Compounded at Comp Pharm Pharmacy. A Nutri Cross product.
Τhe mastic tree or lentisk – scientific name: Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia (of the Anacardiaceae family), is an evergreen shrub, 2-3 metres high that grows very slowly and becomes ready for cultivation after 40-50 years, reaching up to the height of 5 metres at its mature age. Lentisks and similar varieties of this tree family are an essential part of maqui-type vegetation found in Mediterranean countries, but only in Chios and only in its south part, the special characteristics of the ground, the micro – climate and the traditional cultivation finally create such an impressive result and shape the uniqueness of this special resin.
Antimicrobial action of Chios Mastiha essential oil
Significant research activity has been carried out regarding the antimicrobial action of mastiha’s essential oil – mastiha oil. Researchers have studied in particular that when mastiha oil, Chios mastiha essential oil, has been incorporated in the growth medium, it can delay the growth rate but also eliminate microbes, bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms.
The results of such studies confirm the important antimicrobial and antifungal action of mastiha oil, thus encouraging its further usage as a component of pharmaceutical and other protection and care products.
Chios Mastiha as a protective agent against atherosclerosis
Nowadays, there has been an intense scientific interest regarding the use of natural antioxidant agents as protective means against the atherosclerosis disease. Because of their composition, these substances offer protection against the formation of atheromatous plaques, thus preventing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart diseases. The presence of phenolic molecules, triterpenic compounds as well as phytosterols among Chios mastiha’s components is particularly important because of their action against the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and that is a significant evidence for its potential antioxidant effect. Research activity in that field is still in an experimental stage. In any case, the results that have been published up to now are particularly encouraging and indicate a strong possibility of using mastiha as a natural antioxidant agent.
Chios Mastiha in relation to oral hygiene and dental research
Scientific studies have proved that chewing Chios mastiha is very helpful for gum exercise, along with all its relevant beneficial effects in dental health. It has been further confirmed that Chios mastiha, unlike ordinary chewing gums, induces greater salivation due to its particular taste and its relative hardness, something that gives a greater feel of mouth freshness and cleanness, while it has been also proved to be relieving for people suffering from dry mouth, a disorder especially common among elderly persons.
In addition, researchers have carried out numerous scientific and clinical studies regarding mastiha’s and Chios mastiha chewing gum’s action in decreasing microbial plaque formation and eliminating bacterial growth inside the oral cavity.
Mastiha’s action in terms of prevention and treatment of peptic system diseases
The results of recent scientific studies related to mastiha’s therapeutic action with regard to disorders of the peptic system are especially worth-mentioning.
Ever since antiquity, it had been known that Chios mastiha had a strong positive effect in stomach comfort, e.g. relieving from gastrointestinal disorders, dyspepsia, gastralgia (stomach ache), peptic ulcers, etc.
In our times, scientific, laboratory but also clinical studies have confirmed the aforementioned significant action of Chios mastiha. The first research efforts were carried out in university foundations and clinics of the Arab world, areas where the use of Chios mastiha was and still is widespread even in practical medicine concoctions.
Use of Mastiha as a component of wound healing bandages and as a skin regeneration agent
Relevant publications have revealed that mastiha presents excellent wound healing and suturing properties, while at the same time it does not bring undesirable side effects to the skin (such as dermatitis, skin decoloration, etc), like other common healing products do.
This unique natural resin is already used very often as a component of bandages, adhesive plasters, compresses and other healing agents applied for the protection and healing of wounds or post-surgical incisions.
Albert Wessels
Responsible Pharmacist, Comp Pharm Pharmacy, Parys, 0568113277