Mastic Gum
Research reviewed: 2023-2025
Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus resin) is a dietary supplement with 12 published peer-reviewed studies involving 166 participants, researched for H. pylori & Gastric Health, Gut Health & IBD, Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant and 4 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
H. pylori & Gastric Health
ModerateGut Health & IBD
ModerateAnti-inflammatory & Antioxidant
StrongLiver Health
ModerateGeneral Health
ModerateDigestive Health
ModerateHeart Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
H. pylori & Gastric Health
To evaluate mastic gum for H. pylori eradication.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate mastic gum for H. pylori eradication.
Dose
350 mg mastic gum three times daily
Participants
52 H. pylori-positive patients
Duration
14 days
Results
Mastic gum alone achieved 30% H. pylori eradication. While inferior to standard triple therapy, it showed significant anti-H. pylori activity.
How They Measured It
H. pylori status (urea breath test, stool antigen)
To evaluate mastic gum for symptomatic relief of gastritis and dyspepsia.
Study Type
Double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate mastic gum for symptomatic relief of gastritis and dyspepsia.
Dose
1 g mastic gum daily
Participants
38 patients with symptomatic non-ulcer dyspepsia
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Mastic gum significantly improved dyspeptic symptoms in 80% of patients vs 50% placebo. Pain reduction was the most significant finding.
How They Measured It
Symptom scores (pain, heartburn, nausea), endoscopic findings
To evaluate antibacterial activity of mastic gum against H. pylori strains including resistant ones.
Study Type
In vitro and clinical
Purpose
To evaluate antibacterial activity of mastic gum against H. pylori strains including resistant ones.
Dose
Various in vitro; 1 g/day clinical
Participants
In vitro (12 strains) + 32 patients clinically
Duration
2 weeks
Results
Mastic gum showed activity against clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains in vitro. Clinical combination with triple therapy improved eradication to 77%.
How They Measured It
MIC determination, bactericidal activity, clinical eradication with triple therapy
Gut Health & IBD
To evaluate mastic gum for Crohn's disease.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate mastic gum for Crohn's disease.
Dose
2.2 g mastic gum daily (6 capsules)
Participants
60 patients with active Crohn's disease
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Mastic gum significantly reduced CDAI and serum IL-6 and CRP levels. TNF-alpha also decreased significantly. Clinical response achieved in 67% of patients.
How They Measured It
CDAI, IL-6, CRP, TNF-alpha
To evaluate mastic gum on gut microbiome composition and GI symptoms.
Study Type
Open-label pilot study
Purpose
To evaluate mastic gum on gut microbiome composition and GI symptoms.
Dose
1 g mastic gum three times daily
Participants
16 patients with functional GI symptoms
Duration
3 months
Results
Mastic gum supplementation shifted gut microbiome towards increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. GI symptoms and fecal calprotectin improved.
How They Measured It
Fecal microbiome (16S rRNA), GI symptom diary, fecal calprotectin
Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant
To evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of mastic gum in metabolic syndrome.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of mastic gum in metabolic syndrome.
Dose
2.8 g mastic gum daily
Participants
156 adults (98 with metabolic syndrome)
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Mastic gum significantly reduced hs-CRP and oxidized LDL in metabolic syndrome patients. Total cholesterol and glucose also improved modestly.
How They Measured It
hs-CRP, oxidized LDL, serum paraoxonase, lipid profile
To evaluate mastic gum on liver enzyme levels and hepatic inflammation.
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate mastic gum on liver enzyme levels and hepatic inflammation.
Dose
2.1 g mastic gum daily
Participants
60 patients with NAFLD
Duration
18 months
Results
Mastic gum significantly reduced ALT and AST levels. Liver ultrasound showed improvement in steatosis grade in 45% of patients.
How They Measured It
ALT, AST, GGT, liver ultrasound, hepatic steatosis markers
Liver Health
Methodology for Assessing Patient Centricity and Data Integrity in Clinical Trials With Decentralized Elements: A Pilot Trial on Mastic Gum.
Study Type
Pilot RCT
Purpose
Methodology for Assessing Patient Centricity and Data Integrity in Clinical Trials With Decentralized Elements: A Pilot Trial on Mastic Gum.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40903850. Clin Transl Sci
General Health
The effect of Chios mastic toothpaste on halitosis and oral hygiene in orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
The effect of Chios mastic toothpaste on halitosis and oral hygiene in orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
Study results available at linked source.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40680773. J Breath Res
Does Preoperative Gum Chewing Reduce Postoperative Sore Throat?
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Does Preoperative Gum Chewing Reduce Postoperative Sore Throat?
Dose
See study
Participants
72 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
ONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chewing sugar-free gum containing propolis effectively reduces sore throat and throat dryness within the first 2 hours after surgery.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40019436. J Perianesth Nurs
Digestive Health
Real-world safety and effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus (mastic gum) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: 24-week interim analysis postintervent
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Real-world safety and effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus (mastic gum) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: 24-week interim analysis postintervent
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
24 weeks
Results
CONCLUSION: Six-month (24-week) interim analysis of patients suggests that mastic gum gives a sustainable improvement in DG symptoms without any obvious adverse effects as compared to levosulpiride.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 38454582. Indian J Pharmacol
Heart Health
Chios mastiha essential oil exhibits antihypertensive, hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects in metabolically unhealthy adults - a randomized control
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Chios mastiha essential oil exhibits antihypertensive, hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects in metabolically unhealthy adults - a randomized control
Dose
See study
Participants
94 participants
Duration
3 months
Results
significantly decreased only after CMEO intake.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 37329633. Pharmacol Res
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mastic Gum research
There are currently 12 peer-reviewed studies on Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus resin), involving 166 total participants. Research covers H. pylori eradication, Gastric ulcer support, Gut health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (12 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Mastic Gum has been researched for: H. pylori eradication, Gastric ulcer support, Gut health, Anti-inflammatory. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 12 out of 12 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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