Chios mastictree

Pistacia lentiscus

Pistacia lentiscus, commonly known as mastic tree, is a traditional plant native to Mediterranean regions. While its use in specific traditional medicine practices has not been extensively documented, studies have shown promising results for its potential health benefits. A hydro-methanol extract from the leaves demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity both in vivo and in vitro, comparable to indomethacin. Additionally, an aqueous extract from leaf residues exhibited strong antioxidant properties with notable effects on inhibiting enzymes involved in skin aging. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these findings comprehensively. No major safety concerns or reported drug interactions have been recorded for Pistacia lentiscus, indicating that it may be generally safe for use.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • A hydro-methanol extract from Pistacia lentiscus leaves showed significant in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to indomethacin. D PMID
  • Pistacia lentiscus ranked third in twig flammability and fourth in shoot flammability among five species tested. D PMID
  • Two novel triterpenoids with cyclobutane moieties were isolated from mastic, showing moderate anti-inflammatory activity. D PMID
  • An aqueous extract from Pistacia lentiscus leaf hydrodistillation residues showed strong antioxidant and anti-aging activities with significant inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Chios mastictree?

Chios mastictree (Pistacia lentiscus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Chios mastictree?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Chios mastictree; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: A hydro-methanol extract from Pistacia lentiscus leaves showed significant in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to indomethacin.

How strong is the evidence for Chios mastictree?

The strongest finding for Chios mastictree carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Chios mastictree safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Chios mastictree in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Chios mastictree interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Chios mastictree in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Chios mastictree?

Chios mastictree is also known as: Мастиковое дерево, Lentisque.

Is Chios mastictree a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Two Triterpenoids with a Cyclobutane Moiety from Mastic: Structural Elucidation and Biological Evaluation. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Assessing the consistency of flammability indices across field and laboratory experimental tests for some Moroccan forest fuels. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Valorization of Pistacia lentiscus L. Hydrodistillation By-Products: Phytochemical Profile and Multitarget Anti-Aging Activity of an Aqueous Extract. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Mechanistic insights into the anti-inflammatory activity of Pistachia lentiscus extract: A combined in vivo, in vitro, and in silico investigation. literature abstract metadata