Effects of Pistacia lentiscus Leaf‐Twig and Resin (Mastic) Oils on Salivary Flow in Healthy Individuals

OBJECTIVE: Pistacia lentiscus L. tree is known for its aromatic mastic gum containing terpenes α-pinene and β-myrcene, and has been applied as a traditional remedy in oral care for centuries. Previously, intranasal exposure to mastic resin volatiles increased salivary flow in healthy and dry-mouth individuals. This study assessed the biological effects of oils from P. lentiscus for the purpose of standardisation and optimal performance. METHODS: Composition analysis (GC-MS/FID) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of P. lentiscus oils obtained from resin or leaf-twig were assessed in vitro. Salivary properties (flow, spinnbarkeit, total protein concentration) and subjective mouthfeel were analysed before and after the application of the compounds in healthy volunteers (n = 12) in the form of nasal sprays. RESULTS: This study confirmed that both oils tested contain compounds with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity in vitro. GC-MS/FID analysis showed different compositions between the resin and leaf-twig oils. Application of leaf-twig oil significantly increased salivary flow (median (IQR), 0.25 (0.15, 0.45) mL/min vs. 0.32 (0.19, 0.51) mL/min, p ≤ 0.01). There were no changes in spinnbarkeit, total protein concentration and mouthfeel. CONCLUSIONS: P. lentiscus leaf-twig oil increased salivary flow in healthy participants. Further research is required to assess its effectiveness both in large cohort and in dry mouth patients.