The Effect of Mastic Gum on Helicobacter pylori-infected Gastritis

Roe, Im Hwan; Nam, Seung Woo; Myung, Na Hye; Kim, Jung Taik; Shin, Ji Hyun

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mastic, a natural resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, has been reported to have an antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). We investigated the effects of mastic containing chewing gum on the subjects with H. pylori-infected gastritis. METHODS: A double blind clinical trial was carried out on forty-eight volunteers with H. pylori infected gastritis. They were divided into age and sex matched two groups and then treated with the chewing gum containing mastic (1 mg/piece) and placebo, 3 times for 15 minutes a day before meals for 90 days. The 13C-urea breath test and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy for rapid urease test and histologic examination were performed at 0, 30, and 90 days after treatment in all subjects including 15 H. pylori-negative controls. RESULTS: All subjects were well compliant. The treatment with mastic gum led to significant decrease in delta 13C(permil) values. The delta 13C(permil) value measured at 90 days was significantly lower than those at 0 and 30 days (p=0.033, p=0.034, respectively). Moreover, significant improvement was observed in active gastric inflammation at 90 days compared to before the treatment (p=0.004). Placebo group did not show any changes in delta 13C(permil) values and active inflammatory scores according to treatment duration. CONCLUSIONS: Mastic gum has a beneficial effect on H. pylori-infected gastritis, and can be considered as one of novel treatments.