Mastic gum is a Greek tree resin long chewed for digestion. Its most consistent support is easing indigestion and, with oral use, freshening breath and reducing dental plaque. Newer work suggests gentle improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight, strongest in overweight people. Its famous stomach-bacterium claim stays mixed. Safety is excellent; allergy is the main concern. (Full Review)

Protocol

Dose

1–2 g/day

Whole Chios resin or standardized capsules; split into 330–350 mg, 2–3× daily

Timing

With meals

With or shortly before meals for digestion; consistent daily timing for metabolic goals

Form

Match to goal

Whole resin or powder for digestive and oral use; essential-oil capsules for cardiometabolic goals

Time to effect

Digestive relief

Days–weeks

Indigestion and related symptoms

Metabolic changes

8 weeks–6 months

Cholesterol, glucose, and weight

Benefits

Medium: Relief of functional dyspepsia and indigestion; reduced total cholesterol and cardiometabolic markers

Low: Helicobacter pylori suppression; oral health, dental plaque, and halitosis; improvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; anti-inflammatory effect in inflammatory bowel disease

Speculative: Anticancer and cytoprotective activity; general longevity via antioxidant and metabolic pathways

Contraindications

Known Anacardiaceae allergy (pistachio, cashew, mango)

Pregnancy and lactation

Before scheduled surgery (if combining with glucose- or blood-pressure-lowering agents)

Key Interactions

Glucose-lowering agents (metformin, sulfonylureas)

Lipid-lowering agents (statins)

Antihypertensive agents (ACE inhibitors)

Additive metabolic supplements (berberine, red yeast rice, garlic, omega-3)

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy (adjunct only)

Risk & Side Effects

Medium: Additive effects with glucose-, lipid-, or blood-pressure-lowering therapy; mild gastrointestinal discomfort and headache

Low: Allergic and hypersensitivity reactions; supplement quality and adulteration

Speculative: Unknown safety in pregnancy and lactation; unknown long-term high-dose safety

Monitoring

Marker	Target	Why
Total cholesterol	150–200 mg/dL	Primary metabolic outcome mastic may modestly lower
LDL cholesterol	< 100 mg/dL	"Bad" cholesterol fraction mastic essential oil may reduce
Fasting plasma glucose	75–90 mg/dL	Glucose-lowering effect and additive risk with diabetes drugs
HbA1c	< 5.4%	Average glucose over ~3 months, a steadier metabolic readout
ALT	< 25 U/L (men), < 22 U/L (women)	Screens liver status, relevant to the NAFLD signal
hs-CRP	< 1.0 mg/L	Captures the systemic anti-inflammatory effect mastic may produce

Cadence: Baseline, then ~8 weeks and 3–6 months; every 6–12 months for long-term use

Qualitative Assessment

Reduction in indigestion, bloating, upper-abdominal discomfort, or reflux
Reduced halitosis and dental plaque with oral use
General digestive comfort after meals
Absence of new discomfort, headache, or allergic symptoms

Mastic Gum for Health & Longevity

Protocol

Benefits

Risk & Side Effects

Monitoring

Qualitative Assessment