Evaluation of Systemic Effects to Pistacia lentiscus Powder and Tears in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Gum mastic is the colloquial name for Pistacia lentiscus L (PL). Herbal medicines, dietary supplements and cosmetics often use its powder and tears. The aim of the study was to assess the subacute toxicity of gum mastic tears (GMT) and gum mastic powder (GMP) in guinea pigs at a dose of 0.2857g/kg during a 14-day period. Following the experiment, blood samples were taken from the animals to evaluate a variety of biochemical markers. The animals were then slaughtered so that the heart, liver, kidney and spleen could be examined histopathologically. A sub-acute toxicity investigation conducted on guinea pigs revealed no harm or mortality. The macroscopic and histological abnormalities in the tissues of the heart, liver, kidney and spleen did not significantly change at a dose of 0.2857g/kg. The TC level in GMT and GMP pigs was significantly lower, as was the TC/HDL ratio in GMT-treated pigs (p<0.05) and the uric acid level in GMT and GMP animals was lower (p<0.025). The findings suggest that GMT and GMP can be utilized to treat gout and as cardio-protective measures. However, the substantial increase (p<0.05) in γ GT seen in GMT pigs indicates liver problems, which was also noted after autopsy in the case of liver hepatomegaly. It is assumed, therefore, that similar results are observed at ten times larger doses and might not be present at human doses. Since gum mastic tears and powder have been shown to be safe, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries have authorized their use.