High Cholesterol: The Effectiveness of Chios Mastiha Essential Oil
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. LDL cholesterol (the so-called “bad cholesterol”) plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to the narrowing of blood vessels. This highlights the growing importance of effective strategies to lower blood lipid levels.
Chios Mastiha essential oil (CMO), extracted from the resin of Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, is emerging as a promising natural alternative for cholesterol control. This is the conclusion of the first randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in the Hellenic Journal of Cardiology in 2024, which involved 160 healthy volunteers with hypercholesterolemia.
The MASTIHA-OIL study was designed to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of Chios Mastiha essential oil, in 200 mg capsules, on adults with total cholesterol above 200 mg/dl who were not under pharmacological treatment. The participants—113 in the CMO group and 47 in the placebo group—took one capsule per day for eight weeks.
The Results: Significant Decrease in Cholesterol and Triglycerides
The results are impressive. After eight weeks, those who took CMO experienced:
- A 20.6 mg/dl reduction in total cholesterol (−9%)
- An 18.1 mg/dl reduction in LDL cholesterol (−12%)
- A 21.8 mg/dl decrease in triglycerides (−15%)
- A 4.6 mg/dl drop in blood glucose (−5%)
- A 2.4 mg/dl increase in HDL cholesterol (+5%)
These improvements were achieved without side effects and without any changes in the participants’ diet or physical activity.
Mechanism of Action of Chios Mastiha Oil
The beneficial effect of CMO is linked to the presence of over 60 active compounds, particularly monoterpenes such as α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, and camphene. Camphene, in particular, has shown the ability to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels independently of statins (which work via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition).
CMO also modulates Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Proteins (SREBPs), which control the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides, and increases the expression of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI), a key component of HDL.
A Natural Remedy for Cholesterol: Benefits and Potential
Chios mastic has been known since antiquity for its beneficial properties: anti-ulcer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and—now confirmed by this study—lipid-lowering.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is harvested exclusively in the southern part of the Greek island of Chios, where the climate favors the secretion of the resin.
The essential oil, obtained through distillation of the resin, concentrates the active compounds that act directly on lipid metabolism. Its proven efficacy, combined with its excellent safety profile, paves the way for its use as a natural supplement for cholesterol control, even for individuals who cannot or do not want to take conventional medications.
Future Research and Perspectives
Researchers hope to launch larger-scale multicenter studies to confirm these findings and further assess:
- Its efficacy in broader and more diverse populations
- A possible dose-dependent effect
- Long-term safety
- Any interactions with other medications
The recent foundation of the Chios Mastiha Foundation will help promote and support research into this extraordinary natural product.
The Potential of CMO as a Heart Ally
The MASTIHA-OIL study represents a turning point in the research on natural supplements for cholesterol control. In just eight weeks, Chios Mastiha essential oil significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 12%—a result comparable to first-line pharmacological treatments.
Its total absence of side effects makes it particularly interesting for cardiovascular prevention in individuals with mild or moderate dyslipidemia, or for those who prefer a more natural health approach.
Chios Mastiha Oil now emerges as a scientifically validated and promising solution for lowering cholesterol in a natural, effective, and safe way. Incorporating it into daily routines could be an important step toward preventing cardiovascular diseases.
If your company is interested in creating or manufacturing a cholesterol-lowering product:
Source: May 2024, “Effects of Chios Mastiha essential oil on cholesterol levels of healthy volunteers: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study (MASTIHA-OIL)”, PubMed
