Mastic Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Mastic is a natural resin that comes from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), an evergreen shrub in the cashew family. The most prized form, often called Chios mastic or mastiha, comes from trees grown on the Greek island of Chios. When the bark is scored, the tree releases droplets of sap that harden into clear or pale-yellow "tears" of resin.

People have used mastic for thousands of years. It has been chewed like a natural gum to freshen breath and clean teeth, and taken to soothe stomach problems. Today it is sold as capsules, powder, chewable resin, mouthwashes, and an essential oil. It is also used as a flavoring in foods, drinks, and sweets in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Mastic resin contains a mix of natural compounds, including terpenes, triterpenic acids, and natural polymers, as well as a small amount of essential oil. These compounds are thought to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

For the stomach, researchers believe mastic may help protect the lining of the gut and may slow the growth of certain bacteria, including H. pylori. In the mouth, it may reduce bacteria and plaque buildup. It is important to know that many of these effects have mostly been shown in test tube and animal studies, so we cannot be sure they work the same way in people.

Mastic has a long history of use as a food and chewing gum and is generally considered well tolerated in those amounts. However, there is limited high-quality safety information about taking concentrated supplement doses for long periods.

Because mastic comes from a tree in the same family as cashews and pistachios, people with tree nut or related allergies should be cautious and may want to avoid it. If you have an ongoing medical condition or take medications, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety information. To be safe, avoid medicinal or supplement amounts of mastic during these times, and stick to ordinary food amounts only if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Mastic is usually well tolerated. When side effects occur, they are most often mild and may include stomach upset, nausea, headache, or dizziness. Chewing the resin can sometimes cause jaw soreness.

More serious reactions are rare. People who are allergic to mastic or to related plants (such as cashew or pistachio) could have an allergic reaction, which may include rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. Stop using it and seek medical care right away if this happens.

There is no official or standardized dose of mastic. Studies have used different forms and amounts, so it is hard to recommend one exact dose. The strength of capsules, powders, and chewing products can vary a lot between brands.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the suggested amount. Because supplements are not tightly regulated, choose a reputable brand when possible. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting mastic, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.