Mastic
At a glance
- Best for
- people with functional dyspepsia or as an add-on in H. pylori management
- Typical dose
- 350 mg to 1 g/day, in divided doses
- Time to effect
- Weeks
- Main caution
- not a substitute for standard H. pylori antibiotic therapy
What is it
Mastic (mastic gum) is the dried resin of the Pistacia lentiscus tree, traditionally harvested on the Greek island of Chios. It is taken orally, usually as a powder or capsule, mainly for upper-digestive complaints. Its proposed activity is attributed to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory resin acids.
Is it worth it for you?
Worth considering if…
- you have functional dyspepsia and want a low-risk adjunct
- you want a complementary option alongside standard H. pylori treatment
- you tolerate it without GI upset
Probably skip if…
- you need proven H. pylori eradication (use guideline antibiotics)
- you expect a cure for ulcers or reflux on its own
- you have a tree-nut/Pistacia allergy
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Evidence | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| functional dyspepsia | Limited Evidence | Modest symptom improvement | adults with functional (non-ulcer) dyspepsia | Weeks |
| h. pylori adjunct | Mixed Evidence | Inconsistent; some reduction in bacterial load | people undergoing or supplementing standard H. pylori therapy | Weeks |
Evidence for 2 uses
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
functional dyspepsia
Supplement benefitA small randomized trial found that mastic gum reduced overall dyspepsia symptom scores, including stomach pain and fullness, compared with placebo. The evidence base is limited to small studies, so the effect size is uncertain. Mechanistically it is thought to have mild antibacterial and mucosa-soothing properties.
Bottom line: Limited small-trial evidence suggests mastic gum may modestly ease functional dyspepsia symptoms.
h. pylori adjunct
Disease adjunctMastic gum has antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori in vitro, and small clinical studies suggest it can reduce bacterial load, though eradication rates with mastic alone are low and inconsistent. It is best viewed as a possible adjunct, not a replacement for guideline antibiotic regimens. High-quality eradication trials are lacking.
Bottom line: Mastic gum shows anti-H. pylori activity but should only supplement, never replace, standard antibiotic therapy.
Evidence is mixed
In-vitro and small studies show activity against H. pylori, but clinical eradication results are weak and inconsistent.
How to take it
- Typical dose
- 350 mg-1 g/day, typically split into 1-3 doses
- Higher studied dose
- up to ~2-3 g/day has been used in some dyspepsia and H. pylori studies
- Timing
- before or between meals
- With food
- can be taken on an empty stomach or with food
- How long to try
- trial 3-4 weeks for dyspepsia symptoms
What to track
- upper abdominal pain or burning
- bloating and fullness
- nausea
Safety
Common side effects
mild stomach upset, headache
Who should avoid it
- people with known Pistacia or tree-nut allergy
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Insufficient safety data in pregnancy; avoid supplemental doses unless advised by a clinician.
Choosing a product
Look for
- genuine Pistacia lentiscus (Chios mastiha) resin
- clear weight of mastic per serving
- free of fillers
Be skeptical of
- cures ulcers
- eliminates H. pylori without antibiotics
- treats stomach cancer
References by claim
Track Mastic with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.