Chios Mastic & Properties: The natural antidote to indigestion..and not only that

Chios Mastic and Historical background: Where does the unique mastic come from?

Chios mastic comes from the chia Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, which is cultivated exclusively in the mastic villages of Chios, also known as “chia tear”. Chios mastic has been used since ancient times. It has been mentioned by Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galenos in the context of treating gastric disorders, ulcers and indigestion, bad breath and skin care. In Roman and Ottoman times, Chios mastic was a valuable trade product. If you are fascinated by nature, you have no choice but to visit the beautiful island of Chios, to visit the Chios Mastic Museum and admire the mastic trees, which have been a trademark of the island for centuries.

Chios Mastic and Properties

Chios mastic is one of the few natural resins with documented pharmacological properties, as it has been extensively researched ~ and the scientific community continues its work. The natural composition of mastic contains essential oils, polyphenols and terpenes, which give it a wealth of bioactive properties:

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action: Mastic inhibits the action of pro-inflammatory enzymes (e.g. COX-2, iNOS) and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), while protecting cells from oxidative stress, thanks to its terpenes and polyphenols.
Antimicrobial action: against bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, helping to treat gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective action: Research shows a reduction in LDL cholesterol and inflammatory markers (CRP) in people who consumed mastic.
Regulation of the gut microbiome: The supplementation of healthy adults with mastic for 4 weeks led to significant changes in the composition of the microflora. An enhancement of beneficial bacteria (such as Faecalibacterium) and a decrease in pro-inflammatory markers were observed, which is associated with better digestive and immune function.
Natural antidote to indigestion: Clinical trials have shown a significant reduction in symptoms such as stomach pain and heartburn after administration of 350 mg of mastic oil, three times a day, for 3 weeks. The most widely documented effect relates to functional indigestion, where studies have shown that consumption of mastic reduces symptoms such as heartburn, bloating and gastric pain.
Anticancer properties (early findings): Some studies show a possible inhibitory effect of mastic on the growth of liver and colon cancer cells.

Chios mastic. Its wide use in a variety of products.

The unique taste and biological properties of Chios mastic have been exploited in the manufacture of a wide range of modern products:

Food & beverages: Used in chewing gum, sweets, liqueurs, ice cream, beverages and functional drinks to naturally support digestion.
Cosmetics: Its antioxidant and healing action has been harnessed in face creams, soaps, masks and hair care products. Mastic acts against premature aging and enhances the natural elasticity of the skin.
Oral hygiene products: It is used in toothpastes and mouthwashes, as its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties reduce plaque, bad breath and support gum health.

Chios mastic and its use in pharmaceutical products

Scientific research on the medicinal properties of Chios mastic has intensified considerably in the last two decades. According to the study by S. Soulaidopoulos and his colleagues, published in the Journal of Nutrients, pure Chios mastic can:

Improve the symptomatology of indigestion, even in patients with a history of H. pylori.
Helps reduce LDL cholesterol and inflammatory markers such as CRP.
Protect the liver and help in conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In the clinical study by Dabos et al. (2010), the administration of 350 mg of Chios mastic three times a day for 3 weeks to patients with functional dyspepsia led to a statistically significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms compared to placebo.

Chios mastic has been officially recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2015 as a traditional herbal medicinal product for mild indigestion and minor skin injuries. Its use in capsule or powder form appears to have positive effects on various digestive disorders:

Functional indigestion: Clinical studies with daily administration of 1-2g of pure mastic showed significant improvement in symptoms such as bloating, pain and heartburn.
Chios mastic acts optimally at low (acidic) pH in the stomach: One of the main advantages of mastic is that it acts optimally in an acidic environment, such as that of the stomach, forming a protective membrane on its walls. The study by Huwez et al. (1998) showed that mastic has a strong antibacterial effect against Helicobacter (H. pylori), which partly explains its properties against the formation of peptic ulcers and inhibits the growth of H. pylori, even at low concentrations. Of utmost importance is the clinical study by Dabos et al. (2010) on the in vivo bactericidal activity of mastic against Helicobacter (H. pylori), where eradication of Helicobacter was observed from 30.8% to 38.5% of patients who received exclusively Chios mastic, 3 times a day, 350mg and 1050mg respectively, without co-administration of antibiotics and without side effects. Therefore, it is recommended not to be consumed simultaneously with antacid drugs, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or H2-agonists, as the neutralization of gastric fluid may reduce the effectiveness of mastic against both Helicobacter (H. pylori) and in cases of heartburn, indigestion.
Peptic syndromes and chronic inflammatory diseases: Its use in diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Crohn's disease is being investigated.

In Holland & Barrett's physical stores as well as in the e-shop you will find a variety of products with Chios mastic, such as products for the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms in various palatable forms, oral hygiene products with mastic and enriched foods. Thus, you will always have with you the right product for you, with the help of our specialized staff.

Chios mastic, its value at a glance

Chios mastic is one of the most important natural products of the Mediterranean with unique historical, cultural and therapeutic value. Scientific studies confirm what people have known for centuries: that it is a natural ally of the digestive system and more. Its multiple pharmacological properties are documented by modern studies, providing relief from digestive, inflammatory and skin conditions. Interest in Chios mastic is intensified by international organizations and with its incorporation in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, Chios mastic is emerging as a global natural superfood with multiple applications. An aromatic “tear” of Greek nature, with powers that reach far beyond its taste!

Scientific references

Dabos, K. J., Sfika, E., Vlatta, L. J., & Giannikopoulos, G. (2010). The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 17(3-4), 296–299.

Pachi, V. K., Mikropoulou, E. V., Gkiouvetidis, P., Siafakas, K., Argyropoulou, A., Angelis, A., Mitakou, S., & Halabalaki, M. (2020). Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Chios mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, Anacardiaceae): A review. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 254, 112485.

Paraschos, S., Magiatis, P., Mitakou, S., Petraki, K., Kalliaropoulos, A., Maragkoudakis, P., Mentis, A., Sgouras, D., & Skaltsounis, A. L. (2007). In vitro and in vivo activities of Chios mastic gum extracts and constituents against Helicobacter pylori. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 51(2), 551–559.

Soulaidopoulos, S., Tsiogka, A., Chrysohoou, C., Lazarou, E., Aznaouridis, K., Doundoulakis, I., Tyrovola, D., Tousoulis, D., Tsioufis, K., Vlachopoulos, C., & Lazaros, G. (2022). Overview of Chios Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus) Effects on Human Health. Nutrients, 14(3), 590.

Triantafyllou, A., Chaviaras, N., Sergentanis, T. N., Protopapa, E., & Tsaknis, J. (2007). Chios mastic gum modulates serum biochemical parameters in a human population. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 111(1), 43–49.

Websites

Chios.gr. (n.d.). The Mastic Museum. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from Gummastic.gr. (2018). Scientific references – 5th edition.

University of Athens. (n.d.). Thesis on Chios mastic gum [Diploma thesis]. Pergamos Institutional Repository.

Gummastic.gr/el/erevna/mastiha.

info@hollandandbarrett.gr

*Text editing: Maria Kirmanidou, Marilena Karivali (Nutritionist from "Art of Nature") & Mairi Giannakaki (Dr Chemist R&D/RA manager from "Art of Nature")