An introduction to
Chios Mastiha :
Tradition meets science
By: Paraskevi Massara
M
astiha is the natural and rare resin of the Pistacia
lentiscus var. Chia (Anacardiaceae) tree that grows only in
the southern part of the Greekisland Chios. The island’s
micro-climate, its topology, and landscape are the secret
behind its cultivation on this tiny part of the planet. Mastic
has been known for its medicinal and healing properties
since ancient times, when the Greek physician
Hippocrates used it for his patients as chewing gum
approximately 2500 years ago. Today mastiha continues to
interest a considerable part of the scientific community
and in 2015 the European Medicine Agency classified the
mastic gum to the category of “traditional herbal
medicines with two therapeutic indications: dyspeptic
disorders and skin inflammation healing”. Mastic is
unique due to its wide range of actions. Both clinical and
preclinical studies report the antifungal and antibacterial
activity of pure mastic against a range of Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria, and especially against Helicobacter
pylori. In addition to the antimicrobial effects, the so far
published results from animal and in vitro studies suggest
the
potential
antioxidant,
hepatoprotective,
chemopreventive, insulin regulative and cardioprotective
properties of the mastic. Despite the fact that the research
activity in these fields is still ongoing, is interesting that the
findings of the modern scientific research, coupled with
the historical and cultural references can set the ground
for alternative therapeutic treatments.
Issue 3 | Nutrition of Everything | 41