Mastic Extract Research Articles

Systematic qualitative analysis of terpenes in mastic (Pistacia lentiscus L.) extract and their fragmentations by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS.

Mastic is a natural resin produced by Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae). The beneficial properties of this resin are attributed to its triterpenes and volatile compounds. This study was conducted to screen and characterize the terpenes in mastic ethyl acetate extract (M-Ex). An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS) method was developed for the qualitative analysis of terpenes in M-Ex. We utilized in-house-isolated compounds as reference substance (Rs), including monoterpenes (A) with α-pinane structures, tetracyclic triterpene (B) containing tirucallane skeletons, and pentacyclic triterpene (C) belonging to olean, moronic, amyrone, and lupane types. Based on the mass spectrometric characteristics of the above compounds, and the difference in characteristic diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) in isomeric compounds, the terpene compounds were further identified in M-Ex. Out of a total of 70 compounds, including monoterpenes and tetra-, and pentacyclic triterpenes, 20 were accurately determined by Rs, retention time (RT), and DFIs. Based on the cleavage patterns summarized from the above 20 compounds and with reference to the reported literature, another 50 compounds were putatively identified. Based on our discovery, six terpenic acids with A-seco-tirucallane types and one monoterpene dimer were identified for the first time in mastic. Our research serves not only as a foundation for the rapid identification and screening of terpene compounds in mastic but also as a supplementary basis for the identification of such compounds in other types of resins.

TRATAMENTOS NATURAIS DE LESÕES EM REPRODUTORES DE PEIXES

The aim of this research was to test the use of natural operating as prophylaxis for the treatment of injuries and diseases during fish reproduction at aquaculture stations as an alternative treatment to allopathic medicines. The main objective was to analyze the mastic bark (Schinus terebenthifolius), garlic bark (Allium sativum), and sodium chloride (NaCl) regarding their antimicrobial properties for prophylactic use. The broodstocks of the species pirapitinga Piaractus brachypomus were kept confined in water tanks with a capacity of 1000 L, with a continuous water flow for oxygenation and renewal. The stock density was 3 fish/m³, due to the fish being the breeding season why it becomes territorial. A confrontation between males occurred, causing the loss of scales in one of the specimen, mainly above the lateral line. The treatment of this injured fish lasted for 21 days, daily in the morning and afternoon; it was bathed in a 30g/L salt solution for 30 seconds, then the mastic and garlic extract were applied directly to the injury. For the mastic extract 50 mL of the concentrate was used without dilution and for the garlic extract 40 mL was diluted in 60 mL of water

Sialagogic Effects Through Olfactory Stimulation with Mastic Resin and α-pinene Volatiles in vivo

BackgroundXerostomia, often associated with decreased saliva quality, poses challenges due to limited treatment efficacy. This study aimed to investigate alternative approaches to enhance saliva secretion through olfactory volatile stimulation with mastic resin and its main compound α-pinene, known for inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in vitro. MethodsThe inhibitory effects of freshly prepared mastic resin extract oil and α-pinene oil on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured in vitro. Eighty healthy participants were recruited and divided into two groups: exposed to mastic resin volatiles (n = 40) or α-pinene volatiles (n = 40). Saliva samples were collected pre, during and post exposure to analyze saliva flow rate, spinnbarkeit, ion composition and MUC5B levels. ResultsMastic resin extract oil and α-pinene oil inhibited AChE activity by 207 % and 22 %, respectively. Olfactory stimulation with these volatiles significantly increased saliva secretion rate without altering spinnbarkeit and ion composition. Salivary MUC5B concentration rose after exposure to mastic resin volatiles. ConclusionsOlfactory stimulation with mastic resin and α-pinene volatiles demonstrated a bona fide in vivo effect on saliva secretion, confirming their sialagogic capability, potentially as a result of local glandular AChE inhibition. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of both volatile compounds in treating patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation through olfactory exposure.

Phytochemical investigation of Pistacia lentiscus L. var. Chia leaves: A byproduct with antimicrobial potential

Pistacia lentiscus L. var. Chia belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, and it is cultivated only in the south part of Chios island, in Greece. Even though it is renowned for its unique resin, Chios mastic gum (CMG), the tree leaves have also been used in traditional medicine, while the annual pruning generates a large biomass of unused by-products. Thus, the aim of the present study was the detailed phytochemical investigation of P. lentiscus var. Chia leaves towards the search of antimicrobial agents. UPLC-HRMS & HRMS/MS based dereplication methods led to the detailed characterization of the aqueous leaf extract. In addition, twelve compounds were isolated and purified from the methanol extract and were identified using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods (NMR, HRMS) belonging to phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenes, with the most interesting being 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole β-D-glucopyranoside which was isolated for the first time in the Anacardiaceae family. Remarkably, based on NMR data, methanol and aqueous extracts were found to be particularly rich in shikimic acid, a valuable building block for the pharmaceutical industry, for instance in the synthesis of the active ingredient of Tamiflu®, oseltamivir. Finally, extracts (EtOAc, MeOH, H2O) and major compounds i.e., shikimic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole β-D-glucopyranoside and myricitrin were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties. MeOH and H2O mastic leaf extracts as well as myricitrin and, particularly, 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole β-D-glucopyranoside showed significant selective activity against pathogenic Mucorales, but not against Aspergilli (Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus), Candida albicans or bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis).

Study of Stability, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Chios Mastic Gum Fractions (Neutral, Acidic) after Encapsulation in Liposomes.

Mastic gum is a resinous sap produced by Pistacia lentiscus growing in the island of Chios (Greece) and has been recognized since Antiquity for its distinctive aroma as well as medical properties (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ones). The oral absorption of Chios Mastic gum (an insoluble polymer of poly-β-myrcene is among the most abundant contents) is poor due to its low water-solubility. We report in this study, two different Chios mastic gum extracts, the acidic mastic gum extract—AMGE—and the neutral one—NMGE, both prepared after removal of the contained polymer in order to ameliorate solubility and enhance in vivo activity. Liposomes are presented as a promising delivery system due to their physicochemical and biophysical properties to increase stability and absorption efficiency of the mastic gum extracts within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability in GI simulated conditions together with cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of the two extracts (AMGE and NMGE) after encapsulation in a well characterized liposome formulation. Liposomes-AMGE complex showed an improved stability behavior in GI simulated conditions. Both assayed extracts showed significant dose dependent inhibition against the growth of liver cancer HepG2 cells and an interesting antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms. Conclusively, encapsulation could be evaluated as a beneficial procedure for further applications of mastic resin.

Volatile and phenolic contents and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Tunisian milk thistle and mastic oils

The present study examined the chemical compositions as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the vegetal oils of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) (MTO) and mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) (MO). The mastic oil extract was shown to have higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than the oil extract of the milk thistle. The fatty acid and sterol compositions of the oil extracts were determined using gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The main fatty acids identified were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The main sterols found in milk thistle oil were β-sitosterol and campesterol, followed by Δ-7-stigmastenol, stigmasterol, Δ-7-avenasterol, and Δ-5-avenasterol. The most abundant sterol in mastic oil was β-sitosterol, followed by campesterol, Δ-5-avenasterol, and stigmasterol. The volatile compounds of the two vegetal oils were evaluated by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). In both oils, monoterpenes and non-terpenes were found to be the dominant volatile compounds in the mastic and milk thistle vegetal oils. 1,8-Cineole, methylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, and hexanal were found to be the major volatile compounds of milk thistle oil, whereas myrcene and α-pinene were the major volatile compounds found in mastic oil. The antioxidant activities of the oil extracts were evaluated using various methods, such as DPPH, the ferric reducing power, the iron-chelating effect, and the β-carotene bleaching assay. In all methods, mastic oil exhibited a higher activity than milk thistle oil. Furthermore, both oils exhibited antibacterial activity, but mastic oil was the most potent, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. Given their high total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the presence of volatile bioactive compounds, and their sterol and fatty acid compositions, the two oil extracts possess high potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and for utilization as natural preservative ingredients in food.

Stabilizing Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Mastic Gum on Microtubule Polymers: an In Vitro Study

Terpenoids are novel natural products isolated from mastic gum. Mastic gum was obtained from the Pistacia Lentiscus tree. Scientific investigations have documented medical and pharmacological properties of mastic gum such as memory enhancement, antifungal, and antibacterial activities. It was astonishing to study the possible interaction of mastic gum extract with microtubule proteins which are involved in memory and consciousness since the administration of mastic gum is evidenced in the improvement of brain functions. Since a number of studies have demonstrated the effect of microtubule dynamics on mammals’ memory, in this study, we investigated the effect of Oxygenated Sesquiterpenes (OST) on microtubule polymerization in vitro. OST was purified from the ethanolic extract of mastic gum. The results revealed that OST induces microtubule polymerization; however, microtubule depolymerization was not affected and fluorometric assays showed conformational changes of tubulin in the presence of OST. We interestingly found that colchicine was unable to inhibit MT assembly in the presence of OST and OST was solely more efficient than the combination of OST with paclitaxel for elevating microtubule polymerization rate. We hope that OST could be a promising agent for memory enhancement and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases as a novel tubulin-binding compound.

Biological effects and potential mechanisms of action of Pistacia lentiscus Chios mastic extract in Caco-2 cell model

Pistacia lentiscus L. (PL) is an evergreen shrub from which it is derived a precious aromatic resin called mastic gum or mastic. This extract possesses numerous proprieties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activities of a patented PL Chios mastic extract in a human small intestine mucosa model, the Caco-2 cells. PL Chios mastic extract showed no toxic effect in Caco-2 cells treated with lower concentrations (<100 μg/ml). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were not increased in Caco-2 cells and disaccharidase activity as well as sucrase–isomaltase expression were decreased at 50 μg/ml, suggesting a potential role in glycaemic control. Also paracellular permeability was reduced in Caco-2 cells and remarkably this extract induced a barrier effect useful in protecting against chemical or biological insults.

Toxicity and Toxicokinetic Study of Subcutaneously Administered RPh201 in Minipigs.

Mastic gum extracts are widely used as herbal remedies and are being tested for several clinical indications. Nevertheless, information on their safety is limited. RPh201 is an extract of the mastic gum, formulated and stabilized in a proprietary method, which is being developed as a novel drug candidate for neurological indications. The aim of this study was to assess the systemic toxic potential of RPh201, administered twice weekly by subcutaneous injections to minipigs, after 39 weeks of administration followed by a recovery period of 6 weeks. No clinical or dose-related signs were observed, but treatment-related findings were seen at the injection sites of the high-dose animals, composed of abscesses, chronic inflammation, and subcutaneous fibrosis. Abscesses >30 mm in size, graded as marked severity, were confined to the high-dose group and were considered as adverse. Minimal-slight subcutaneous and lymph nodes abscesses seen in control, low, and intermediate doses, related to the vehicle (cottonseed oil), were not considered as adverse. Additionally, minimal-to-slight cystic spaces or vacuolation related to the vehicle were observed in the skin, lymph nodes, kidney, and lungs. These findings were considered not to be adverse. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was considered to be 12.5 mg/kg/occasion.

Evaluation of Chios mastic gum as antimicrobial agent and matrix forming material targeting probiotic cell encapsulation for functional fermented milk production

Chios mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia) was evaluated as an encapsulating matrix-forming material for immobilization of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei ATCC393. In addition, was assessed the antimicrobial activity of resins' extracts against various clinical pathogens. The probiotic strain was to be successfully encapsulated within the mastic gum. Milk was fermented by the encapsulated biocatalyst and by free L. casei cells for comparison reasons. Chios mastic gum extracts showed antimicrobial effects against various microorganisms. In addition, a significant reduction of yeasts and fungi observed only in fermented milk produced by the encapsulated biocatalyst. On the contrast, probiotic cell counts were not affected by the presence of mastic gum and retained their high cell counts (>109 CFU g−1) during 8 weeks of storage. GCMS/SPME analysis revealed an enhanced terpene profile accompanied with exceptional organoleptic characteristics. Finally, it is concluded that beneficial synergies between resins antimicrobial properties and bioactive components like probiotic bacteria supplied a novel safety- and health-promoting fermented milk.

Evaluation of Biological Activity of Mastic Extracts Based on Chemotherapeutic Indices.

Most previous mastic investigators have not considered its potent cytotoxicity that may significantly affect the interpretation of obtained data. In the present study, we re-evaluated several biological activities of mastic extracts, based on chemotherapeutic indexes. Pulverized mastic gum was extracted with n-hexane and then with ethyl acetate or independently with methanol or n-butanol. Tumor specificity (TS) of the extracts was determined by their cytotoxicity against human malignant and non-malignant cells. Antibacterial activity was determined by their cytotoxicity against bacteria and normal oral cells. Antiviral activity was determined by their protection of viral infection and cytotoxic activity. Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 activity was measured by β-hydroxylation of testosterone. Ethyl acetate extract showed slightly higher tumor specificity (TS=2.6) and one order higher antibacterial activity (selectivity index (SI)=0.813) than other extracts (TS=1.4-2.5; SI=0.030-0.063). All extracts showed no anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity, but some anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) activity, which was masked by potent cytotoxicity. They showed strong inhibitory activity against CYP3A4. Ethyl acetate extraction following the removal of cytotoxic and CYP3A4 inhibitory substances by n-hexane can enhance antitumor and antibacterial activity of mastic.

Antimicrobial Effects of Mastic Extract Against Oral and Periodontal Pathogens.

Various antimicrobial agents are widely used in the therapy of oral inflammatory diseases. However, their side effects and the appearance of drug resistance justify research on natural antimicrobial agents to target oral pathogens that are safe for the host. In the present study, antimicrobial properties of mastic extract on commensal and pathogenic oral bacteria, as well as its possible cytotoxic effect toward cells of epithelial and mesenchymal origin, were evaluated and compared with the common antimicrobial agents hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). Oral and periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans [Sm], Streptococcus oralis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella nigrescens) were treated with different concentrations of mastic extract, 3% H2O2, and 0.2% CHX, and evaluated with an agar diffusion test. The cytotoxic effect of mastic extract was tested on four cell lines of epithelial and mesenchymal origin (HaCaT, SaOS-2, MC3T3-E1, periodontal ligament [PDL] cells) by neutral red and 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assay. Mastic extract led to significantly (P ≤0.016) increased inhibition of the tested periodontal pathogens compared with H2O2. No effect of mastic extract was observed on Sm. Mastic extract showed beneficial effects on cell viability because viability values of tested cells were significantly (P ≤0.016) lower for cells treated with CHX and H2O2 compared with mastic extract-treated cells after stimulation for 2, 4, and 6 hours. The present data demonstrate mastic extract's inhibition of periodontal pathogens, as well as beneficial effects on cell viability, compared with H2О2, suggesting that it could be considered an alternative antibacterial agent in the prevention of periodontal disease.

Synergistic Effects of Chios Gum Mastic Extract and Low Level Laser Therapy on Osteoblast Differentiation

Synergistic Effects of Chios Gum Mastic Extract and Low Level Laser Therapy on Osteoblast Differentiation

“Pistacia lentiscus L.” reduces the infarct size in normal fed anesthetized rabbits and possess antiatheromatic and hypolipidemic activity in cholesterol fed rabbits

Hypothesis/PurposeThe aim of the present study was to evaluate in vivo the potential anti-ischemic and antiatheromatic activity of Chios Mastic gum, the resin of the trunk and branches of “Pistacia lentiscus var. chia”, used since antiquity in traditional Greek medicine. The main compounds of mastic are triterpenes, possessing phytosterol-like structures. This led to the hypothesis that mastic and particularly its neutral fraction, enriched in phytosterol-like compounds, possess antiatheromatic activities. MethodsTotal Mastic Extract without Polymer (TMEWP) and the neutral mastic fraction (NMF) were administered orally for 6 weeks to normal fed and to cholesterol fed rabbits in the form of sunflower oil solution. All the animals were randomly divided into 6 groups, anesthetized and subjected to 30min ischemia of the heart, followed by 3h reperfusion: At the end of the experiment the area at risk and the infarct zone were determined with the aid of fluorescent particles and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, and small segments of the ascending and descending aorta and the heart were taken for histologic examination. Blood samples were collected at different time points of ischemia and reperfusion, for malondialdehyde (MDA) evaluation as an index of lipid peroxidation, for total and LDL cholesterol determination and for evaluation of oxidized LDL. ResultsIn the normal fed animals the NMF and the TMEWP reduced significantly the infarct size, while in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits both treatments were ineffective. Atherosclerosis was detected in all the animals fed cholesterol enriched diet in the form of subintimal accumulation of lipids and foamy macrophages. There was no detection of atherosclerosis in Groups treated with TMEWP and NMF, which both reduced the total cholesterol levels by 47 and 88% respectively, whilst had not effect on LDL oxidation. TMEWP and NMF reduced the MDA concentration in normal fed rabbits, but had no effect on MDA levels in cholesterol fed animals. TMEWP and NMPF reduce the infarct size in normal animals and possess significant antiatheromatic and hypolipidemic activities in rabbits fed cholesterol enriched diet.

GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Trunk Exudates of Pistacia atlantica var. mutica

The genus Pistacia L. consists of 11 species, most of which are known to produce oleoresin. There are three kinds of pistachio in Iran, including P. vera, P. atlantica, and P. khinjuk. Four subspecies or varieties have been identified for P. atlantica: cabulica, kurdica, mutica, and atlantica [1]. P. atlantica var. mutica is native to a number of temperate countries in Asia. In Iran, this plant grows in the central, western, and eastern regions. The oleoresin of P. atlantica var. mutica, known as “Turk terebinth gum,” is used to make chewing gum in Iran. Mastic gum has been used in traditional medicine for various gastrointestinal disorders like gastralgia, dyspepsia, and peptic ulcer. Mastic gum has been reported to possess considerable in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. The total mastic extract without polymer might be effective in reducing Helicobacter pylori colonization as well as in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. This plant has also been used traditionally as an antiseptic and as a mouth freshener constituent 2 . The essential oil of P. atlantica var. mutica has also potential application as an antimicrobial agent in edible films [2, 3]. The objectives of this study were to report the GC-MS analysis as well as the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of the trunk exudate from Pistacia atlantica var. mutica in order to evaluate its potential application as a natural food preservative. GC-MS analysis has led to the identification of 21 components, listed in Table 1, representing 98.77% of total compounds. The major constituents of the essential oil of mastic gum were -pinene (54.97%), myrcene (11.44%), and limonene (10.08%). A high content of -pinene was also found in the essential oil extracted from the gum of P. atlantica var. mutica [2], P. atlantica var. kurdica [4], P. lentiscus [5, 6], P. khinjuk [7], P. vera [8, 9], and P. terebinthus [10]. A comparison between the results of Delazar [2] and this work shows that -pinene is the main constituent respectively of both essential oils (70.00 and 54.97%). On the other hand, no such similarity was found for the other components. The next two main components reported by Delazar are citral (5.72%) and myrtenol (5.31%), whereas our study showed that myrcene and limonene are ranked as the next two main components (11.44 and 10.08%, respectively). Such variations are most likely related to the geographical origin, harvesting time, growing conditions, as well as extraction method [9]. Disc diffusion is one of the most common assays used in the evaluation of antibacterial activity of essential oils [11]. The results of antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and positive controls are presented in Table 2. The essential oil prevented bacterial growth of all studied bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered one of the most resistant bacteria against antimicrobial compounds [12]. Antimicrobial activity analyzed by the disc diffusion method showed that the oil resin of P. atlantica var. mutica was most active against Bacillus cereus, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157 H7. These bacteria are the most common bacteria causing food-borne diseases. With increasing essential oil concentration from 10 to 20 L per disc, antimicrobial activity was also increased. As can be seen, a concentration of 10 and 20 L of the essential oil per disc gives an inhibition zone greater than 7 mm, which is considered as a reasonable limiting inhibition zone for an antibiotic [5]. In the case of Staphylococcus aureus, the clear zones of essential oil were smaller in comparison with those of ampicillin and streptomycin. However, the results of clear zones for Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli were comparable to positive controls. Finally, gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) were more susceptible to the essential oil as compared to gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Study of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Chios Mastic Gum Fractions(Neutral, Acidic) Before and After Encapsulation in Liposomes

Mastic is a well-known natural resin from the trunk and branches, of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia (Anacardiaceae), which is grown as endemic only in the Greek island of Chios. During this work, a total mastic gum extract was prepared after removal of the contained insoluble polymer in order to ameliorate solubility and enhance in vivo activity. To overcome the drawbacks (i.e solubility, bioavailability, etc.) of mastic gum extracts (acidic and neutral fraction), the selection of a suitable carrier is crucial. Three different methods of preparation, thin-film evaporation, freezing-thawing, and ethanol injection were used for the preparation of liposomes consisting of Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Cholesterol (CH). The effect of PC: CH molar ratio on the percentage of mastic extract encapsulated was investigated. Mastic gum extracts components-liposomes interaction was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The effects of different preparation methods on the physicochemical properties of colloidal systems were evaluated by means of surface morphology, field emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and size distribution using a particle size analyzer. For the determination of the antioxidant activity two methods were used: I) The Rancimat method where the protection factor was determined for each sample and compared with known antioxidants. II) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) where the temperature of oxidation for each sample was determined. Moreover, the crude extract (EtOAc-MeOH) of mastic, as well as, its acidic and neutral fractions was assayed against a panel of 9 human and food pathogenic gram (±) bacteria and fungi.

High-level antimicrobial efficacy of representative Mediterranean natural plant extracts against oral microorganisms.

Nature is an unexplored reservoir of novel phytopharmaceuticals. Since biofilm-related oral diseases often correlate with antibiotic resistance, plant-derived antimicrobial agents could enhance existing treatment options. Therefore, the rationale of the present report was to examine the antimicrobial impact of Mediterranean natural extracts on oral microorganisms. Five different extracts from Olea europaea, mastic gum, and Inula viscosa were tested against ten bacteria and one Candida albicans strain. The extraction protocols were conducted according to established experimental procedures. Two antimicrobial assays—the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay—were applied. The screened extracts were found to be active against each of the tested microorganisms. O. europaea presented MIC and MBC ranges of 0.07–10.00 mg mL−1 and 0.60–10.00 mg mL−1, respectively. The mean MBC values for mastic gum and I. viscosa were 0.07–10.00 mg mL−1 and 0.15–10.00 mg mL−1, respectively. Extracts were less effective against C. albicans and exerted bactericidal effects at a concentration range of 0.07–5.00 mg mL−1 on strict anaerobic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Parvimonas micra). Ethyl acetate I. viscosa extract and total mastic extract showed considerable antimicrobial activity against oral microorganisms and could therefore be considered as alternative natural anti-infectious agents.

Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction for Terpenes and Volatile Compounds Determination in Mastic Gum Extracts, Mastic Oil and Human Urine by GC– MS

A reliable analytical method was developed, which is based on Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for the detection of volatile components of the gum and the essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, commonly known as mastic gum and mastic oil respectively. The conditions of the HS-SPME were optimized and aqueous-ethanolic extracts of mastic gum and solutions of mastic oil in ethanol-water were analyzed by GC-MS. Almost 26 volatile components in mastic gum and 34 in mastic oil were identified in the gum and the oil respectively. The major constituents of the mastic gum and the mastic oil were α-pinene (63% and 76%, respectively), β-myrcene (15% and 14%), β-pinene (4% and 4%), limonene (2.5% and 1.5%), and caryophyllene (5% and 1%). The quantitative determination of six of the aforementioned substances in multi-analyte standard solutions was achieved with good performance features. The repeatability (RSD%) was <4.2% and the limits of detection were 1.2 µg/L for α-pinene, 0.09 µg/L for β-pinene, 0.7 µg/L for β-myrcene, 0.02 µg/L for camphene, 0.02 µg/L for p-cymene, and 0.07 µg/L for α-terpineol. The HS-SPME/GC-MS procedure was successfully applied to samples of human urine samples after dietetic use of various mastic products such as mastic gum, mastic oil and Greek traditional highly viscous white mastic sweet. Traces of several constituents of mastic, such as α-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, p-methyl anisole, terpinene, carveol, myrtenol, caryophyllene, α-caryophyllene, and so forth, were detected in the collected urine samples.

Oral Administration of Chios Mastic Gum or Extracts in Mice: Quantification of Triterpenic Acids by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Chios mastic gum, the resin obtained as an exudate from the trunk and branches of Pistacia lentiscus L var. chia, is used extensively as a constituent of herbal drugs or functional foods. The oral absorption of its major constituents still remains unclear. In the context of identifying the features of mastic gum that are responsible for either therapeutic effects or effects of nutritional value, a methodology based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was developed and applied for the quantification of mastic gum triterpenic acids, 24Z-isomasticadienonic acid (IMNA), and 24Z-isomasticadienolic acid (IMLA) in mouse plasma. The specific compounds were selected based on their biological activity and potential against Helicobacter pylori. Concentrations were determined simultaneously in mouse plasma after oral administration of mastic gum or total mastic extract without polymer (TMEWP) in order to evaluate the role of the natural polymer, poly-β-myrcene, in the absorption process. Following TMEWP administration in mice, circulating IMNA and IMLA plasma levels were significantly higher (approximately 10-fold) in comparison to IMNA and IMLA plasma levels following total mastic gum administration (CMG), suggesting that the polymer plays a critical role in the absorption process. More specifically following TMEWP administration, Cmax plasma values were 3300 ± 859 ng/mL for IMNA and 163 ± 58 ng/mL for IMLA. In comparison, following CMG administration, Cmax plasma values were 329 ± 57 ng/mL for IMNA and 28 ± 8 ng/mL for IMLA. The methodological approaches presented in this study, along with the findings, offer valuable information on the availability of bioactive components following ingestion of mastic and facilitate the uses of mastic either as an ingredient of functional foods or as a herbal drug.

Chemical investigation and antimicrobial properties of mastic water and its major constituents

Mastic water is a commercial flavouring obtained during the steam distillation of mastic resin (the resin of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia) for the production of mastic oil. The mastic water extracts were analysed by GC−MS. The major compounds identified were verbenone, α-terpineol, linalool and trans-pinocarveol. Overall the composition was found to be very different from that of mastic oil. Additional GC−MS revealed the enantiomeric ratio of the chiral constituents of mastic water. The antimicrobial activity of mastic water extract, as well as that of its major constituents, was examined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp. including ATCC wild clinical and food-borne strains. Linalool and α-terpineol were found to be the most potent antimicrobial constituents. Finally the stability of mastic water at different temperatures was studied, showing no change in the GC−MS profile of the organic extract for a period of 4months at storage temperatures up to 4°C.