OTHER STUDIES of Mastic Gum

In short: This page is an overview of published research on Chios mastic. Browse the studies by topic below, plus other individual studies. It is provided for information and reference only.

Please note: The studies referenced here are independent scientific research, much of it laboratory or small-scale. They are summarised for information and are not health claims. Mastic is a food supplement that contributes to the normal function of the digestive system; it is not a medicine.

Research on Chios mastic, by topic

Digestion & gastro-intestinal activity Oral health Antimicrobial activity Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory Mastic & cholesterol Mastic & blood sugar Mastic & blood pressure Mastic & the liver Mastic & NAFLD (MAST4HEALTH) Mastic & IBD Skin care Mastic & influenza A

For full bibliographic references, see our list of used literature.

Other individual studies

Chios mastic and zinc release (2010)

A 2010 study (Sawidis, Yurukova & Askitis) measured how much of the trace element zinc is released when chewing Chios mastic, compared with three commercial gums and with other natural resins of the same genus (Pistacia terebinthus) and a conifer (Pinus halepensis).

Method: gums or resins were chewed for 1–4 hours and the zinc content estimated.

Findings:

  • Chios mastic had a slightly higher natural zinc content than the other resins.
  • It released only about 0.7 mg/kg of zinc after 4 hours of chewing — a small amount.
  • Commercial gums showed higher zinc readings, but likely by absorbing zinc from saliva rather than providing it, which may reduce availability.

The authors framed their paper around zinc and male health, suggesting this zinc release as a possible mechanism behind mastic’s long-standing traditional reputation. It’s worth keeping in mind that the amount of zinc involved is small, so this remains a research hypothesis rather than a demonstrated effect of a food supplement.

Reference: Sawidis T., Yurukova L., Askitis T. (2010). Chios mastic, a natural supplement for zinc… Pharmaceutical Biology, 48(1): 48–54.

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