Introduction
Mastic gum is also known as Chios mastic gum, produced in the southern part of Chios. Chios is an island in Greece situated in the northern Aegean Sea. It is known for its therapeutic potential because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It consists of terpenes, phytosterols, phenolic components, arabinogalactan proteins, natural polymers, and aromatic components that possess bioactive effects. The article reviews the therapeutic benefits of mastic gum and its application in the medical industry.
What Are the Components of Mastic Gum?
Mastic gum consists of the following components:
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1, 4-poly-β-myrcene.
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20(S)-3β-acetoxy-20-hydroxydammara-24-ene.
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3-oxo-28-norlup-20 (29)-ene.
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3β-hydroxy-28-norolean-12-ene.
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3-oxo-28-norolean-12-ene.
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3-oxo-dammara-20 (21),24-diene.
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(8R)-3-Oxo-8-hydroxy-polypoda13E,17E, 21-triene.
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3-oxo-malabarica-14(26),17E, 21-triene.
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3β-hydroxymalabarica-14(26),17E, 21-triene.
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Banillic acid.
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Gallic acid trans-cinnamic acid.
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Isomasticadienonic acid.
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Masticadienolic acid.
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Moronic acid.
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Oleanolic acid.
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Oleanolic aldehyde.
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P-hydroxybenzoic acid.
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P-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid.
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Tirucallol.
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Tyrosol.
What Are the Benefits of Mastic Gum?
Mastic gum possesses the following benefits:
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Anti-inflammatory properties.
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Antioxidant properties.
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Anticancer properties.
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Anti-atherogenic properties.
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Antibacterial properties.
What Are the Anti-inflammatory Properties of Mastic Gum?
Inflammation occurs due to the human immune system's response to pathogens, toxic substances, and damaged cells. These are regulated by several endogenous factors such as cytokines, growth factors, and activated cells. Inflammation is categorized into two types -
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Acute Inflammation - There is a short-term response to external stimuli by the immune system.
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Chronic Inflammation - This occurs due to the absence of external stimuli resulting in a long-term response.
Various chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, connective tissue diseases, and cardiovascular diseases show the involvement of pathogenic mechanisms responsible for causing inflammation in the body.
Studies claim that the anti-inflammatory response of mastiha is due to inhibiting the secretion and formation of pro-inflammatory substances. On the administration of mastiha, there is inhibited secretion of prostaglandins (a group of lipids formed at the site of tissue damage involving tissue injury and other illnesses) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 mechanism conducted by macrophages. in animal experiment studies. It has been seen that macrophages regulate the functions of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (lipid mediators responsible for the formation of prostaglandins required in maintaining physiological processes) at protein and mRNA levels.
What Are the Antioxidant Properties of Mastic Gum?
An imbalance created between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense increases oxidative stress. Cell signaling, differentiation, and proliferation are mainly regulated by the free radicals of oxygen. This excessive production of reactive oxygen species leads to oxidative stress and degenerative changes in proteins of DNA and RNA. Mastiha increases the production of cellular superoxide by the process that is going to be triggered by the tumor necrosis alpha factor. This phenomenon includes the downregulation of NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogenase) oxidase by inhibiting the pathway of protein kinase C. This inhibition of the pathway increases the intracellular antioxidant glutathione levels by downregulating CD36 expression. This downregulation leads to cell formation atherogenesis in the vicinity of interleukin-4 (which regulates antibody production and inflammation).
What Are the Anti-atherogenic Properties of Mastic Gum?
The anti-atherogenic properties of mastiha are related to its anti-atherogenic and antioxidant properties. As the antioxidant effect is stimulated by downregulating, CD36 expression leads to cell formation atherogenesis in the presence of interleukin-4 at the regions of vascular dysfunction in atherosclerosis. Anti-ischemic properties are seen in animals responsible for decreased infarct size.
What Are the Anticarcinogenic Properties of Chios Mastic?
Studies have proved the effects of mastic gum on cancer cells. As per one study, this mastic enhances the role in the formation and progression of prostate cancer. In leukemia, the antiproliferative activity is studied, which is responsible for the prevention of vascular endothelial growth factor. But still, many studies are being conducted to investigate the anticancer effect of mastiha.
What Are the Antibacterial Properties of Mastiha?
Mastic has shown antibacterial effects on Helicobacter Pylori. Pyloric infections are the main factors for gastric diseases, peptic ulcers, and gastritis. The management includes the administration of a proton pump inhibitor such as pantoprazole and clarithromycin along with a single dose of Chios mastic for the duration of 7-14 days. Candida infections are also treated with mastic gum as it inhibits the multiplication of Trichomonas vaginalis.
What Are the Risks Associated With Chios Mastic?
The benefits and adverse effects of mastic gum are dose, time, and tissue-dependent. Though the consumption of mastic gum is regarded as safe, still the safe dose of the compound is unknown. Following are the few adverse effects associated with mastic gum consumption:
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Allergic contact dermatitis.
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Increase in liver weights.
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Liver carcinogenesis.
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Reduced bilirubin levels.
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Declined alkaline phosphatase activity.
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Changes in hematological and biochemical parameters.
Conclusion
The article summarizes the antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of mastic gum. There is no data associated with the adverse effects of the Chios mastic, studies are still going on to consider the maximum safe dose of the mastic gum. Chios mastiha mainly possesses therapeutic properties and are more valuable in the medicinal industry. As an adjunct therapy, it shows excellent potential in managing several infectious diseases.
