Study on chemical constituents from Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) / 中国中药杂志

Phytochemical investigation on the methanolic extract of Mastic by using various chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of 9 compounds. Based on the analysis of spectroscopic data(NMR and MS) and/or comparisons with the data reported in the literature, their structures were elucidated as 3β,8α,13-trihydroxypolypoda-14-methoxy-14-methyl-17,21-diene(1), 4-hydroxymyrtenal(2),3-methyl-6-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-3-ene-1, 2-diol(3), 2-oxo-Δ~3-4,5,5-trimethylcyclopentynyl acidic acid(4),(1S,2R,3R,5R)-6,6-dimethyl-4-methylidenebicyclo[3.1.1]-heptane-2,3-diol(5),(4R)-1-methyl-4-(1-hydroxyisopropyl)cyclohexene-6-one(6), 6,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxy[3.1.1]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid(7), 6,6-dimethyl[3.1.1]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid(8), 6,6-dimethyl-4-oxobicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid(9). Compound 1 is a new compound and 2-9 were isolated from this species for the first time. In vitro cytotoxicity assay results indicated that compounds 1, 6 and 7 showed significant inhibitory effects against human lung cancer cell line A549 with IC_(50) values of 20.4, 25.1 and 22.5 μmoL·L~(-1).

Anticancer effect of mastic on human oral cancer cells / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: Mastic is a resinous extract from the stem and main leaves of Pistacia lentiscus, grown only in the Chios island of Greece. Mastic has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-ulcer activities. Although mastic has been widely studied, its inhibitory effect against cancer cells, especially oral cancer cells, has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to assess the anticancer effects of mastic on human oral cancer YD-10B cells. METHODS: YD-10B cells were cultured in 0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 µg/mL mastic for 24 h. Cell count, viability, morphology, colony-forming assay, and DAPI staining were analyzed. RESULTS: Mastic treatment of YD-10B cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, and almost all the cells in the 10 µg/mL culture were dead (P<0.05). Mastic treatment induced a morphological change and nuclear fragmentation in the YD-10B cells, and inhibited colony formation of YD-10B cells in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that mastic exhibited anticancer effects on the YD-10B cells through changes in cell morphology and apoptosis.

Synergistic Effects of Chios Gum Mastic Extract and Low Level Laser Therapy on Osteoblast Differentiation

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CGM on osteogenic differentiation of cultured osteoblasts, and determined whether combination treatment with LLLT had synergistic effects on osteogenic differentiation. The results indicated that CGM promoted proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts at the threshold concentration of 10 µg/ml; whereas, CGM showed cytotoxic properties at concentrations above 100 µg/ml. ALP activity and mineralization were increased at concentrations above 10 µg/ml. CGM in concentrations up to 10 µg/ml also increased the expression of osteoblast-activated factors including type I collagen, BMP-2, RUNX2, and Osterix. The CGM (50 µg/ml) and LLLT (80 mW for 15 sec) combination treatment group showed the highest proliferation levels, ALP activity, and mineralization ratios. The combination treatment also increased the levels of phosphorylated forms of p38, ATF2, PKD, ERK, and JNK. In addition, the osteoblast differentiation factors including type I collagen, BMP-2, RUNX2, and Osterix protein levels were clearly increased in the combination treatment group. These results suggested that the combination treatment of CGM and LLLT has synergistic effects on the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic cells.

The Inhibition of Oxidative Stress by Chios Gum Mastic is Associated with Autophagy

Chios Gum Mastic (CGM) is a natural resin extracted from the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus, a plant endemic to the Greek island of Chios. It has been used by traditional healers, and it has antibacterial, antifungal properties, and therapeutic benefits for the skin. The CGM reduces the formation of dental plaque and bacterial growth in oral saliva, and recent studies have demonstrated the role of antioxidant activity of CGM. Although CGM has been widely investigated, its protective effect against oxidative-damage to keratinocytes, as well as the relationship between CGM and autophagy, has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of CGM against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and to evaluate the autophagic features induced by CGM in human keratinocytes. The pretreatment with CGM significantly reduced apoptosis in H2O2-exposed HaCaT cells. It promoted the degradation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9; and it induced the formation of the processed PARP. The treatment with CGM caused an increase in vesicle formation compared to control group. The level of p62 was reduced and the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II was increased in CGM treated HaCaT cells. Also, the treatment with CGM increased cleavage of ATG5-ATG12 complex. In summary, CGM helps the cells to survive under stressful conditions by preventing apoptosis and enhancing autophagy. Besides, the present investigation provides evidence to support the antioxidant potential of CGM in vitro and opens up a new horizon for future experiments.

Effect Observation and Preliminery Mechanism Exploration of Shengji Corium Elephatis Mastic in Treating Chronic Refractory Skin Ulcer / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effect of Shengji corium elephatis mastic in treating chronic refractory skin ulcer, and analyze its preliminary mechanism. Methods Totally 62 patients with chronic refractory skin ulcer in granulation stage were randomly divided into two groups, 32 cases of treatment group were treated with Shengji corium elephatis mastic, and 30 cases of control group were treated with Vaseline gauze. All patients were treated for 4 weeks. The rate of wound healing, wound reduction ratio and wound secretion level of VEGF were observed. Results The cure rate and the total effective rate between the two groups had significant difference (P<0.05). After 2 weeks treatment, the mean wound reduction area of treatment group and control group was 82.31%and 66.32%respectively. After 4 weeks treatment, the mean wound reduction area of treatment group and control group was 90.35%and 78.7%respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After 1, 2 and 3 weeks treatment, the treatment group had significant difference with the control group in wound secretion VEGF level (P<0.05). Conclusion Shengji corium elephatis mastic can promote wound healing of chronic refractory skin ulcer. The possible mechanism is that Shengji corium elephatis mastic promotes the generation of VEGF in wound thus promotes wound repair.

Apoptotic Effects of Co-Treatment with a Chios Gum Mastic and Eugenol on G361 Human Melanoma Cells

We investigated the synergistic apoptotic effects of co-treatments with Chios gum mastic (CGM) and eugenol on G361 human melanoma cells. An MTT assay was conducted to investigate whether this co-treatment efficiently reduces the viability of G361 cells compared with each single treatment. The induction and augmentation of apoptosis were confirmed by DNA electrophoresis, Hoechst staining, and analyses of DNA hypoploidy. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining were also performed to evaluate expression and translocation of apoptosis-related proteins following CGM and eugenol co-treatment. Proteasome activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were also assayed.The results indicated that the co-treatment of CGM and eugenol induces multiple pathways and processes associated with an apoptotic response in G361 cells. These include nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, a reduction in MMP and proteasome activity, an increase of Bax and decrease of Bcl-2, a decreased DNA content, cytochrome c release into the cytosol, the translocation of AIF and DFF40 (CAD) into the nucleus, and the activation of caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-3, PARP and DFF45 (ICAD). In contrast, separate treatments of 40 microg/ml CGM or 300 microM eugenol for 24 hours did not induce apoptosis. Our present data thus suggest that a combination therapy of CGM and eugenol is a potential treatment strategy for human melanoma.

The preliminary research of the effect of Gum mastic combined with gemcitabine in human pancreatic carcinoma BxPc-3 cells and its mechanism / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of Gum mastic combined with gemcitabine on human pancreatic carcinoma BxPc-3 cells and its mechanism.Methods Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and propidium iodine staining,respectively.After BxPc-3 cells were treated with different concentrations of Gum mastic and gemcitabine,the expression of NF-κB p65 subunit,IkB,Bcl-2 and Bax proteins was detected by Western blot.BxPc-3 cells were injected subcytaneously into nude mice to establish pancreatic xenograft tumors,and the changes of tumor volume were monitored.Results Compared to either single agent,treatment with Gum mastic (40 mg/L) combined with gemcitabine (10 mg/L) for 72 h signi cantly inhibited the proliferation of BxPc 3 cells (P＜0.01).Its rate of apoptosis(45.13±4.01)was more than Gum mastic,gemcitabine(P＜0.01) and control group (5.07 ± 1.37,P＜ 0.01).When cells were treated with gemcitabine in combination with gum mastic in human pancreatic carcinoma BxPc-3 cells for 48 h,the IκB level was increased,whereas NF-κB activation was blocked; the expression of Bax protein was substantially increased,but Bcl-2 protein was down-regulated; gum mastic or combined with gemcitabine could significantly inhibit the growth of pancreatic xenograft tumors (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Gum mastic could effectively strengthen the sensitivity of human pancreatic carcinoma BxPc-3 cells to gemcitabine.It may inhibit the expression of NF-κB p65 subunit and Bcl-2 proteins and increase the expression of IκB and Bax proteins.

A Natural Product, Chios Gum Mastic, Induces the Death of HL-60 Cells via Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is produced from Pistiacia lentiscus L var chia, which grows only on Chios Island in Greece. CGM is a kind of resin extracted from the stem and leaves, has been used for many centuries in many Mediterranean countries as a dietary supplement and folk medicine for stomach and duodenal ulcers. CGM is known to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in some cancer cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the alteration of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis following CGM treatment of HL-60 cells. The viability of the HL-60 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis were employed to detect HL-60 cells undergoing apoptosis. Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FACScan flow cytometry, MMP activity and proteasome activity analyses were also employed. CGM treatment of HL-60 cells was found to result in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability and apoptotic cell death. Tested HL-60 cells showed a variety of apoptotic manifestations and induced the downregulation of G1 cell cycle-related proteins. Taken collectively, our present findings demonstrate that CGM strongly induces G1 cell cycle arrest via the modulation of cell cycle-related proteins, and also apoptosis via proteasome, mitochondrial and caspase cascades in HL-60 cells. Hence, we provide evidence that a natural product, CGM could be considered as a novel therapeutic for human leukemia.

An approach to the study of the fungal deterioration of a classical art material: Mastic varnish

Mastic, one of the best natural varnishes, is frequently used as protective and finishing layer or as component of oleo-resinous media in paintings, both in the past and currently. However, this resin is affected by complex deterioration processes which can change its characteristics and thus the visual aspect of works of art. The alteration processes caused by radiation have been widely studied, but there is a lack of information on the biodeterioration of this natural product. In this paper, fungi from collections as well as from oil paintings of the Fine Arts Museum of Granada (Spain) were inoculated onto slides covered with mastic. The samples, after an incubation period of 15 days, were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the chemical changes undergone, and a visual monitoring of the samples was performed to determine the formation of mycelia onto solidified resins. Major changes were detected in Chrysonilia sitophila, Phoma herbarum, and P. chrysogenum, showing evidence of alteration processes caused or favoured by these microorgamisms.

Apoptotic Effect of Co-treatment with Chios Gum Mastic and HS-1200 on G361 Human Melanoma Cell Line / 대한해부학회지

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is a resinous exudate obtained from the stem and the main leaves of Pistacia lenticulus tree native to Mediterranean areas. Recently it reported that CGM induce apoptosis in a few cancer cells in vitro. Bile acids and their synthetic derivatives induced apoptosis in various kinds of cancer cells and anticancer effects. It has been reported that the synthetic chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) derivatives showed apoptosis-inducing activity on various cancer cells in vitro. This study was undertaken to investigate the synergistic apoptotic effect of cotreatment with a natural product, CGM and a CDCA derivative, HS-1200 on G361 human melanoma cells. To investigate whether the co-treatment of CGM and HS-1200 compared with each single treatment efficiently reduced the viability of G361 cells, MTT assay was conducted. To investigate augmentation of apoptosis in G631 cells co-treated with CGM and HS-1200, DNA electrophoresis, Hoechst staining, proteasome activity assay, flow cytometry, Westen blot analyses, immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy were performed. In this study, G361 cells co-treated with CGM and HS-1200 showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation such as nuclear condensations, DNA fragmentation, the reduction of MMP and proteasome activity, the decrease of DNA content, the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, the translocation of AIF and DFF40 (CAD) onto nuclei, activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP and DFF45 (ICAD), and up-regulation of Bax whereas each single treated G361 cells did not. Although the single treatment of 40 micro/mL CGM or 25 micro HS-1200 for 24 hrs did not induce apoptosis, the co-treatment of them induced prominently apoptosis. Therefore, combination therapy of CGM and HS-1200 could be considered, in the future, as an alternative therapeutic strategy for human melanoma.

Chios Gum Mastic Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma Cells / 대한해부학회지

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is a resin produced from the stem and leaves of Pistiacia lentiscus L var chia, a plant which grows only on Chios Island in Greece. CGM has been used for many centuries as a dietary supplement and folk medicine for stomach and duodenal ulcers in many Mediterranean countries and is also known to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in some cancer cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the alteration of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis by CGM treatment on human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. The viability and the growth inhibition of HOS cells were assessed by the MTT assay and clonogenic assay respectively. The hoechst staining, TUNEL assay and DNA electrophoresis were conducted to observe the HOS cells undergoing apoptosis. HOS cells were treated with CGM, and Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, FACScan flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential change and proteasome activity were conducted. CGM treatment of HOS cells was found to result in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability, a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, and apoptotic cell death. Tested HOS cells also showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation and G1 arrest in cell cycle progression. In summary, this study clearly demonstrated that CGM induces G1 cell cycle arrest via the modulation of cell cycle-related proteins, and apoptosis via proteasome, mitochondrial and caspase cascades in HOS cells. Therefore, our data provide the possibility that a natural product, CGM could be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy for human osteosarcoma.

The Effects of Gingival Gel on Periodontium in Mandibular Fracture Patients Applied by Arch Bar

For many years, intermaxillary fixation using arch bar has been operated in treatment of mandibular fracture patients. But it has many complications including injury of operators and assistants cause by wire, inflammation of periodontium. For that reasons alternatives are required; osteosynthesis technique using mini plate, intermaxillary fixation using IMF screws have been available. Treatment by arch bar fixation, however, is still valuable to treat craniomaxillary fracture patients. The purpose of this study is to know effect arch bar on periodontium and influence gingival gel on periodontium applied by arch bar. 40 mandibular fracture patients are monitored. 30 patients were applied by arch bar, 10 patients were not. And the former were classified by 3 categories; Nano vitamin and Mastic gel were applied to 10 patients respectively and any gingival gel was not used to 10 patients. Clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and periodontal depth of each group were measured and compared before operation and on 2 weeks and 6 weeks after operation. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze result which leads to this conclusion. 1. Whether arch bar is applied or not, treatment of mandlbular fracture gave rise to gingivitis, but 6 weeks after operation, gingivitis is restored to the same level as the state before operation. 2. More severe gingivitis appeared when arch bar is applied to mandibular fracture than when it is not. 3. Both gingival gel used in this study can reduce gingivitis which can be caused by arch bar. 4. In this study, Mastic gel is more effective for prevent gingival inflammation cause by arch bar than nano vitamin. In regard to this result, gingivitis is considered to be available because it is reversible and does not induce periodontal disease. Gingival gel is regarded to be helpful for patients applied by arch bar to feel less discomfort.

Apoptotic Effect of Co-Treatment with a Natural Product, Chios Gum Mastic, and a Proteasome Inhibitor, Lactacystin, on Human Osteosarcoma Cells / 대한해부학회지

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is a resinous exudate obtained from the stem and the main leaves of Pistacia lenticulus tree native to Mediterranean areas. Recently, it was reported that CGM induced apoptosis in a few cancer cells in vitro. Since recent studies indicated the synergistic interactions between the apoptotic stimulus and a proteasome inhibitor, the ubiquintin-proteasome pathway has become an attractive target in cancer therapy. And to date, there has been no report of the synergistic apoptotic effect between CGM and a proteasome inhibitor to become an attractive target in cancer therapy. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the synergistic apoptotic effect of co-treatment with a natural product, CGM, and a proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin, on human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. To investigate whether the co-treatment of CGM and lactacystin compared with each single treatment efficiently induced apoptosis on HOS cells, MTT assay, DNA electrophoresis, Hoechst staining, DNA hypoploidy assay, Westen blot analysis, immunofluorescent staining, proteasome activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) change were performed. In this study, HOS cells co-treated with CGM and lactacystin showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation such as nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation, the reduction of MMP and proteasome activity, the decrease of DNA content, the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, the translocation of AIF and DFF40 (CAD) onto nuclei, and activation of caspase-7, caspase-3, PARP and DFF45 (ICAD) whereas each single treated HOS cells hardly showed. We presented data indicating that the co-treatment of CGM and lactacystin induced potentially apoptosis whereas each single treatment did slightly. Moreover, the co-treatment of CGM and lactacystin potentiated the inhibition of proteasome activity. Therefore, our data provide the possibility that combination therapy of CGM and lactacystin could be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy for human osteosarcoma.

Apoptotic Effect of Co-Treatment with a Natural Product, Chios Gum Mastic, and a Synthetic Chenodeoxycholic Acid Derivative, HS-1200, on Human Osteosarcoma Cells / 체질인류학회지

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is a resinous exudate obtained from the stem and the main leaves of Pistacia lenticulus tree native to Mediterranean areas. Recently it reported that CGM induced apoptosis in a few cancer cells in vitro. It has been reported that the synthetic chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) derivatives showed apoptosis-inducing activity on various cancer cells in vitro. This study was undertaken to investigate the synergistic apoptotic effect of co-treatment with a natural product, CGM and a CDCA derivative, HS-1200 on human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. To investigate whether the co-treatment of CGM and HS-1200 compared with each single treatment efficiently reduced the viability of HOS cells, MTT assay was conducted. Induction and augmentation of apoptosis were confirmed by DNA electrophoresis, Hoechst staining and DNA hypoploidy, Westen blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining were performed to study the alterations of the expression level and translocation of apoptosis-related proteins in co-treatment. Furthermore, proteasome activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) change were also assayed. In this study, HOS cells co-treated with CGM and HS-1200 showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation whereas each single treated HOS cells did not. Although the single treatment of 40 microgram/mL CGM or 25 micrometer HS-1200 for 24 h did not induce apoptosis, the cotreatment of them induced prominently apoptosis. Therefore our data provide the possibility that combination therapy of CGM and HS-1200 could be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy for human osteosarcoma.

Chios Gum Mastic Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in YD9 Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells / 체질인류학회지

Chios gum mastic (CGM) is obtained from the stem and leaves of Pistacia lentiscus trees and has been extensively used for centuries in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, both as a dietary supplement and herbal remedy. This study was undertaken to examine in vitro effects of cytotoxicity and growth inhibition, and the molecular mechanism underlying modulation of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis in YD9 human oral squamous carcinoma cell line treated with CGM. The viability of YD9 cells and human normal keratinocyes (HaCaT cells), and the growth inhibition of YD9 cells were assessed by the MTT assay and clonogenic assay respectively. The hoechst staining and DNA electrophoresis were conducted to observe the YD9 cells undergoing apoptosis. YD9 cells were treated with CGM, and Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy and FACScan flow cytometry were conducted. Mitochondrial membrane potential change and proteasome activity were measured. CGM treatment on YD9 cells resulted in a does-dependent inhibition of cell growth and induced apoptotic cell death. And tested YD9 cells showed several lines of apoptotic manifestation. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that CGM resulted in G1 arrest in cell cycle progression which was associated with decrease in the protein expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, Cdk2 and Cdk4, and increase in the protein expression of p21(WAF1/CIP1) and p53. These results demonstrate that CGM induces G1 the cell cycle arrest via the modulation of cell cycle-related proteins, and apoptosis via mitochondria and caspase pathway in YD9 cells, suggesting that CGM can be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy for human oral squamous cell carcinoma from its strong cell cycle arrest and apoptosis-inducing activity.

Promotion of basic aloe mastic on wound healing of tooth extraction in rats / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective To evaluate the effect of basic aloe mastic on the healing process after tooth extraction in rats. Methods The models of tooth extraction wound were established by extracting the left and right maxillary first molares in 60 Wistar rats,and randomly divided into two groups. Right sides of teeth extraction socket were used as experimental groups,experimental group 1 was filled with 30% aloe mastic ,experimental group 2 was filled with 50% aloe mastic. Left sides of teeth extraction socket were used as control group. The histological observation was performed after tooth extraction at 2,4,6,8,11,and 15 days. Results There was a significant difference of the wound areas between experimental groups and control group at early stage (15 d) after tooth extraction (P

Protective effects of mastic in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced gut damage and bacterial translocation in a rat model / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: NSAIDs induce gut damage and bacterial translocation throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to examine whether mastic, a natural resinous exudate obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus treetrees, can reduce diclofenac induce gut damage and bacterial translocation in rats. METHODS: 32 SD rats were divided into four groups; a control group, diclofenac group, diclofenac with 0.3 cc/kg mastic group and diclofenac with 1.0 cc/kg mastic group. Mastic oils were administered 3 hours before diclofenac administration (100 mg/kg orally x2 days). Intestinal permeability, enteric aerobic bacterial counts in the distal ileum and cecum, intestinal adhesion, lipid peroxidation of distal ileum, and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, kidney and heart were measured, respectively RESULTS: Diclofenac caused marked increase in intestinal permeability, enteric bacterial numbers in distal ileum and cecum, intestinal adhesion, lipid peroxidation of the distal ileum, and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, kidney and heart of which event were reduced with Mostic coadminist. Howere mastic oil showed significant profect effects in 1.0 cc/kg dose. CONCLUSIONS: Mastic was proven to have beneficial effects on preventing NSAID induced gut injury and bacterial translocation in a rat model.