Lentisk and mastic of chios: uses and properties

Pistacia lentiscus, commonly known as Lentisk, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It’s an evergreen shrub that can grow into a tree reaching a height of 3-4 meters, with a twisted trunk that appears to sprawl on the ground, and a gray-brown color that deepens as the specimen matures.

The plant is dioecious, featuring leathery, dark green, alternate, glabrous, and entire compound leaves. The lower surface of the leaf appears lighter. Blooming occurs between May and July, producing highly fragrant flowers arranged in spikes. Male flowers have dark red anthers, while female flowers have gray anthers. The fruits are spherical drupes, initially red and maturing to black, containing a seed. Incising the bark yields a resin known as Chios mastic, representing the medicinal substance.

The balsamic period is in spring when incisions are made on the bark, releasing a secretion that coagulates into roundish nodules or transparent, yellow tears with a balsamic scent and a pungent, bitter taste. Once collected, the resin is stored in tightly sealed glass containers.

The resin comprises essential oils (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, beta-myrcene), a bitter substance (masticin), tannins, masticonic acid, mastic resins, masticinic acid, and triterpenic alcohols.

Its name, Chios mastic, is derived from the region where it’s primarily cultivated, the island of Chios in Greece. There exists the Association of Chios Mastic Producers, the sole entity authorized to commercialize the resin. This association manages and regulates the entire production chain following a specific production protocol and subsequently exports it worldwide.

Mastic possesses expectorant, tonic, astringent, hemostatic, diuretic, stomachic, and antidiarrheal properties.

Recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against Helicobacter pylori, the microorganism responsible for gastritis and gastric ulcers, as well as its antifungal action. The resin is used in the preparation of toothpaste and mouthwashes, given its teeth-whitening and breath-purifying properties, insights recognized in ancient Arab medicine. Dioscorides, in his work “De Materia Medica,” recommended Chios mastic for indigestion, coughs, oral hygiene, and cosmetics. Galen advocated its use for inflammation of the stomach, intestines, liver, and its emollient properties.

Today, the resin finds extensive use in the production of varnishes or common mastics, and for flavoring wines and liquors.

Lentisk was consecrated in Greece to Dictymna, a nymph of Artemis, who adorned herself with the plant. Since Hellenic virgins emulated this practice, Lentisk became a symbol of Purity and Virginity.

ANJA LATINI

Registered Herbalist RNEP No. GLT0018S