Improve HDL (“good”) and total cholesterol while lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. The mastic tree cultivation and harvest is part of Chios Agrotourism. Specialized companies and local association offer visitors the chance to experience various stages of the mastic cultivation. Uses Balan, K. V., Prince, J., Han, Z., Dimas, K., Cladaras, M., Wyche, J. H., Sitaras, N. M., and Pantazis, P. Antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells treated in vitro with constituents of a product derived from Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(4):263-272. View abstract. An infection with H. pylori bacteria is a major risk factor for stomach ulcers. These bacteria may also be a risk factor for stomach cancer.

In addition, in 2014 in Paris, the nomination of “Mastic de Chios” as a cultural property on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO was approved. The history, heritage, customs of mastic and its traditional culture are now part of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO. When the Ottomans took over in the 16th century, they kept the monopoly. Only in 1840 were mastic producers finally allowed to trade independently what they’d cultivated, and less than a century later they joined forces to create the Chios Mastiha Growers Association (CMGA), a cooperative active to this day. The reason why it only thrives in the southern part of the island is mainly due to the temperate climate and mainly the microclimate of the region, but also underwater volcanoes and limestone soil. In the past, there have been many attempts to cultivate mastic in other parts of Greece and even in other countries, but without success. Ottomans landed a large force on the island consequently and put down the rebellion. The Ottoman massacre of Chios expelled, killed or enslaved thousands of the inhabitants of the island. [41] It wiped out whole villages and affected the Mastichochoria area, the mastic growing villages in the south of the island. It triggered also negative public reaction in Western Europe, as portrayed by Eugène Delacroix, and in the writing of Lord Byron and Victor Hugo. In 1825, Thomas Barker of Bath painted a fresco depicting the Chios Massacre on the walls of Doric House, Bath, Somerset. [42] Finally, Chios was not included in the modern Greek state and remained under Ottoman rule.

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Mastic gum has a low risk of serious side effects. However, people should always ask a doctor before using mastic or any other natural supplements.

Loutrari, H., et al. (2006). Mastic oil from Pistacia lentiscus var. chia inhibits growth and survival of human K562 leukemia cells and attenuates angiogenesis [Abstract]. Traditionally there has also been limited production of mastic on the Çeşme peninsula, on the Turkish coast eight nautical miles from Chios, with similar ecological conditions suitable for mastic production. [8] The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA) has led an effort to protect the native Turkish mastic trees and to plant new ones in the Çeşme peninsula to revive viable commercial production of the product. As part of this project, which was expected to last through 2016, over 3,000 mastic tree saplings were planted between 2008 and October 2011 to over 368 acres (149 hectares) of dedicated farm land provided by the Izmir Institute of Technology. [9] Uses [ edit ] Culinary [ edit ] Greek liquor, chewing gum and halva with mastic Mastic is excreted by the resin glands of certain trees [3] and dries into pieces of brittle, translucent resin. When chewed, the resin softens and becomes a bright white and opaque gum. The flavor is bitter at first, but after some chewing, it releases a refreshing flavor similar to pine and cedar.Mastic continues to be used for its gum and medicinal properties, as well as its culinary uses. Jordanian chewing gum manufacturer, Sharawi Bros., use the mastic of this shrub as a primary ingredient in their mastic-flavoured products and they distribute the gum to many deli stores worldwide. The resin is used as a primary ingredient in the production of cosmetics such as toothpaste, lotions for the hair and skin, and perfumes. [ citation needed] Mastic resin Medicine [ edit ]

Administratively, the island forms a separate municipality within the Chios regional unit, which is part of the North Aegean region. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Chios. [1] Locals refer to Chios town as Chora ( Χώρα literally means land or country, but usually refers to the capital or a settlement at the highest point of a Greek island). Mastic is the brand product of Chios. This unique natural resin of the Chios mastic tree has multiple uses and its production and trade is a main pillar of the local economy. The Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of natural Chios mastic, both in Greece and abroad. Dabos KJ, et al. (2010). The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study [Abstract]. DOI:a b c Deborah Rothman Sherman (2005). "The Magic Tree — Marvelous Masticha". Epikouria Magazine. No.1 Fall/Winter. Archived from the original on 2008-01-18. People in the Mediterranean region have used mastic as a medicine for gastrointestinal ailments for several thousand years. First-century Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides wrote about the medicinal properties of mastic in his classic treatise De Materia Medica ( About Medical Substances). Some centuries later, Markellos Empeirikos and Pavlos Eginitis [6] also noticed the effect of mastic on the digestive system. Another article states that mastic gum does have the ability to kill H. pylori, but that studies have not shown that it can clear an H. pylori infection completely.