Meta Information
ID:mastic-gum
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/condition/anacardiaceae-allergy
Target name:
Allergy to Pistachio/Cashew Family
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Mastic gum is derived from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, the same family as pistachios, cashews, and mangoes, posing a high risk of cross-reactive allergic reactions.
Actionable advice:
Avoid completely if you have a known allergy to pistachios, cashews, or related plants.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of mastic gum during pregnancy has not been established through clinical research.
Actionable advice:
Avoid use during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if components of mastic gum are excreted in breast milk or what effects they may have on a nursing infant; safety has not been established.
Actionable advice:
Avoid use while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Mastic gum may possess mild antiplatelet properties, which could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding when combined with medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult your doctor before combining with blood-thinning medications.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Mastic gum may lower blood glucose levels, potentially enhancing the effect of diabetes medications and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose levels closely if combining with diabetes medications and consult your doctor.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c19-substrates
Target name:
CYP2C19 Substrates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Mastic gum may inhibit the CYP2C19 enzyme, potentially increasing the concentration and side effects of drugs metabolized by this pathway, such as clopidogrel, omeprazole, and some antidepressants.
Actionable advice:
Consult your pharmacist or doctor before combining with drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Taking mastic gum with food can reduce its direct contact with the stomach lining, potentially diminishing its effectiveness for gastrointestinal issues like H. pylori or dyspepsia.
Actionable advice:
Take at least 1 hour before eating or wait 2 hours after a meal for optimal GI effects.
Target id:
/class/acid-dependent-absorption-drugs
Target name:
Drugs Requiring Acid for Absorption
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Mastic gum may reduce stomach acidity, which can decrease the absorption of certain medications that require an acidic environment, such as the antifungal ketoconazole or some iron formulations.
Actionable advice:
Separate mastic gum from medications requiring stomach acid by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Mastic gum may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which could be additive to the effects of antihypertensive medications.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure if you start taking mastic gum while on blood pressure medication.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining mastic gum with other supplements that have blood-thinning properties (e.g., ginkgo, garlic, high-dose fish oil) may theoretically increase the cumulative risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Be mindful when combining with other supplements known to affect blood clotting.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Mastic gum may weakly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which could slightly increase levels of many common medications, such as some statins and calcium channel blockers, though the clinical significance is likely low.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of this potential interaction, especially if taking multiple medications metabolized by CYP3A4.
Target id:
/class/acid-suppressors
Target name:
Gastric Acid Suppressors
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Mastic gum can help reduce stomach acid and has antibacterial effects against H. pylori, which may complement the action of medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers.
Actionable advice:
May be used together for GI benefits, but discuss the combined regimen with your doctor.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Taking mastic gum before bed may help manage symptoms of nighttime acid reflux or indigestion due to its soothing effects on the stomach and esophageal lining.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking a dose 30 minutes before bedtime if you experience nighttime GI symptoms.