Top Conditions
Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)
background
Mastic is the resin of Pistacia lentiscus, a shrub of the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) found in the Mediterranean regions of France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and Africa. Mastic has been used historically for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the Mediterranean regions of Spain. It has also been used since the 13th Century for the treatment of dyspepsia (upset stomach) and abdominal discomfort. Mastic has also been used in dentistry as a filling for cavities and in surgery as a varnish to cover wounds.
Further trials are needed to confirm the anti-ulcer activity of mastic and to establish any benefit mastic may have over conventional pharmaceutical treatment for ulcer.
synonyms
alpha-Pinene, alpha-terpineol, Anacardiaceae (family), arbre de mastic, beta-caryophyllene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, Chios tears, çori, evergreen pistache, germacrene D, legeltxor, lentisc, lentisco, lentisco mastich, lentisk, lentisque, limonene, linalool, llentiscle, mastick, mastick tree, mastiek, mastiha, mastix, mastixpistazie, myrcene, Pistacia lentiscus, pinene, pistheqa-pesag, Saladin, schînos, schísei, trans-caryophyllene, verbenone.
evidence table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Dental plaque
(Grade: C)
Mastic has shown antibacterial activity against
Mastic has shown antibacterial activity against
Duodenal ulcer
(Grade: C)
Mastic has been used by traditional Mediterranean healers to treat intestinal ulcers since the 13th Century. Mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against
Mastic has been used by traditional Mediterranean healers to treat intestinal ulcers since the 13th Century. Mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against
Gastric ulcer
(Grade: C)
Mastic may decrease the severity of induced gastric ulceration, but its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Additionally, mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against
Mastic may decrease the severity of induced gastric ulceration, but its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Additionally, mastic has been shown to have antibacterial action against
©2006-2013
