How many of you have ever heard of a resin produced by the Pistacia lentiscus tree called mastic gum? Well, it has been used for a myriad of ailments in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries for at least 3,000 years. Now, the advantages of this naturally-occurring resin are being revived for its antimicrobial effects. Numerous studies have already been published on this wonderful resin with respect to the gastrointestinal environment, therefore acquiring the respect of the scientific and medical community. Several studies on the effect of mastic gum on gastric ulcers have been performed, and the studies have shown positive results. It provided symptomatic relief of ulcers, reduced the intensity of gastric mucosal damage caused by anti-ulcer drugs and aspirin, and possessed antacid and cytoprotective qualities.

In 1998, researchers at University Hospital in Nottingham, England, conducted a very interesting study in which they demonstrated that mastic gum kills H. pylori, the bacterium that causes ulcers. They wrote, "Even low doses of mastic gum—1 gram per day for 2 weeks—can cure peptic ulcers very rapidly.” Please be aware, however, that the H. pylori bacteria that were killed in this study died in the test tube.

Then there is a doctor by the name of Leo Galland of New York who is very well known for his expertise with chronic gastric disorders, intestinal permeability, ulcers, and dyspepsia. His work led him to use mastic gum with his patients, in particular, the ones with H. pylori present. Says Doctor Galland on mastic gum,

"I am treating patients with dyspepsia and gastritis who also have Helicobacter in the stool. I do not use synthetic antibiotics, just mastic gum. In my experience, a dosage of 500 mg to 1 gram twice a day for two weeks has produced a clearing of symptoms associated with the elimination of the Helicobacter antigen from the stool. Ninety percent experience a clearing of symptoms, and 80% experience an elimination of Helicobacter in the stool after only two weeks.

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