Mastic Tree (Pistacia lentiscus): Evidence, Uses & Safety

Mediterranean Shrub · Resin Producer

Botanical Overview

The mastic tree is a branching, twisted shrub of about 1 m, typical of Mediterranean scrubland. It has obtuse, hairless leaves and small fruits that turn from red to black. It grows wild in Corsica, Sardinia, Morocco and the Middle East, and the Chios variety takes its name from the Greek island.

HeightAbout 1 m

LeavesObtuse, hairless

FruitRed turning black

HabitatMediterranean scrub

Taxonomic Classification

Taxonomy & Identification

Latin Name: Pistacia lentiscus L. (var. Chia)
Family: Anacardiaceae (formerly Terebinthaceae)
Common Names: Mastic tree, lentisk, Chios mastic, mastiha, Lentisque pistachier
Parts Used: Trunk resin (mastic), leafy twigs, essential oil
Regulatory Status: Subject of a draft European assessment report on the resin (mastix) ¹²

Ethnobotany & Traditional Use

History & Tradition

Mastic is one of the oldest chewing gums. In antiquity the resin was harvested from the trunk of the lentisk and chewed, and Galen, Theophrastus and Dioscorides all wrote about it. ¹

The best-known source is the Chios variety, named after the Greek island where the resin is still harvested.

Modern work has tested the resin and its oils against Helicobacter pylori, in experimental colitis, on the skin and in cancer cell models, and the plant has been reviewed in full. ²⁰²²⁵⁰⁴⁶³⁰

⚠ Not the Pistachio Nut

Mastic comes from Pistacia lentiscus, a Mediterranean shrub. The nut tree is a different species, Pistacia vera.

Timeline

Chewing Gum of Antiquity

Antiquity

Described by Galen, Theophrastus and Dioscorides. ¹

Anti-Ulcer Evaluation

1986

Crude mastic is tested for gastric and duodenal ulcer activity. ¹⁶

Mastic Versus H. pylori

1998 – 2010

Mastic is reported to kill the bacterium, followed by a randomized pilot study. ²¹²³²⁰

Colitis & Cancer Models

2016 – 2024

Masticadienonic acid and the oil are tested in colitis and tumor models. ⁹⁴⁴

The Key Compounds

Masticadienoic Acids & Resin Constituents — Deep Dive

A triterpene-rich resin, a unique polymer and an aromatic oil.

🧪

Masticadienoic Acids

Triterpenoids of the resin. Masticadienonic acid mitigated colitis in mice, and masticadienonic and 3α-OH masticadienoic acids induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and slowed tumor growth in xenografts. Related triterpenes from Pistacia terebinthus galls were also anti-inflammatory. ⁹¹¹¹⁰

🧬

Poly-β-Myrcene Polymer

The polymeric fraction of mastic is cis-1,4-poly-β-myrcene, which gives the resin its chewy, elastic character. ²

🍇

Gallic Acid & Pentagalloylglucose

Polyphenols that account for much of the antioxidant and antimutagenic activity of the plant. ³²

🌿

Essential Oil Terpenes

Alpha-pinene, myrcene, limonene and terpinen-4-ol. Alpha-pinene was linked to protection against peptic ulcer in a related species, Pistacia atlantica. ³⁶³⁵⁴⁷

Pharmaceutical Preparations

Parts Used & Available Forms

The resin is the best known, with oils from the twigs and fruit and teas from the leaves.

Mastic Resin

The hardened resin harvested from the trunk, chewed as a gum or powdered. ¹

Resin

Leafy Twigs

The source of the plant's essential oil. ³

Aerial Parts

Twig Essential Oil

Steam-distilled oil rich in monoterpenes, with antimicrobial activity. ³⁶³⁷

Essential Oil

Resin Essential Oil

Rarely, an essential oil is also obtained from the gum-resin. ³⁸

Essential Oil

Leaf Tea

Leaf decoctions and teas, tested for antimicrobial activity. ⁴⁶

Tea

Fruit Fatty Oil

A fatty oil from the fruit, tested for burn healing and gastric protection. ¹³¹⁸

Fatty Oil

Clinical Dosimetry

Dosages

No standardized usual dosage has been established for mastic; dosing should be guided by a qualified practitioner. One human study used 5 g of mastic powder a day. ²⁸

Phytochemistry

Composition

The resin is built on triterpenes, a myrcene polymer and polyphenols, while the oil is a monoterpene-rich blend.

Mastic Resin

PolymerCis-1,4-poly-β-myrcene ²

Signature

Triterpenes & TriterpenoidsIncluding the masticadienoic acids ⁹¹¹

Major

PolyphenolsGallic acid and pentagalloylglucose ³²

Present

SterolsPresent in the resin

Present

Essential Oil

MonoterpenesAlpha-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene and γ-terpinene ³⁴²

Major

SesquiterpenesCadinene and trans-caryophyllene ³⁶

Present

Oxygenated TerpenesTerpinen-4-ol ³⁶

Present

Moroccan Oil SampleThunbergol 8.8%, himachalene 7.4%, trans-squalene 6.7%, terpinyl propionate 6.7%, 3,3-dimenthol 6.2%; the profile varies with origin ⁴⁰

Present

Plant Properties — Pharmacodynamics

Twelve pharmacodynamic properties define the mastic tree, centered on the gut, antimicrobial action and inflammation.

12 Properties Antimicrobial Gastroprotective Anti-Inflammatory

🦠

Antimicrobial

Leaf extracts, oils and the resin act against bacteria, yeasts and fungi. ⁴⁵³⁷⁴¹

🍄

Antifungal

The essential oils inhibited several fungi. ³⁹⁴⁰

🔥

Anti-Inflammatory

Chios mastic gum reduced TNF-alpha induced oxidative stress, and leaf and fruit extracts were cytoprotective. ⁶⁷⁸

🛡️

Antioxidant & Antimutagenic

Gallic acid and pentagalloylglucose carry much of this activity, and the oil protected lung cells from nanoparticle damage. ³²⁴³

🩺

Gastroprotective

Reduced gastric and duodenal ulcers in animals. ¹⁶¹⁷¹⁸

🎯

Anti-H. pylori

Mastic gum killed the bacterium, including drug-resistant strains. ²⁰²¹²²²³⁴⁸³⁸

🧪

Hepatoprotective

Leaf, fruit and fatty oil protected rat liver against chemical injury. ²⁴²⁵²⁶²⁷

📉

Lipid & Glucose Modulation

Changed serum biochemistry in people and metabolism in diabetic mice. ²⁸²⁹

❤️

Cardioprotective

Reduced infarct size and showed antiatheromatic activity in rabbits. ³¹

🎗️

Antiproliferative

Mastic and its oil slowed growth of cancer cells and tumors in cell and animal studies. ³³³⁴⁴⁶

🩹

Wound Healing

Fruit oil improved burn healing in animals. ¹³⁵³

🌀

Colitis Protection

Masticadienonic acid and the oil reduced experimental colitis. ⁹⁴⁹⁵⁰

Clinical Applications

Clinical Indications

Mastic is used for the stomach, gut, skin and veins, with human data limited to small studies.

🩺

Stomach, Ulcers & H. pylori

Primary Research Area

H. pylori: a randomized pilot study of mastic gum, with bactericidal activity shown in vitro and in vivo. ²⁰²²²³
Gastric & Duodenal Ulcer: crude mastic was active in animal ulcer models. ¹⁶
Fatty Oil: gastroprotective against ethanol-induced ulcers in rats. ¹⁸

🌀

Colitis & Gut Inflammation

Preclinical Evidence

Masticadienonic Acid: mitigated colitis in mice and improved gut barrier integrity. ⁹
Oil & Aqueous Extract: preventive and curative effects in experimental colitis. ¹⁹⁴⁹
Leaf Extract: an anti-inflammatory effect in a rat colitis model. ⁵⁰
Review: Chios mastic gum in inflammatory bowel disease, from the past to the future. ⁵¹

🧴

Skin, Wounds & Circulation

Traditional & Preclinical Use

Wound & Burn Healing: fruit oil improved burn healing in animals. ¹³⁵³
Dermatoses: atopic dermatitis, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions, reviewed across Pistacia species. ¹⁴¹⁵
Allergic Dermatitis: topical mastic reduced inflammation and itch in mice. ⁵²
Veins & Lymph: the essential oil is used traditionally for venous and lymphatic disorders, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

🔬

Metabolic, Liver & Cancer Research

Early-Stage Evidence

Lipids & Glucose: serum changes in a human study, and effects in diabetic mice. ²⁸²⁹
Liver: protection against carbon tetrachloride injury in rats. ²⁶²⁷
Cancer Models: reduced growth of leukemia, colon and breast cancer cells in laboratory and animal work. ³⁴⁴⁴⁴⁶
Overview: the anticancer potential of Chios mastic gum has been reviewed. ³³⁴⁵

Pharmacodynamics

Mode of Action

Mastic acts through oxidative-stress and inflammatory signaling, and directly on bacteria.

🔥

Protein Kinase C & Oxidative Stress

Mastic resin inhibits protein kinase C and reduces the production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. ⁸

🧬

MAPK, NF-κB & Nrf2 Signaling

Masticadienonic acid acts through the MAPK, NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways, reducing inflammation and supporting the gut barrier. ⁹

🎯

Bactericidal Action on H. pylori

Mastic gum extracts and constituents kill the bacterium in vitro and in vivo. ²²²³

🛡️

Antioxidant Polyphenols

Gallic acid and pentagalloylglucose give the plant its antioxidant and antimutagenic activity. ³²

🎗️

Apoptosis & Anti-Angiogenesis

Masticadienoic acids induce apoptosis, and the oil inhibits the growth of leukemia cells and attenuates angiogenesis. ¹¹³⁴

Clinical Safety

Safety & Interactions

The essential oil needs care: it irritates undiluted and is not advised for young children or early pregnancy.

⚠️

Adverse Effects & Precautions

Skin Irritation: undiluted essential oil can irritate or burn the skin.
Dilution: always dilute the oil before it touches the skin.
Limited Human Data: most evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, with only small human trials. ²⁰²⁸

🚫

Contraindications & Interactions

Children Under 6: the essential oil is not recommended.
Pregnancy: the essential oil is not recommended in the first trimester.
Drug Interactions: they have not been characterized, so ask a pharmacist if you take regular medicines.
H. pylori Infection: mastic should not replace the eradication treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Clinical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using mastic or its essential oil, particularly if you are pregnant, are treating a child, or have an ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mastic used for?

Mastic, the resin of Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, has been chewed as a gum since antiquity and is studied for stomach and gut complaints, including Helicobacter pylori and colitis, as well as for wound and skin care. The essential oil is used traditionally for venous and lymphatic circulation, and leaf teas and oils are studied for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Does mastic gum help with Helicobacter pylori?

Chios mastic gum killed H. pylori in laboratory and animal studies, and a randomized pilot study has tested it in people. The evidence is early, and mastic should not replace eradication treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Is mastic good for stomach ulcers?

Crude mastic reduced gastric and duodenal ulcers in animal studies, and the fatty oil of the plant protected rats against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. Human ulcer data are limited.

Can mastic help colitis?

In animal models, masticadienonic acid from Chios mastic gum, an aqueous leaf extract and the plant's oil reduced experimental colitis. These are preclinical results, and reviews call for clinical trials in inflammatory bowel disease.

What is the usual mastic dosage?

No standardized usual dosage has been established for mastic; dosing should be guided by a qualified practitioner. One human study used 5 g of mastic powder a day.

Is mastic the same as pistachio?

No. Both belong to the genus Pistacia, but the nut tree is Pistacia vera. Mastic comes from the resin of the lentisk, Pistacia lentiscus, a Mediterranean shrub, and the Chios variety is named after the Greek island.

What is mastic resin made of?

The resin contains a polymer of cis-1,4-poly-beta-myrcene, polyphenols such as gallic acid and pentagalloylglucose, sterols, and triterpenes including the masticadienoic acids. The essential oil adds monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene, myrcene and limonene.

Is mastic essential oil safe?

Undiluted essential oil can irritate or burn the skin, so it must be diluted. It is not recommended for children under 6 or during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Does mastic lower cholesterol or blood sugar?

A human study using 5 g of mastic powder daily reported changes in serum biochemical parameters, and Chios mastic gum modulated lipid and glucose metabolism in diabetic mice. The human data are limited to small studies.

Sources

Bibliography

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(Same study as reference 23, cited a second time in the original source.)

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