The effect of mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori: a randomized pilot study

Phytomedicine. 2010 Mar;17(3-4):296-9. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.09.010. Epub 2009 Oct 29.

Abstract

Our aim was to study the effect of pure mastic gum on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in patients suffering from an H. pylori infection Fifty two patients were randomized to receive either 350mg three times a day (tid) of pure mastic gum for 14 days (Group A), or 1,05g tid of pure mastic gum (Group B) for 14 days, or pantoprazole 20mg twice a day (bd) plus pure mastic gum 350mg tid for 14 days (Group C) or pantoprazole 20mg bd plus amoxicillin 1g bd plus clarithromycin 500mg bd for 10 days (Group D). All patients harboured H. pylori before entering the study and that was confirmed by a (13)C urea breath test (UBT). H. pylori eradication was tested by a UBT 5 weeks after completion of the eradication regime. Eradication of H. pylori was confirmed in 4/13 patients in Group A and in 5/13 in Grour B. No patient in Group C achieved eradication whereas 10/13 patients in Group D had a negative UBT. There were no statistically significant differences in mean UBT values in Groups A, B, C although there was a trend in Group A (p=0.08) and in Group B (p=0.064). The difference was significant in Group D (p=0.01). All patients tolerated mastic gum well and no serious adverse events were reported. Mastic gum has bactericidal activity on H. pylori in vivo.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles / pharmacology
  • Amoxicillin / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Clarithromycin / pharmacology
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy*
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Helicobacter pylori / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Mastic Resin
  • Pantoprazole
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pistacia / chemistry*
  • Resins, Plant / pharmacology
  • Resins, Plant / therapeutic use*
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • 2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Mastic Resin
  • Resins, Plant
  • Amoxicillin
  • Pantoprazole
  • Clarithromycin

Associated data

  • ISRCTN/ISRCTN01756929