title: Effects of Chios mastic gum on cholesterol and glucose levels of healthy volunteers: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study (CHIOS-MASTIHA).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chios mastic gum (CMG) possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atheromatic, lipid- and glucose-lowering properties. We evaluated the effects of CMG on cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels of healthy volunteers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and seventy nine volunteers with total cholesterol levels >200 mg/dl were randomized to four groups. Finally, 156 volunteers completed the follow-up period and were analysed: (1) control group (C, n = 23), receiving placebo; (2) total mastic (TM, n = 72) receiving daily a total dose of 1 g of crude CMG (330 mg capsules, tid); (3) polymer-free mastic (PFM, n = 33), receiving daily a total dose of 1 g of polymer free mastic (330 mg caps, tid); and (4) powder mastic (PM, n = 28), receiving daily a total dose of 2 g of crude CMG.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After eight weeks, the TM group reduced total cholesterol by 11.5 mg/dl (p < 0.05) and FPG by 4.5 mg/dl (p < 0.05) adjusted for age, gender, BMI and baseline characteristics. The effect was stronger in overweight and obese patients (BMI > 25), with an estimated mean reduction of total cholesterol by 13.5 mg/dl (p < 0.05) and FPG by 5.1 mg/dl (p < 0.05). Administration of PFM and PM resulted in no statistically significant alteration. No effect was observed on LDL, HDL, triglycerides, uric acid and CRP. No gastrointestinal, liver or renal adverse events were recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CMG has a significant lowering effect on total cholesterol and glucose levels of healthy volunteers, with excellent tolerance and no detectable side effects, especially in overweight and obese individuals.
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece thkartal@otenet.gr.
authors: Athanasios
authors: A
authors: Kartalis
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Matthaios
authors: M
authors: Didagelos
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Ioannis
authors: I
authors: Georgiadis
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Georgios
authors: G
authors: Benetos
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Smyrnioudis
authors: Biochemistry Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Haralambos
authors: H
authors: Marmaras
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Petros
authors: P
authors: Voutas
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Zotika
authors: Cardiology Department, 'Skylitseio' General Hospital of Chios, Greece.
authors: Stefanos
authors: S
authors: Garoufalis
authors: Cardiology Department, Hospital Center 'Henry Dunant', Athens, Greece.
authors: Georgios
authors: G
authors: Andrikopoulos
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005215:Fasting / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D000069997:Mastic Resin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D000069997:Mastic Resin
keywords: Mastic gum; atherosclerosis; cardiovascular; diabetes; lipids; terpenes