Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mastic gum, a resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, has been traditionally used in Mediterranean regions for gastrointestinal ailments. In recent decades, scientific attention has focused on its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, particularly regarding gastrointestinal health. For enteritis (inflammation of the intestine), the scientific evidence is limited but suggests possible benefits.

Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that mastic gum can reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, which is associated more with gastritis and peptic ulcers than with classic enteritis. A few small human studies and case reports have explored mastic gum's effects on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which can be classified as chronic forms of enteritis. These studies reported modest improvements in symptoms and inflammatory markers, but sample sizes were small and methodologies varied.

Overall, while there is a traditional basis for its use in gastrointestinal complaints, the scientific validation specifically for enteritis remains preliminary. The quality of available evidence is low, with limited clinical trials and a need for larger, well-designed studies. Thus, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5: there is some promising data, but it is not robust enough to recommend mastic gum as a standard treatment for enteritis.

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