Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium found in the stomachs of about half of the world’s population. It lies dormant in the stomach until activated by an unknown trigger but just because the bacteria is present does not mean that the development of an ulcer is certain. It is the most common cause of stomach ulcers and is to blame for other gastrointestinal complaints such as heartburn and gastritis. The World Health Organization has classified it as a carcinogen.
Cause of Ulcers
Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, were thought to be caused by stress and an unhealthy diet until two Nobel Prize-winning Australian researchers, Marshall and Warren, found H pylori in the stomachs of those suffering from ulcers. While stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices may still play a part in exacerbating the ailment, it is now widely accepted that H pylori is the main cause. Initially treated successfully with antibiotics, it is now developing a resistance and so new treatments are sought. Studies conducted in Iraq and Greece have shown that the Greek spice mastic is effective in the treatment of ulcers due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Mastic Resin
Mastic gum is cultivated on the small Greek island of Chios. While mastic trees are found all over the Mediterranean, it is only the chia or Duham variety which exudes the therapeutic resin. The hardened resin was well known in ancient times and Greek physicians like Hippocrates recommended mastic for gastrointestinal disorders. The people of Chios use the spice for protection against peptic ulcers and it is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine and beauty products and has been for thousands of years.
Mastic in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Mastic was used in several studies initially with the aim of investigating the folk wisdom that it is effective for stomach complaints. Ulcers affect millions of people worldwide and for those who suffer from the ailment it can severely affect quality of life. no longer an 'old person's complaint' it is now affecting children also. As some tests proved inconclusive as to the effectiveness of mastic, the Greek scientists hypothesized that an insoluble polymer constituting 30% of the gum used in the study inhibited its absorption in the body. Their tests using a polymer-less gum proved that long term use (3 months and over) of this gum did reduce H pylori in the stomach.
Effects of Mastic Gum on UlcersMastic has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers at the University of Nottingham tested mastic gum on patients suffering from peptic ulcers. The pain relief was almost immediate due to the anti-inflammatory properties and the ulcers seemed to clear up after two weeks because of the anti-bacterial action. In another study, 80% of patients treated with mastic reported a reduction in pain and in 70% of the cases, healing was observed. A study in the UK found that mastic kills H pylori bacteria in the stomach if taken in high doses. Furthermore, mastic is completely natural and there have been no side effects reported either now or in the last 3000 years of its use.
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