal.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
The 2007 pilot reported no side effects. Check with the treating doctor.
Slow stomach emptying in diabetes (gastroparesis), mastic gum
Very low certaintyA very small 38-person study in India followed people who took mastic gum or a medicine called levosulpiride. It saw no drift back in symptoms after 24 weeks, which is not strong evidence.
1 studiesA mastic gum plant extract.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One follow-up of a small randomised trial.
Results
In the mastic arm the symptom score (GCSI) at 24 weeks was 16.7, and 16.35 at the 2-month check after treatment (p=0.89, no change between). The authors say no obvious significant adverse effects.
Effect sizes as reported
See results.
Why this rating
Only 38 people, the abstract does not give the product or dose, and it is a follow-up of another report.
Form and dose studied
A mastic gum plant extract.
Who was studied
Adults with diabetic gastroparesis.
Limits
Noninferiority design in a tiny group.
Why researchers looked
Mastic is traditionally used for stomach complaints.
Traditional use
Traditional stomach remedy.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See Safety.
Cholesterol and blood sugar, mastic gum capsules
Low certaintyTwo older studies saw lower total cholesterol or glucose with mastic. The better-designed one found a small change in one of three mastic groups only, and no change in LDL, HDL or triglycerides.
2 studiesCapsules and powder. Not a cooking amount.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised placebo-controlled pilot (156 people analysed) and one older two-dose study (133 people) with no placebo group described.
Results
2016 pilot (8 weeks; volunteers with total cholesterol above 200 mg/dl): crude mastic gum 1 g/day lowered total cholesterol by 11.5 mg/dl and fasting glucose by 4.5 mg/dl. Polymer-free mastic 1 g/day and powdered mastic 2 g/day had no significant effect. No effect on LDL, HDL, triglycerides, uric acid or CRP. 2007 study (133 people over 50; 5 g/day powder for 18 months, or a solution for 12 months): in the high-dose powder group total cholesterol, LDL and liver enzymes fell, and in the solution group glucose fell in men.
Effect sizes as reported
Total cholesterol -11.5 mg/dl; fasting glucose -4.5 mg/dl (crude gum group only).
Why this rating
The effect appeared in only one of three mastic groups, with 23 people in the placebo group; the 2007 study had no placebo group described.
Form and dose studied
Capsules and powder. Not a cooking amount.
Who was studied
Healthy volunteers with raised cholesterol (2016); adults over 50 (2007).
Limits
Pilot studies. LDL did not change in the placebo-controlled one.
Why researchers looked
Mastic has antioxidant and fat-lowering effects in lab and animal work.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
The 2016 abstract recorded no gastrointestinal, liver or kidney adverse events.
Blood pressure (mastic supplement; mastic essential oil)
Mixed findingsA 2026 placebo-controlled trial in 106 adults with well-controlled blood pressure found no change in 24-hour blood pressure from mastic. A separate oil capsule trial saw a small change, but it was a different product.
2 studiesMastic capsules; mastiha essential oil capsules.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised placebo-controlled trial of mastic (106 people) and one controlled trial of the essential oil (94 people).
Results
HYPER-MASTIC (mastic 1,500 or 2,800 mg/day, 3 months): no significant difference in 24-hour systolic or diastolic blood pressure; oxidative stress markers unchanged; well tolerated. Essential-oil trial (mastiha essential oil 200 mg/day, 3 months, 94 adults with abdominal obesity and metabolic problems, added to usual treatment): systolic pressure fell only in the oil group (p=0.05), with changes in triglycerides, LDL, weight and body fat. The oil is a different product from the resin.
Effect sizes as reported
No significant difference in the resin trial.
Why this rating
The best-designed trial of the resin was null on its main outcome; the oil trial was positive but used a different product and had no placebo capsule stated.
Form and dose studied
Mastic capsules; mastiha essential oil capsules.
Who was studied
Adults with well-controlled hypertension; adults with abdominal obesity and metabolic problems.
Limits
The authors suggest a ceiling effect in people whose pressure was already controlled. Funding not stated in the abstracts.
Why researchers looked
Lab and small studies suggested blood vessel effects.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use.
Proposed mechanism Human exploratory
In the HYPER-MASTIC trial gene-activity (transcriptomic) changes were seen in a high-risk subgroup. This is an early finding, not a proven mechanism.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Both abstracts report good tolerance.
Fatty liver disease (NAFLD), mastiha supplement
Low certaintyIn a 98-person trial over 6 months, mastiha was not better than placebo for the liver scan results overall. A benefit showed only in the most severely obese group.
1 studiesMastiha supplement.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised placebo-controlled trial.
Results
MAST4HEALTH (98 patients, Greece, Italy and Serbia, 6 months): not better than placebo on iron-corrected T1 or the liver inflammation fibrosis score overall. In patients with BMI above 35 those measures improved with mastiha. Mastiha changed gut bacteria diversity and lowered some blood fat metabolites.
Effect sizes as reported
Null overall; subgroup finding only.
Why this rating
The main result was null; the positive result came from a subgroup, which is a weaker kind of finding.
Form and dose studied
Mastiha supplement.
Who was studied
Adults with NAFLD.
Limits
Subgroup analysis. Funding not stated in the abstract.
Why researchers looked
Mastic has antioxidant and fat-lowering properties in the lab.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use.
Proposed mechanism Human exploratory
The trial saw changes in gut bacteria and some blood fats. It does not show these cause any liver benefit.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See Safety.
Plaque, gum health and bad breath (mastic chewing gum and toothpaste)
Low certaintyTwo small trials found less plaque, less gum inflammation and less breath sulfur with mastic chewing gum or mastic toothpaste.
2 studiesMastic chewing gum and mastic toothpaste.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One 2003 pilot with 20 dental students and one 2025 randomised trial in 32 teenagers with braces.
Results
2003: after 7 days without brushing, plaque index 2.69 vs 3.15 (P=0.001) and gingival index 0.44 vs 0.66 (P=0.021) with mastic gum versus placebo gum; bacteria in saliva fell over 4 hours. 2025: mastic toothpaste three times daily for 14 days lowered breath hydrogen sulfide from a median 158 ppb to 26 ppb, with lower plaque and gum scores than placebo toothpaste.
Effect sizes as reported
Plaque 2.69 vs 3.15; breath H2S 158 to 26 ppb.
Why this rating
Two small, short trials, one in dental students. They do not show fewer cavities or gum disease over time.
Form and dose studied
Mastic chewing gum and mastic toothpaste.
Who was studied
Healthy dental students; teenagers with fixed braces.
Limits
Short, small; toothpaste and gum are not the same as a cooking pinch. Funding not stated in the abstracts.
Why researchers looked
Mastic has been used as a chewing resin for a long time and has antibacterial properties in the lab.
Traditional use
Wikipedia reports it was used as a breath freshener since ancient times (not checked against the original sources).
Proposed mechanism Human exploratory
The 2003 study found fewer bacteria in saliva while chewing mastic gum.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No problems stated in the abstracts.
Cell and animal findings
Not enough evidenceReviews describe antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of mastic in cells and animals. These are not proof of benefit for people.
1 studiesVarious.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
A 2022 review says there is "substantial evidence" for many favourable effects, mostly attributed to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The abstract gives no numbers.
Why this rating
Lab and animal findings do not show an effect in people.
Form and dose studied
Various.
Who was studied
Cells and animals.
Limits
Narrative review, abstract only.
Why researchers looked
Mastic contains many compounds.
Proposed mechanism Lab animal
Reviews describe antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of the resin's components.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Connections to the rest of health
How Mastic (mastiha) connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digestive Support | Low certainty | Indigestion with no known cause (functional dyspepsia), mastic capsules: One double-blind trial of 148 adults found lower symptom scores with Chios mastic capsules than with placebo after 3 weeks. A later 2025 crossover trial compared mastic with no treatment and also found improvement. Both are small and short. Crohn disease and other inflammatory bowel disease, mastic supplements: A few small trials of mastic supplements added to usual treatment saw changes in inflammation markers, but they are small, and the best review asks for better trials. | 5 17 19 3 7 8 12 15 | |
| Heart Health | Low certainty | Cholesterol and blood sugar, mastic gum capsules: Two older studies saw lower total cholesterol or glucose with mastic. The better-designed one found a small change in one of three mastic groups only, and no change in LDL, HDL or triglycerides. Blood pressure (mastic supplement; mastic essential oil): A 2026 placebo-controlled trial in 106 adults with well-controlled blood pressure found no change in 24-hour blood pressure from mastic. A separate oil capsule trial saw a small change, but it was a different product. | 6 2 18 13 | |
| Liver Health | Low certainty | Fatty liver disease (NAFLD), mastiha supplement: In a 98-person trial over 6 months, mastiha was not better than placebo for the liver scan results overall. A benefit showed only in the most severely obese group. | 10 | |
| Oral Health | Low certainty | Plaque, gum health and bad breath (mastic chewing gum and toothpaste): Two small trials found less plaque, less gum inflammation and less breath sulfur with mastic chewing gum or mastic toothpaste. | 1 16 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digestive System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Mastic eaten as a flavouring (health effects of kitchen amounts) Studied for: Indigestion with no known cause (functional dyspepsia), mastic capsules | 19 24 5 17 4 3 7 8 12 15 10 1 16 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Crohn disease and other inflammatory bowel disease, mastic supplements | 3 7 8 12 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Cholesterol and blood sugar, mastic gum capsules Studied for: Blood pressure (mastic supplement; mastic essential oil) | 6 2 18 13 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Cholesterol and blood sugar, mastic gum capsules | 6 2 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Documented risk | Patch tests in people allergic to a mastic-containing skin adhesive; the linalool in mastic may explain some reactions. Patch tests in people allergic to a mastic-containing skin adhesive; skin contact, not eating. Preparation or compound: Gum mastic in a skin adhesive |
9 | |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Insufficient data | The EMA does not recommend use for lack of data. Preparation or compound: Mastic resin medicine forms |
19 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyspepsia symptom score (Hong Kong index) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 5 |
| H. pylori clearance (urea breath test) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 4 |
| Crohn disease activity index, CRP and IL-6 | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
| Faecal lysozyme (a gut inflammation marker in stool) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 |
| Total cholesterol | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| Fasting blood glucose | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| 24-hour blood pressure | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: no change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 18 |
| Dental plaque index | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-pinene | Biological association | Human | A main compound in the essential oil according to one trial abstract. Gives a pine-like smell. Preparation or compound: Resin (essential oil) |
13 22 |
| Beta-myrcene | Biological association | Human | Also named as a main essential oil compound in the same trial abstract. Preparation or compound: Resin (essential oil) |
13 22 |
| Beta-pinene | Biological association | Human | Named with alpha-pinene and myrcene in the oil trial abstract. Preparation or compound: Resin (essential oil) |
13 22 |
| Linalool | Biological association | Human | A patch-test study notes mastic contains linalool, which may explain some skin reactions. Preparation or compound: Resin |
9 22 |
| Masticadienonic acid | Biological association | Human | Rose in the blood in step with the mastic dose in the HYPER-MASTIC trial, showing that people took it. No effect is claimed. Preparation or compound: Resin |
18 22 |
| Isomasticadienonic acid | Biological association | Human | Used the same way in the HYPER-MASTIC trial as a marker of intake. Preparation or compound: Resin |
18 22 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Mastic (mastiha). Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing mastic summary, read the European Medicines Agency monograph in full, re-read the cooking sources, and read PubMed abstracts. Only abstracts were read for studies. We could not confirm whether USDA FoodData Central lists mastic. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
Study library: every study we checked 24
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| p12747455 Takahashi K et al. A pilot study on antiplaque effects of mastic chewing gum in the oral cavity. J Periodontol 2003 · Source |
Two small randomised double blind trials Mastic chewing gum versus placebo gum |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p17150319 Triantafyllou A et al. Chios mastic gum modulates serum biochemical parameters in a human population. J Ethnopharmacol 2007 · Source |
Randomised two dose comparison, no placebo group described Chios mastic powder 5 g/day (18 months) or mastic solution (12 months) |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p17278198 Kaliora AC et al. Chios mastic treatment of patients with active Crohn disease. World J Gastroenterol 2007 · Source |
Uncontrolled pilot study Mastic capsules (6 per day, 0.37 g each), Chios mastic |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p19879118 Dabos KJ et al. The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study. Phytomedicine 2010 · Source |
Randomised pilot study (small, no placebo arm) Pure mastic gum, 350 mg or 1.05 g three times daily for 14 days, with or without pantoprazole |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p19961914 Dabos KJ et al. Is Chios mastic gum effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia? A prospective randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol 2010 · Source |
Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial Pistacia lentiscus var. chia resin (Chios mastic gum), capsules |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p26311707 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 · Source |
Randomised placebo controlled pilot study Crude Chios mastic gum capsules (1 g/day), polymer-free mastic (1 g/day) and powdered mastic (2 g/day), 8 weeks |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p30450689 Papada E et al. Regulation of faecal biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with oral mastiha (Pistacia lentiscus) supplement: a double-blind and placebo-controlled randomised trial. Phytother Res 2019 · Source |
Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial Mastiha supplement (Pistacia lentiscus), 2.8 g/day for 3 months, added to usual treatment |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p30453494 Papada E et al. Antioxidative efficacy of a Pistacia lentiscus supplement and its effect on the plasma amino acid profile in inflammatory bowel disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients 2018 · Source |
Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial Pistacia lentiscus supplement 2.8 g/day for 3 months |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p33273244 Shaw DW. Contact dermatitis from gum mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and gum storax (Liquidambar styraciflua) in Mastisol-allergic patients. Dermatitis 2021 · Source |
Case series with patch testing Gum mastic in a skin adhesive (Mastisol) |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p33629536 Amerikanou C et al. Effect of Mastiha supplementation on NAFLD: the MAST4HEALTH randomised, controlled trial. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021 · Source |
Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial Mastiha supplement for 6 months |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p35276949 Soulaidopoulos S et al. Overview of Chios mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus) effects on human health. Nutrients 2022 · Source |
Narrative review Chios mastic gum |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p37001176 Mavroudi A et al. The effect of Mastic Chios supplementation in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic literature review. J Med Food 2023 · Source |
Systematic review (8 studies, human and animal) Mastic Chios supplements, 2.2 to 2.8 g/day in the human studies |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p37329633 Gioxari A et al. Chios mastiha essential oil exhibits antihypertensive, hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects in metabolically unhealthy adults, a randomized controlled trial. Pharmacol Res 2023 · Source |
Randomised controlled trial (control group, no placebo capsule stated) Chios mastiha essential oil capsules, 200 mg/day for 3 months (the oil, not the resin) |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p37580926 Sadaf F et al. Safety profile of Pistacia lentiscus powder and tears in rat. Pak J Pharm Sci 2023 · Source |
Animal study (rat), 14 days Gum mastic powder and tears, 0.2857 g/kg |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p38454582 Kant R et al. Real-world safety and effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus (mastic gum) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: 24-week interim analysis postintervention. Indian J Pharmacol 2024 · Source |
Observational follow up of a small randomised noninferiority trial Pistacia lentiscus plant extract (mastic gum) versus levosulpiride |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p40680773 Alexiou M et al. The effect of Chios mastic toothpaste on halitosis and oral hygiene in orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial. J Breath Res 2025 · Source |
Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial Chios mastic toothpaste, three times daily for 14 days |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p41197785 Kleftaki SA et al. A randomized, three-way crossover clinical trial on the efficacy of Mastiha based therapies (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia) in functional dyspepsia. Pharmacol Res 2025 · Source |
Randomised three way crossover trial, no placebo (no intervention period as comparison) Mastiha capsules and Mastiha-water, Pistacia lentiscus var. chia |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| p42885189 Kalafati IP et al. Chios mastic in well-controlled hypertension: findings from the HYPER-MASTIC randomized controlled trial. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2026 · Source |
Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial Chios mastic supplement, 1,500 or 2,800 mg/day for 3 months |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| s-ema-monograph EMA (HMPC): European Union herbal monograph on Pistacia lentiscus L., resina (mastic), EMA/HMPC/46758/2015, final, 2 February 2016 · Source |
Regulator monograph Pistacia lentiscus resin |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-pistacia-lentiscus GBIF Backbone: Pistacia lentiscus L. (usageKey 3190583) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-kochilas Diane Kochilas: Mastiha and how to use it (chef and cookbook author) · Source |
Cooking writer Pistacia lentiscus resin |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-pubchem PubChem compound records: alpha-pinene (CID 6654), myrcene (31253), beta-pinene (14896), linalool (6549), masticadienonic acid (11340012), isomasticadienonic acid (15559978) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-sbs SBS Food (Celjo F): The world's first chewing gum is also a cooking sensation, 2018, updated 2021 · Source |
Food journalism with a chef's tips Pistacia lentiscus resin |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-wiki-mastic Wikipedia: Mastic (plant resin) · Source |
Secondary source (encyclopedia) Pistacia lentiscus |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No trial of mastic used as a cooking flavoring was found for any health outcome.
- The indigestion and bowel trials are small, short and mostly from Greece; funding was not checked.
- No safety study of cooking amounts in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children.
- Whether mastic cross-reacts with pistachio, cashew or mango allergy was not found.
- No nutrition data and no data on contamination or fake mastic were found; we could not confirm whether USDA lists mastic.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Metabolic 2
Total cholesterol
Lowered in trials
The total amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It is one marker of heart disease risk.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small change in one of three mastic groups.
Safety implication
No gastrointestinal, liver or kidney adverse events recorded.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Lowered by 11.5 mg/dl with 1 g/day crude mastic gum for 8 weeks; no change with polymer-free or powdered mastic; LDL and HDL did not change. | 156 volunteers with total cholesterol above 200 mg/dl | Crude mastic gum capsules |
Fasting blood glucose
Lowered in trials
Blood sugar after not eating overnight.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Other 6
Dyspepsia symptom score (Hong Kong index)
Lowered in trials
A questionnaire score of upper belly symptoms such as pain and heartburn.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It shows how much indigestion bothers a person.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Symptom score only; one 3-week trial.
Safety implication
None reported in the abstract.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Mean score after 3 weeks 14.78 with Chios mastic gum versus 19.96 with placebo (p<0.05). | 148 adults with functional dyspepsia | Chios mastic gum 350 mg three times daily |
H. pylori clearance (urea breath test)
Lowered in trials
A breath test taken weeks after treatment that shows whether the stomach bacterium is still present.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It shows if the infection was cleared.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Mastic alone did not clear most people.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Cleared in 4 of 13 and 5 of 13 on mastic alone, 0 of 13 with mastic plus pantoprazole, 10 of 13 on standard antibiotics. | 52 patients | Mastic gum for 14 days |
Crohn disease activity index, CRP and IL-6
Lowered in trials
A symptom score plus two blood markers of inflammation.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
They track how active bowel inflammation is.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Ten people, no placebo group.
Safety implication
No side effects reported.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Activity index 222.9 to 136.3 (P=0.05); IL-6 21.2 to 7.2 pg/mL; CRP 40.3 to 19.7. | 10 patients with active Crohn disease | Mastic capsules, 6 per day, 4 weeks |
Faecal lysozyme (a gut inflammation marker in stool)
Lowered in trials
A protein in stool that rises with gut inflammation.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A non-invasive sign of gut inflammation.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A marker; the abstract does not show a clear gain in the main quality-of-life outcome over placebo.
Safety implication
None stated.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Fell in the mastiha group (p=0.018, mean change p=0.021); lactoferrin and calprotectin rose in the placebo group. | 60 adults with active IBD | Mastiha supplement 2.8 g/day for 3 months |
24-hour blood pressure
No change in trials
Blood pressure measured by a wearable monitor over a full day.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A more reliable measure than a single clinic reading.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A null result.
Safety implication
Well tolerated.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | No significant difference between mastic and placebo. | 106 adults with well-controlled hypertension | Chios mastic 1,500 or 2,800 mg/day for 3 months |
Dental plaque index
Lowered in trials
A dentist's score for how much plaque is on the teeth.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Plaque leads to gum disease and decay.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Very small, short test.
Safety implication
None stated.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plaque index 2.69 with mastic gum versus 3.15 with placebo gum after 7 days without brushing (P=0.001). | 10 dental students | Mastic chewing gum |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 4
- Allergy to mastic is the main known caution. The EU herbal monograph lists allergy (hypersensitivity) to mastic as a contraindication. In a skin-patch study of 18 people allergic to a surgical skin adhesive that contains gum mastic, 13 (72%) were allergic to gum mastic. Among 250 people without that history, 1 (0.4%) tested positive. That study is about mastic on the skin, not eating it. Case series 19 9
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not established. The EMA says safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established and use is not recommended for the medicine form, because data are lacking. It does not study a pinch in food. Authoritative guidance 19
- Under 18 by mouth as a medicine: not established. The EMA says use by mouth under 18 has not been established for lack of data. It does not address food use. Authoritative guidance 19
- Trials of capsules and powder report few problems, but they are short and small. The trials we read report good tolerance and no serious adverse events, over 2 weeks to a few months. This is not proof of long-term safety. The EMA says no undesirable effects are known and no overdose has been reported, and also says tests for reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and cancer have not been done. Controlled trial 19 4 6 18
Side effects 2
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic skin reaction to mastic (contact dermatitis) A skin-contact allergy to a product containing mastic. The abstract says nothing about eating mastic. | In one clinic series, 13 of 18 people already allergic to a mastic-containing skin adhesive were allergic to the gum mastic; 1 of 250 people without that history tested positive. | Skin reaction in the cases reported Not stated in the abstract. | Case series 9 |
| No serious adverse events in trials of capsules, powder, oil, toothpaste or chewing gum Short trials, small groups. They would miss rare problems. | No serious events reported in the abstracts of the H. pylori pilot, the 2016 cholesterol trial, the 2007 Crohn pilot, the 2023 oil trial or the 2026 blood pressure trial. | Not applicable Not applicable | Controlled trial 4 6 3 13 18 |
Liver
No case of liver injury from mastic was found in the sources read. The 2016 trial recorded no liver adverse events, and in two older studies of mastic powder liver enzymes fell rather than rose. A LiverTox entry for mastic was not searched. 6 2
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Mastic (mastiha) supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines in general general | No mechanism known. | The EMA lists interactions as "none reported". That means none were reported, not that none exist. No interaction study of mastic with a medicine was found. | Authoritative guidance Not enough evidence 19 | If you take medicines for stomach acid, cholesterol, diabetes or blood pressure, or any medicine for bowel disease, ask a pharmacist before using mastic capsules or powder. |
| Medicines that change stomach acid or treat H. pylori prescription | Not established. | In the H. pylori pilot, the group that took pantoprazole plus mastic had no clearance (0 of 13). The abstract does not say why, and the groups were tiny. | Controlled trial Very low certainty 4 | Do not use mastic instead of treatment for H. pylori. Ask a doctor. |
| Blood sugar medicines and cholesterol medicines prescription | Not established. | Mastic capsules lowered glucose and cholesterol slightly in one trial, so a theoretical added effect exists. No interaction was tested. | Theoretical Very low certainty 6 | Ask a pharmacist before using mastic supplements if you take these medicines. |
Who should check first 4
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Allergy to mastic or to a product containing mastic | Do not use. The EMA lists hypersensitivity to the active substance as a contraindication. | Authoritative guidance 19 |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding (medicine forms) | The EMA does not recommend use for lack of safety data. Ask a midwife or doctor about cooking amounts. | Authoritative guidance 19 |
| Children and teenagers under 18 (medicine forms by mouth); skin use under 12 | Not established for lack of data. | Authoritative guidance 19 |
| People with a pistachio, cashew or mango allergy | No source read says whether mastic cross-reacts. GBIF places mastic tree and pistachio tree in the same plant family and genus. Ask an allergist if you have a nut-family allergy. | Unknown 20 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxicity from mastic as a flavouring was found. The EMA reports no overdose cases.
Animal. In a 14-day rat study of mastic powder and mastic tears, no organ damage was seen at the dose tested (0.2857 g/kg). Animal findings are not proof for people.
Human doses studied. Trials ran from 200 mg of oil to 5 g a day of powder, from 2 weeks to 18 months. We give no safe amount.
Overdose response. No case reported (EMA).
Genotoxicity. Not tested (EMA).
No source read gave contamination data for food-grade mastic (germs, heavy metals, pesticides). The sources say mastic is one of the more expensive foods, so labelling and quality may matter, but we found no verified report of fakes.
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (EU) (European Union) | Final EU herbal monograph (2 February 2016): powdered mastic resin is a traditional herbal medicine for mild dyspeptic disorders and, on the skin, for minor inflammations and as an aid in healing minor wounds, based only on long-standing use. Contraindication: hypersensitivity. Pregnancy and breastfeeding not recommended. Not recommended by mouth under 18. Interactions: none reported. source | 2016-02-02 |
When to get medical help
- Hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, or trouble breathing after eating or chewing mastic: get emergency help.
- Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, trouble swallowing, unplanned weight loss, or severe or constant belly pain: see a doctor, do not treat yourself with mastic.
- Indigestion that lasts longer than 2 weeks: the EMA says to see a doctor or qualified practitioner.
- Skin redness, blistering or itching where mastic or a mastic-containing product touched the skin: stop and ask a clinician.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is mastic?
What does mastic taste like?
What is mastic used for in cooking?
How do you prepare mastic?
Does mastic help indigestion?
One double-blind trial of 148 adults saw lower symptom scores with Chios mastic capsules than placebo after 3 weeks, and a 2025 trial against no treatment also saw improvement. Both are small. The EU accepts it only as a traditional medicine. If indigestion lasts more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.
Does mastic cure H. pylori?
No. In a 52-patient pilot, mastic alone cleared the infection in 4 of 13 and 5 of 13 people, while standard antibiotics cleared it in 10 of 13.
Does mastic lower cholesterol or blood pressure?
Is mastic safe in pregnancy?
The EU monograph says safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established and does not recommend the medicine form. It does not study a pinch in food. Ask a midwife or doctor.
Can mastic cause an allergic reaction?
Does mastic interact with medicines?
The EMA lists none reported, which is not proof of none, and no interaction study was found. Ask a pharmacist before using capsules or powder if you take medicines.
Explore by health goal
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing mastic summary, read the European Medicines Agency monograph in full, re-read the cooking sources, and read PubMed abstracts. Only abstracts were read for studies. We could not confirm whether USDA FoodData Central lists mastic. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 24
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- . Takahashi K et al. A pilot study on antiplaque effects of mastic chewing gum in the oral cavity. J Periodontol 2003. . . (abstract)
- . Triantafyllou A et al. Chios mastic gum modulates serum biochemical parameters in a human population. J Ethnopharmacol 2007. . . (abstract)
- . Kaliora AC et al. Chios mastic treatment of patients with active Crohn disease. World J Gastroenterol 2007. . . (abstract)
- . Dabos KJ et al. The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study. Phytomedicine 2010. . . (abstract)
- . Dabos KJ et al. Is Chios mastic gum effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia? A prospective randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol 2010. . . (abstract)
- . 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. . . (abstract)
- . Papada E et al. Regulation of faecal biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with oral mastiha (Pistacia lentiscus) supplement: a double-blind and placebo-controlled randomised trial. Phytother Res 2019. . . (abstract)
- . Papada E et al. Antioxidative efficacy of a Pistacia lentiscus supplement and its effect on the plasma amino acid profile in inflammatory bowel disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients 2018. . . (abstract)
- . Shaw DW. Contact dermatitis from gum mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) and gum storax (Liquidambar styraciflua) in Mastisol-allergic patients. Dermatitis 2021. . . (abstract)
- . Amerikanou C et al. Effect of Mastiha supplementation on NAFLD: the MAST4HEALTH randomised, controlled trial. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021. . . (abstract)
- . Soulaidopoulos S et al. Overview of Chios mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus) effects on human health. Nutrients 2022. . . (abstract)
- . Mavroudi A et al. The effect of Mastic Chios supplementation in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic literature review. J Med Food 2023. . . (abstract)
- . Gioxari A et al. Chios mastiha essential oil exhibits antihypertensive, hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects in metabolically unhealthy adults, a randomized controlled trial. Pharmacol Res 2023. . . (abstract)
- . Sadaf F et al. Safety profile of Pistacia lentiscus powder and tears in rat. Pak J Pharm Sci 2023. . . (abstract)
- . Kant R et al. Real-world safety and effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus (mastic gum) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: 24-week interim analysis postintervention. Indian J Pharmacol 2024. . . (abstract)
- . Alexiou M et al. The effect of Chios mastic toothpaste on halitosis and oral hygiene in orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial. J Breath Res 2025. . . (abstract)
- . Kleftaki SA et al. A randomized, three-way crossover clinical trial on the efficacy of Mastiha based therapies (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia) in functional dyspepsia. Pharmacol Res 2025. . . (abstract)
- . Kalafati IP et al. Chios mastic in well-controlled hypertension: findings from the HYPER-MASTIC randomized controlled trial. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2026. . . (abstract)
- . EMA (HMPC): European Union herbal monograph on Pistacia lentiscus L., resina (mastic), EMA/HMPC/46758/2015, final, 2 February 2016. . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Pistacia lentiscus L. (usageKey 3190583). . . (full-text)
- . Diane Kochilas: Mastiha and how to use it (chef and cookbook author). . . (full-text)
- . PubChem compound records: alpha-pinene (CID 6654), myrcene (31253), beta-pinene (14896), linalool (6549), masticadienonic acid (11340012), isomasticadienonic acid (15559978). . . (full-text)
- . SBS Food (Celjo F): The world's first chewing gum is also a cooking sensation, 2018, updated 2021. . . (full-text)
- . Wikipedia: Mastic (plant resin). . . (full-text)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- Whole or ground: whole spices keep their flavor longer
- The origin and a packed-on or best-by date for freshness
- Organic or non-irradiated labeling if that matters to you
- A resealable, airtight container
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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