Mastic gum, a natural resin, has been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices for centuries. Derived from a specific tree, it has recently gained scientific attention for its potential health benefits. Investigations are exploring its biological properties, particularly in cancer research. Laboratory studies show promising results, prompting a closer look at current research on mastic gum and its interaction with cancerous cells.
Understanding Mastic Gum
Mastic gum is a natural, aromatic resin from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, specifically the Pistacia lentiscus var. chia variety. This evergreen shrub is primarily found in the Mediterranean basin, with the most valued resin coming from Chios Island, Greece. The resin forms as “tears” that harden into small, yellowish pieces upon air exposure.
For over 2,500 years, mastic gum has been used in traditional medicine and culinary applications across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and the Ottoman Empire valued it for oral hygiene, digestive health, and as a flavoring agent. Its composition includes triterpenes and essential oils, which contribute to its unique properties.
Research into Mastic Gum and Cancer
Scientific inquiry into mastic gum’s effects on cancer has primarily focused on in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal) studies. Research has explored its impact on various cancer types, including colon, prostate, breast, lung, leukemia, stomach, bile duct, pancreatic, and oral cancers. These studies consistently report observations such as the inhibition of cancer cell growth and the induction of programmed cell death, known as apoptosis.
For instance, in vitro studies show mastic gum resin can suppress human cancer cell proliferation, including those from bile duct, pancreatic, gastric, and colonic adenocarcinoma, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. A hexane extract of mastic gum induced apoptosis in human HCT116 colon cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth by approximately 35% in immunodeficient mice, without notable toxicity. Mastic oil also demonstrated anti-tumor growth effects against mouse Lewis lung adenocarcinomas and antiproliferative activity against human K562 leukemia cells.
Further studies indicate mastic gum can inhibit the expression and function of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells. Extracts have also shown antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), human lung cancer cells (H292), and human melanoma cells. While these preclinical findings are encouraging, large-scale human clinical trials investigating mastic gum as a cancer treatment are currently limited or in early stages.
Proposed Mechanisms Against Cancer
The anti-cancer effects observed in mastic gum are hypothesized to stem from various mechanisms, primarily attributed to its triterpenoid compounds. These include molecules like masticadienonic acid and isomasticadienonic acid, major triterpenic acids found in Chios Mastic Gum. These compounds inhibit cell proliferation, slowing or stopping the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
Mastic gum constituents also induce programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in cancer cells, a process where cells self-destruct. This has been observed in various cancer cell lines, including human colon cancer cells, where the apoptotic effect occurs through the mitochondrial pathway and activation of caspases. The resin also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins.
Some research suggests mastic gum compounds may exert anti-angiogenesis effects, inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread. Modulation of specific signaling pathways involved in cancer development, such as the NF-κB pathway, has also been identified as a potential mechanism. The combination of these actions contributes to the observed anti-cancer potential of mastic gum in laboratory settings.
Current Scientific Perspective and Considerations
Current scientific understanding suggests that while preclinical research on mastic gum and its anti-cancer properties is promising, it is not a proven cancer treatment in humans. The available data, predominantly from in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrates its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in various cancer types. However, these findings do not directly translate to clinical efficacy in humans.
Limitations of current research include the need for more large-scale human clinical trials to establish effective dosages, bioavailability, and consistent therapeutic outcomes. While mastic gum consumption is generally considered safe, with few reports of significant side effects, its long-term safety and maximum safe dose in humans remain largely uninvestigated. Some studies have noted no remarkable adverse effects, even with high doses in clinical trials for other conditions.
Mastic gum supplements are not regulated by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness as cancer treatments. Therefore, individuals considering mastic gum for health purposes, especially concerning cancer, should consult healthcare professionals. Mastic gum should not replace conventional cancer treatments; its potential role as an adjuvant or preventive agent requires further rigorous scientific investigation.