In Volume One of Medicinal Mastiha, we revealed that mastiha is both magic and medicine. In Volume Two, we dive deeper into the properties of mastic tears to understand the topical potential.

Pharmacology – the branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs.

There are many peer reviewed published medical articles where researchers have investigated mastiha’s antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The mission of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is to foster scientific excellence in the evaluation and supervision of medicines for the benefit of public and animal health in the European Union. To receive an accreditation, the EMA’s scientific committees provide independent recommendations on medicines for human and veterinary use, based on a comprehensive scientific evaluation of data. In 2015, Pistacia lentiscus L. resin (mastic) was recognized as an herbal medicinal product with traditional use by the EMA with two therapeutic indications: mild dyspeptic (digestive) disorders & skin inflammation/healing of minor wounds. The EMA is one organization that acknowledges the powerful healing capabilities; however, the acceptance doesn’t end there. Currently, there are many ongoing studies on mastiha’s pharmacological effect on forms of colon cancer, heart diseases, the influence on liver and gut health, and even nerve disorders. Clinical trials are being performed in the United States and many other countries.  As with all ingredients utilized by Lira Clinical, mastiha is an example of science discovering nature’s secrets.

Phytochemistry – the branch of chemistry concerned with plants and plant products.

When the bark of pestacia letiscus trees are incised, the natural response of the tree is to protect itself by emitting the resin. To understand why this is important for the trees, but also how that translates to human effectiveness, we must dissect the phytochemistry of mastic resin. As we learned in Episode One, not all mastic resin is created equally. The botanical name for any mastic tree resin is “pistacia letiscus L.” When the phrase “var chia” or “v. chia” follows, this indicates the resin has been sourced from Southern Chios Greece, where it has been proven to have the most potent medicinal qualities. There have been over 120 chemical compounds identified in the Chios mastic tears. Here we will focus on the major components: a natural polymer, mono-terpenes and triterpenes.

Protecting and Rebuilding Polymers: Biological polymers are large molecules, composed of many small molecules (monomers) that link together like a chain. Like the saying “There is Strength in Numbers,” the single molecules band to create a shield and then are used to build tissue and other components in living organisms. In the mastic tree, the polymer works to occlude the “wound” created by the Kentintiri, protecting from disease and other predatory microbes, while re-building the protective bark, the tree’s “skin.” In our skin, this polymer communicates with our body, signaling healing actions as well as protecting against infection.

Mono-Terpenes and Antioxidants: The body is designed with a highly complex antioxidant defense system that is made up of both endogenous (made by the body) and exogenous (support from outside the body) antioxidant molecules. Both endogenous and exogenous molecules function interactively and synergistically to neutralize free radical cells. A great example of an endogenous antioxidant is glutathione which plays a role in many chemical reactions in your body. It works to detoxify chemicals, including some that your body creates naturally, as well as pollutants and drugs. As we age, our glutathione levels decrease, leaving our bodies vulnerable for free radical takeover and oxidative stress. The function of producing many endogenous antioxidants significantly depletes with age and therefore supplemental support is essential. We are aware of a large volume of evidence that bioactive compounds (exogenous antioxidants) found in plants work with the human body to reduce oxidative stress, whether received from a healthy balanced diet, supplements, or the combination of both. There is scientific evidence that Chios mastic gum exhibits potent antioxidant activity and helps to restore glutathione levels in the body’s cells. This can be credited to the monoterpenes of alpha and beta pinene and beta myrcene, found in mastic resin. These mono-terpenes interrupt and inhibit free radical cell communication, effectively preventing an opportunity for them to thrive and multiply, while at the same time neutralizing the scavenger cells. The antioxidant property of the terpenes in mastiha provide supplemental support in addition to stimulating our bodies to produce its own antioxidants.

Anti-inflammatory and Triterpenes: Inflammation is the body’s immune system reaction to various stimuli and involves the cascade of reactions and signals that activate and initiate immune cells and immune responses. Often, the signals are spot on and the inflammation is temporary, or acute, and the cells and tissues return to normal. However, chronic inflammation often occurs without actual stimulus and, depending on the type of inflamed cells, has been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases. Chronic inflammation can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and even cancer. Natural and prescription anti-inflammatories assist the body in reducing inflammation and normalizing cell health. Mastiha is a natural ingredient with established anti-inflammatory properties. The unique triterpenes found in mastiha, Mastihadienonic Acid and Isomastihadienonic Acid, have shown to exhibit a variety of anti-inflammatory benefits. Specifically, they work by expediting healing, reducing acute inflammation and preventing acute from turning into chronic. In the case of prospective chronic inflammation, the triterpenes inhibit pro-inflammatory processes and cell growth as well as initiating additional cellular immune effectors. Mastiha not only stops advancement and soothes effected cells but prevents other healthy cells against chronic inflammatory opportunity.

As skin care professionals, a majority of our clientele’s skin is compromised and imbalanced, at risk for oxidative/free radical assault, suffering from some sort of inflammation, or all of the above. Please look for Volume Three of the Medicinal Mastiha series where we explore the specific benefits of mastiha in skincare and understand the power of the MASQ-tech™ Method.

Click here to read Volume 3 of the blog series – Medicinal Mastiha – Clinical Skin Benefits and the MASQ-tech™ Method

Watch our video where our education specialist Ella Cress de-mystifies the properties and potential of mastiha: