Identification of Sex-Associated Genetic Markers in Pistacia lentiscus var. chia for Early Male Detection.

Pistacia lentiscus var. chia is a valuable crop for its high-added-value mastic, a resin with proven pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical properties harvested from the male tree trunk. To achieve the maximum economic benefits from the cultivation of male mastic trees, it is important to develop early sex diagnosis molecular tools for distinguishing the sex type. Thus far, the work on sex identification has focused on Pistacia vera with promising results; however, the low transferability rates of these markers in P. lentiscus necessitates the development of species-specific sex-linked markers for P. lentiscus var. chia. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding: (i) the development of species-specific novel transcriptome-based markers for P. lentiscus var. chia and their assessment on male, female and monoecious individuals using PCR-HRM analysis, thus, introducing a cost-effective method for sex identification with high accuracy that can be applied with minimum infrastructure, (ii) the effective sex identification in mastic tree using a combination of different sex-linked ISSR and SCAR markers with 100% accuracy, and (iii) the impact evaluation of sex type on the genetic diversity of different P. lentiscus var. chia cultivars. The results of this study are expected to provide species-specific markers for accurate sex identification that could contribute to the selection process of male mastic trees at an early stage for mass propagation systems and to facilitate future breeding efforts related to sex-linked productivity and quality of mastic resin.

Real-world safety and effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus (mastic gum) in patients with diabetic gastroparesis: 24-week interim analysis postintervention.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal neuropathies are frequently found in diabetic patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to find out the safety, adverse reactions, and long-term effectiveness of Pistacia lentiscus plant extract (mastic gum) in diabetic gastroparesis (DG) with respect to sustainable improvement in gastroparesis symptoms (Gastrointestinal Cardinal Symptom Index [GCSI] score) by observational follow-up study of a single-centric double-blind noninferiority randomized control trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals were recruited and equally randomized in two study groups based on GCSI score and TC99 radionuclide gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), i.e. the mastic gum group and the levosulpiride group. After 24 weeks, the GCSI score was recalculated in both the groups, and patients were evaluated for the safety, adverse reactions, and long-term effectiveness of mastic gum and the standard drug levosulpiride. RESULTS: In the extended study, mean GCSI score changes at 24 weeks were statistically significant (P < 0.001) (t-test) between the two groups. In the mastic gum arm, the change in mean GCSI score at 24 weeks was statistically nonsignificant mean ± (standard deviation [SD]) 16.7± (3.81) compared to the GCSI score at 2-month postintervention mean (SD) 16.35± (2.27) (intragroup P = 0.89) (repeated measures ANOVA). It strongly indicates that mastic gum provided a sustainable improvement in DG symptoms in comparison to levosulpiride, with excellent subjective well-being postintervention, without any obvious significant adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Six-month (24-week) interim analysis of patients suggests that mastic gum gives a sustainable improvement in DG symptoms without any obvious adverse effects as compared to levosulpiride.

Chemical characteristics and biological activity screening of Pistacia lentiscus mastic gum and leaves from Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: Mastic gum is a resin that is produced by Pistacia lentiscus. It has many traditional uses, dating from ancient times, such as the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and as a food additive. In this study, the leaves and mastic gum of trees of different ages from Karaburun and the Cesme peninsula in Türkiye were examined chemically and biologically. Flavonoids, and phenolic and fatty acid components were evaluated by a liquid chromatography system coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Cytotoxicity was screened against several cancer and healthy cell lines using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition was determined on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) cells. Antiviral activity was measured against avian coronavirus using an in ovo virucidal antiviral activity assay. RESULTS: The main phenolic constituents of the gum were found to be salicylic, rosmarinic, and caffeic acids whereas the most abundant compounds detected were flavonoids in the leaf extracts. The most abundant fatty acids in hexane extracts were palmitic and oleic acids. All gum extracts except 3-year-old gum had significant cytotoxic activity on HeLa (IC50 1.74 ± 0.03-4.76 ± 0.95) and PC-3 (0.64 ± 0.25-6.22 ± 1.40) cells. Moreover, reducing virus activity by fivefold or sixfold logarithmically between the range of 5-10 µg g-1 of 30-year-old gum extracts underscored the biological activity. CONCLUSION: In ovo antiviral activity studies on the P. lentiscus were conducted for the first time. The mastic gum and leaves obtained from P. lentiscus may have strong potential in terms of their chemical content and antiviral and cytotoxic activity. As a consequence of these properties, it is a sustainable, renewable natural resource that can be used as an additive and flavoring in the food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison between mastic gum resin extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in the prevention of biofilm formation on titanium dental implants.

The biofilm formation around dental implant abutment is considered the main cause of peri-implant infection. The use of antimicrobial mouthwash might potentially reduce biofilm formation and subsequent infection. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm properties of mastic gum resin extract (MGRE) against S. Mutans biofilm on the surface of titanium dental implant discs. This study used grade five (medical grade) titanium dental implant discs measuring 15 mm in diameter. The substances in the MGRE were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) which found 12 detectable chemicals in MGRE. In this study, S. mutans was collected around the healing abutment of a recently placed dental implant and then cultured on titanium discs (in vitro). After bacterial growth on the titanium specimens for 24 hours, they were subjected to either chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), (n = 6) or MGRE (n = 6). The antibacterial activity tests showed that both CHX and MGRE significantly inhibited bacterial growth compared to the negative control, the lactate production and turbidity measurements were significantly lower in MGRE and CHX compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding the antibiofilm activity, both treatments showed significantly less turbidity in their biofilm compared to the control. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that there were very limited adherence cells on the titanium implant discs in treatment groups, while there were confluent and attached bacterial cells in the control. The MGRE showed an antimicrobial property against S. mutans indicating that it has a potential for clinical use as a mouthwash.

Sialagogic Effects Through Olfactory Stimulation with Mastic Resin and α-pinene Volatiles in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Xerostomia, often associated with decreased saliva quality, poses challenges due to limited treatment efficacy. This study aimed to investigate alternative approaches to enhance saliva secretion through olfactory volatile stimulation with mastic resin and its main compound α-pinene, known for inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in vitro. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of freshly prepared mastic resin extract oil and α-pinene oil on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured in vitro. Eighty healthy participants were recruited and divided into two groups: exposed to mastic resin volatiles (n = 40) or α-pinene volatiles (n = 40). Saliva samples were collected pre, during and post exposure to analyze saliva flow rate, spinnbarkeit, ion composition and MUC5B levels. RESULTS: Mastic resin extract oil and α-pinene oil inhibited AChE activity by 207 % and 22 %, respectively. Olfactory stimulation with these volatiles significantly increased saliva secretion rate without altering spinnbarkeit and ion composition. Salivary MUC5B concentration rose after exposure to mastic resin volatiles. CONCLUSIONS: Olfactory stimulation with mastic resin and α-pinene volatiles demonstrated a bona fide in vivo effect on saliva secretion, confirming their sialagogic capability, potentially as a result of local glandular AChE inhibition. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of both volatile compounds in treating patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation through olfactory exposure.

Biodiesel production from Mastic oil via electrolytic transesterification: optimization using response surface methodology and engine test.

This study aimed to synthesize the biodiesel from Mastic oil by electrolysis method. Mastic gum is a potential and inexpensive feedstock for the biodiesel production. The oil content of Mastic gum was ~ 20% of the total gum weight. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was exploited to measure the oil's fatty acid profile. The response surface methodology (RSM) via Box-Behnken design (BBD) was utilized to specify the best processing condition of the electrolytic transesterification process. According to the RSM-BBD results, the highest predicted biodiesel yield was 95% at the reaction time of 1 h, methanol to oil ratio of 4:1, and catalyst weight of 1.2 wt%. Under these conditions, the produced Mastic oil biodiesel was blended with the neat diesel at different volume ratios of 5:95 (B5), 10:90 (B10), and 15:85 (B15). These fuel mixtures were tested in a single-cylinder engine to assess engine performance and exhaust emissions. The experiments exhibited that blending biodiesel with diesel can slightly improve the engine performance. Moreover, the application of blends with high volumes of biodiesel decreased the exhaust emissions, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) by 54.54%, 41%, and 39.3%, respectively. However, the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission increased because of the higher oxygen content of the biodiesel. It was also found that the physical and chemical characteristics of the Mastic oil biodiesel are the same as diesel, consistent with the ASTM standard. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis also confirmed the biodiesel production.

Antibacterial study of carbopol-mastic gum/silver nanoparticle-based topical gels with carvacrol/neem bark extract in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to antimicrobial drugs as a result of prolonged use usually results in clinical failure, especially in wound infections. Development of effective antimicrobial therapeutics for the management of infected wounds from a natural source with improved therapeutic effects is a pressing need. OBJECTIVE: In this study, carbopol-mastic gum-based topical gels were loaded with silver nanoparticles in combination with either neem bark extract or carvacrol oil. The effect of combining silver nanoparticles with neem bark extract or the essential oil carvacrol in the prepared gel formulations was investigated on selected bacterial strains. METHOD: The prepared gels were characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, followed by antimicrobial analysis against selected strains of bacteria. RESULTS: There was no interaction between the loaded natural extract or essential oil and the polymer used for the preparation of the formulations, which was visible from the FTIR spectra of the formulations. The gels were selective and effective against selected strains of bacteria. However, the combination of the silver nanoparticles with essential oil or natural extract in some of the gel formulations rendered the formulation ineffective against some of the bacterial strains. CONCLUSION: The gel formulations were effective against bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis which are the common causes of wound infections. Incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the topical formulations with natural extracts is usually a good approach to overcome antibiotic-resistant infections. However, the combination of antibacterial agents must be managed carefully.

Safety Profile of Pistacia lentiscus powder and tears in rat.

Pistacia lentiscus L (PL) is commonly known as gum mastic. Its powder and tears are widely used in herbal/ medicinal item, cosmetics and food supplements. The oil and gum resin of (PL) are anticipated to be consuming with other pharmacological agents in order to avoid any drug- drug interaction. The study was design to evaluate the sub-acute toxicity of gum mastic powder (GMP) and gum mastic tears (GMT) at the dose of 0.2857g/kg for a duration of 14 days. On 14th day of experiment, different biochemical test was performed on animal blood sample and then sacrificed for histopathological analysis of heart, liver and kidney and spleen. There were no significant differences in the gross and histopathology changes in vital organs like heart, liver and kidney and spleen tissues at the dose of 0.2857g/kg of gum mastic tears and powder and their corresponding control. The results indicate that both GMP and GMT can be used as cardio-protective and in gout treatment. It was concluded that use of gum mastic tears and powdered was found to be safe and consequently use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Phytochemical investigation of Pistacia lentiscus L. var. Chia leaves: A byproduct with antimicrobial potential.

Pistacia lentiscus L. var. Chia belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, and it is cultivated only in the south part of Chios island, in Greece. Even though it is renowned for its unique resin, Chios mastic gum (CMG), the tree leaves have also been used in traditional medicine, while the annual pruning generates a large biomass of unused by-products. Thus, the aim of the present study was the detailed phytochemical investigation of P. lentiscus var. Chia leaves towards the search of antimicrobial agents. UPLC-HRMS & HRMS/MS based dereplication methods led to the detailed characterization of the aqueous leaf extract. In addition, twelve compounds were isolated and purified from the methanol extract and were identified using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods (NMR, HRMS) belonging to phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenes, with the most interesting being 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole ß-D-glucopyranoside which was isolated for the first time in the Anacardiaceae family. Remarkably, based on NMR data, methanol and aqueous extracts were found to be particularly rich in shikimic acid, a valuable building block for the pharmaceutical industry, for instance in the synthesis of the active ingredient of Tamiflu®, oseltamivir. Finally, extracts (EtOAc, MeOH, H2O) and major compounds i.e., shikimic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole ß-D-glucopyranoside and myricitrin were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties. MeOH and H2O mastic leaf extracts as well as myricitrin and, particularly, 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole ß-D-glucopyranoside showed significant selective activity against pathogenic Mucorales, but not against Aspergilli (Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus), Candida albicans or bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis).

Chios Mastic Gum: Chemical Profile and Pharmacological Properties in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From the Past to the Future.

Chios mastic gum, the product of the tree Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, has been used for more than 2500 years in traditional Greek medicine for treating several diseases, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of its components. Despite the long-time use of mastic in gastroenterology and in particular in chronic-inflammation-associated diseases, to date, the literature lacks reviews regarding this topic. The aim of the present work is to summarize available data on the effects of P. lentiscus on inflammatory bowel disease. A comprehensive review of this topic could drive researchers to conduct future studies aimed at deeply investigating P. lentiscus effects and hypothesizing a mechanism of action. The present review, indeed, schematizes the possible bioactive components of mastic gum. Particular care is given to P. lentiscus var. Chia medicaments' and supplements' chemical compositions and their pharmacological action in inflammatory bowel disease.

Chios mastiha essential oil exhibits antihypertensive, hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects in metabolically unhealthy adults - a randomized controlled trial.

The essential oil of the resinous exudate from Pistacia lentiscus of Chios namely Chios Mastiha Essential Oil (CMEO), is a natural volatile oil rich in monoterpenes α-pinene, ß-myrcene, ß-pinene. In the present randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of CMEO on individuals with abdominal obesity and metabolic abnormalities i.e., dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance. Eligible patients (N = 94) were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving capsules containing 200 mg of CMEO daily for 3 months adjunct to current treatment for metabolic disorder(s), or the control group. Anthropometric measurements, blood markers, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. A significant improvement in blood lipid profile, namely triglycerides (p = 0.026) and low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.05) of the CMEO group versus controls was observed. Systolic blood pressure (p = 0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.022) significantly decreased only after CMEO intake. Alike, weight decreased only in CMEO (p = 0.02), while mean changes in % body fat (p = 0.005) and visceral fat (p = 0.045) were significantly different between groups post-intervention. Lower oxidized LDL (p = 0.044) and higher adiponectin (p = 0.007) were recorded in CMEO with significant different mean changes between groups post-intervention. QoL, as assessed by Short Form-12 questionnaire was improved in the CMEO compared to control (p = 0.041 for Physical Composite Score, p = 0.035 for Mental Composite Score). No adverse effects were reported. An anti-obesity effect of CMEO, probably attributed to modulation of inflammatory and antioxidant processes, is suggested. Conclusively, CMEO can be safe and effective in regulating metabolic abnormalities, adjunct to treatment. (ClinicalTrials.gov. The effect of Mastiha oil in Metabolic Syndrome, ID Number: NCT04785573).

Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) gum and oral health: a state-of-the-art review of the literature.

The aim of this state-of-the-art review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the various therapeutic effects of Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) gum on oral health. The search of the literature was conducted across thirteen databases for relevant publications published through May 2022 in English, Arabic, or Greek using a combination of keywords and phrases. Out of 246 papers, the search procedure identified 14 papers for inclusion. Mastic gum displayed antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and inhibited plaque accumulation, constituting a beneficial adjuvant in caries prevention. In the treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases, Pistacia lentiscus essential oil provided effective antibacterial activity against a variety of periodontal bacteria as well as anti-inflammatory properties. For oral cancer, several clinical trials revealed interesting results against cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. This indicates the potential of Mastic gum to serve as a preventive and therapeutic agent for oral mucosa inflammation and oral cancer. No notable toxic or side effects were reported in the clinical trials reviewed. This review highlights the various beneficial effects of Mastic gum in the prevention and potential treatment of oral diseases. Further research targeting Pistacia lentiscus products is required in order to validate and utilize these products to prevent and to treat oral health diseases.

The Effect of Mastic Chios Supplementation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Literature Review.

Mastic Chios is a natural treasure of Greece that offers many potential benefits in various disorders due its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of Mastic Chios supplementation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines across PubMed/Medline and EBSCO databases until February 2023. Clinical studies that examined individuals of any age being diagnosed with IBD as well as preclinical studies using animals with experimental colitis were considered eligible for inclusion. Studies included were assessed for methodological quality. Eight articles were eligible for inclusion, with seven conducted in Greece and one study in Iran. Most of the studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one was a pilot study. The intervention period varied between 3 and 7 days for animal studies and 4 weeks to 6 months for human studies. Mastic Chios supplementation varied between 2.2 and 2.8 g/day for clinical studies. The majority of studies concluded that Mastic Chios has significant antioxidant and inflammatory effects in IBD. This systematic review suggests that Mastic Chios may have a positive effect on the regulation and management of IBD. However, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to provide reliable and concrete conclusions about the effectiveness of Mastic Chios in this population. Such studies will further support the use of Mastic Chios as a reliable therapeutic option for IBD.

Efficient Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells by Mastic Gum.

Purpose: Promoting neurogenesis is a promising strategy to treat neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of mastic gum resin from the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia (Anacardiaceae family) in proliferation capacity and differentiation of embryonic mesenchymal stem cells into a neural lineage. Methods: For this purpose, mastic gum was applied as a neural inducer for stem cell differentiation into the neuronal lineage. Following treatment of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with mastic gum, verification differentiation of the ESCs into the neuronal lineage, gene expression analysis, and immunocytochemistry staining approach were performed. Results: Gene expression analysis demonstrated that mastic gum increased the expression level of neuron markers in the ESCs-derived neuron-like cells. Moreover, our immunocytochemistry staining results of two important neural stem cell markers, including Nestin and microtubule-associated protein-2 (Map2) expression confirmed that mastic gum has the potential to promote neuronal differentiation in ESCs. Conclusion: In summary, the use of mastic gum to stimulate the differentiation of ESCs into a neural lineage can be considered as a good candidate in stem cell therapy.

Masticadienonic acid from Chios mastic gum mitigates colitis in mice via modulating inflammatory response, gut barrier integrity and microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Chios mastic gum (CMG) is a traditional Greek medicine used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the bioactive compounds of CMG and the mechanisms of action for controlling of IBD remain unknown. PURPOSE: Masticadienonic acid (MDA) is one of the most abundant constituents isolated from CMG. This study aims to investigate the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of MDA in the pathogenesis of colitis. METHODS: The effects of MDA were evaluated using a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis mouse model. The body and spleen weight and colon length and weight were measured and the clinical symptoms were analysed. Blood samples were collected to analyse the level of serum inflammatory markers. Colon tissues were processed for histopathological examination, evaluation of the epithelial barrier function, and investigation of the probable mechanisms of action. The gut microbiota composition was also studied to determine the mechanism for the beneficial effects of MDA on IBD. RESULTS: MDA could ameliorate the severity of IBD by increasing the body weight and colon length, reducing spleen weight, disease activity index, and histological score. MDA treatments reduce the release of serum inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) via inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB signalling pathways. MDA supplementation could also improve the intestinal barrier function by activating the NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway and restoring the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. In addition, MDA administration modulates the gut microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that MDA attenuated experimental colitis by restoring intestinal barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota. The present study provides novel insights into CMG-mediated remission of IBD and may facilitate the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for IBD.

РАЗРАБОТКА РЕЦЕПТУРЫ И ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПЕНООБРАЗОВАТЕЛЯ ИЗ МАСТИЧНОЙ (PISTACIA LENTISCUS L.) КАМЕДИ.

An acid fraction derived from the evergreen plant of Mastic gum(Pistacia lentiscus L., family Anacardiacae, genus Pistacis L.) has been found to have bactericidal activity against 11 strains of Helicobacter pylori. However its healing potential is significantly reduced by poor solubility and low biological penetration. Therefore, the current problem is to develop a system that provides increased penetration of the drug into the stomach through the epithelial barrier. Foams are especially interesting in this regard. Foams are light systems, they do not swell, on the contrary, they grow in volume, completely covering the mucous membrane. The foams do not require taste correction and are designed to deliver a therapeutic substance from the skin and mucous membranes and provide an effective treatment. The aim of the research was the determination of formulation and development of technology of innovative medicinal form from Mastic gum. Based on biopharmaceutical studies, the formulation of capsules containing a foaming powder composition was determined: Mastic gum 250.0; Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) - 9.0; Lecithin - 12.6; Xanthan 4.5; Gelatin 4.5; Isomalt 90.0; Dry egg whites - 41.0; Sodium bicarbonate - 21.0; Citric acid - 6.0; Metocell M102 - 10.0; Talc - 1,4. The technology of preparation of Mastic gum foaming powder containing capsules has been developed.Foaming capsules containing Mastic gum, in artificial gastric juice, with foam-forming ability and foam stability meet the standard requirements for foam systems.

Overview of Chios Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus) Effects on Human Health.

Despite the remarkable development of the medical industry in the current era, herbal products with therapeutic potentials arise as attractive alternative treatments. Consequently, Chios mastiha, a natural, aromatic resin obtained from the trunk and brunches of the mastic tree, has recently gained increasing scientific interest due to its multiple beneficial actions. Chios mastiha is being exclusively produced on the southern part of Chios, a Greek island situated in the northern Aegean Sea, and its therapeutic properties have been known since Greek antiquity. There is now substantial evidence to suggest that mastiha demonstrates a plethora of favorable effects, mainly attributed to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of its components. The main use of mastiha nowadays, however, is for the production of natural chewing gum, although an approval by the European Medicines Agency for mild dyspeptic disorders and for inflammations of the skin has been given. The aim of this article is to summarize the most important data about the therapeutic actions of Chios mastiha and discuss future fields for its medical application.

Diverse Triterpenoids from Mastic Produced by Pistacia lentiscus and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Eight undescribed triterpenoids (1-8), including one apotirucallane-type triterpenoid (1), six tirucallane-type triterpenoids (2-7), and one oleanane-type triterpenoid (8), along with ten known compounds (9-18) were isolated from the resins of Pistacia lentiscus. Their structures were elucidated by integrating NMR spectroscopic analyses and ESI-HR-MS. Compounds 5, 11-17 exhibited moderate inhibitory abilities against NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, with IC50 values in the range of 18.26-50.37 µM, compared to that of the positive control dexamethasone (IC50 =20.24 µM).