Mastic Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Mastic Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Mastic is generally considered safe when taken orally in doses of up to 2.8 grams daily for a maximum of 3 months. It's also considered safe when administered via subcutaneous injection at specific doses for up to 4 weeks. However, there is limited information regarding the safety of topical use, and cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported with mastic gum-containing products. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to avoid using mastic due to insufficient reliable information about its safety during these periods.

How Does Mastic Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

The active component of mastic is the resin, which contains triterpenes like mastihadienonic acid and isomastihadienonic acid, oleanolic acid, and tirucallol. Additionally, the volatile oil of mastic includes alpha-pinene and beta-myrcene.

Mastic exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to its various clinical benefits. In animal studies, mastic gum has shown anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation related to conditions such as edema, asthma, and allergic contact dermatitis. This reduction in inflammation is attributed to its impact on inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, neutrophils, and eosinophils.

Furthermore, mastic gum has demonstrated potential anticancer effects by reducing tumor growth in animal models through increased apoptosis and decreased neovascularization. It also possesses antimicrobial properties, displaying antibacterial and antifungal activities. Mastic gum may have a protective effect on bone density and gastrointestinal health, possibly helping prevent ulcers and improving symptoms of conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Pharmacokinetics

In humans, consuming mastic results in increased terpene levels in the blood within 0.5 hours, peaking 2-4 hours after ingestion.

Interaction Overview

No interactions of mastic with drugs or supplements are currently known.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

When used topically, allergic contact dermatitis may occur in sensitive individuals. Subcutaneous administration may cause dizziness, headache, injection site erythema, and injection site pain.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient reliable information about the standardization of mastic supplements.

What Is Mastic Typically Used For?

Mastic is possibly effective in alleviating symptoms of dyspepsia, improving conditions like brittle nails when used topically in combination with other ingredients. However, there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate its effectiveness for conditions such as cancer, Crohn's disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, inflammatory bowel disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, periodontitis, and wound healing. Further research is needed to determine its efficacy for these uses.

Drugs that interact with Mastic