Can mastic gum naturally boost your testosterone levels?

Historically, mastic gum was regarded as a natural aphrodisiac in certain Mediterranean cultures, as it’s known to help enhance sexual desire and performance. While its aphrodisiac effects are mostly anecdotal, studies do suggest that Chios mastic gum can positively influence reproductive hormones tied to sexual health, including testosterone.

If you’re worried about having low testosterone or are looking for natural ways to increase testosterone production, mastic gum is a compelling product to consider.

In this article, find out how mastic chewing gum can impact hormonal balance and testosterone production due to the presence of special compounds, such as antioxidants and zinc.

Does mastic gum increase testosterone levels?

Derived from the resin of the mastic tree (pistacia lentiscus) that’s native to Greece’s Chios island, for thousands of years, mastic gum has been celebrated for its many health benefits related to gut and oral health—such as supporting a strong, chiseled jawline (read more about that here) and a healthy gut microbiome (which you can learn about here).

But can you naturally increase testosterone levels by chewing mastic gum?

According to available research, mastic gum can potentially help boost testosterone levels by reducing inflammation originating in the gut, providing antioxidants that help keep cells healthy, and supplying zinc that aids in testosterone synthesis.¹‌²‌³

Additionally, chewing Chios mastic gum can elicit a natural stress response that’s capable of helping to boost testosterone. And, when used like a natural supplement, mastic chewing gum is safe overall and unlikely to cause side effects.

Mastic gum’s impact on hormones, including testosterone, comes down to its chemical composition. Here’s an overview of how chewing Chios mastic gum can potentially help manage low testosterone levels:

• Compounds including antioxidants: Mastic gum contains special antioxidants and compounds, including high concentrations of terpenes, that can fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. These protects effects are correlated with cellular health, which can extend to reproductive health.‌⁴

• Lowered inflammation: Special compounds in mastic chewing gum can help reduce inflammation in the body and balance blood sugar levels—and when there’s less inflammation, it’s easier for the body to make testosterone.

• Higher zinc intake: Zinc helps the body to make and maintain enough testosterone, and mastic gum is a great natural source of zinc. As a bonus, zinc is also tied to sperm health and potential protection against prostate cancer.

How does mastic gum impact hormonal balance and testosterone levels?

What exactly does mastic gum do for the body that allows it to potentially impact T production?

Mastic gum’s hormonal effects are due to its rich supply of bioactive compounds and nutrients, including terpenes, triterpenic acids, phenolic compounds, zinc, and other antioxidants, each contributing unique effects on the body.

Let’s look closer at how these compounds can affect testosterone synthesis and hormonal balance:

Anti-inflammatory effects

Emerging research suggests that mastic gum’s anti-inflammatory effects extend beyond the mouth and gut—helping to manage systemic inflammation throughout the body.¹

Inflammation, particularly chronic inflammation, is known to be detrimental to testosterone production, disrupting the feedback loop that regulates hormone synthesis. By helping quell inflammation, mastic gum may create a more conducive environment for healthy testosterone synthesis.

One of the primary active constituents of mastic gum is terpenes, which research shows have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. These protective effects wield considerable influence over hormonal processes, potentially including testosterone production.²

Positive effects on gut health

A healthy gastrointestinal system is integral to hormone balance due to its roles in nutrient absorption, inflammation control, neurotransmitter production, and communication with the brain.‌⁵

Optimal nutrient absorption facilitated by a healthy gut ensures that the body receives the essential building blocks necessary for hormone synthesis and regulation. Furthermore, the gut microbiome influences hormone metabolism and signaling, so a healthy gut aids in testosterone balance.

Additionally, the gut’s role in immune system activity helps regulate inflammation, which can interfere with hormone production and signaling. Studies show that mastic can help tackle inflammation by inhibiting pathways implicated in gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as nitric oxide synthesis and prostaglandins.³

Neurotransmitters produced in the gut, such as serotonin and dopamine, also impact hormone levels, particularly cortisol, a primary “stress hormone.” When cortisol is balanced, it’s easier to maintain normal levels of reproductive hormones.

Mastic gum has been shown to defend against gut-related problems like duodenal ulcers and ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, as well as symptoms of Crohn’s and inflammatory bowel disease.

Furthermore, mastic gum boasts an impressive array of triterpenic acids and volatile oils (natural essential oils), such as oleanolic acid, which have demonstrated antimicrobial activities, inhibition against pathogens, and positive effects on gut health.⁶

While the direct impact of triterpene acids in masti oil on testosterone synthesis remains unclear, their ability to combat pathogens in the gut and to support a healthy gut lining—which is where the majority of the immune system is located—can help alleviate stressors on the body’s regulatory systems while reducing inflammation.

Helps normalize blood sugar

Chewing Chios mastic gum can have a lowering effect on blood sugar levels—and balanced blood sugar is linked to improved hormonal balance. That’s because insulin, a hormone that is secreted when blood glucose (sugar) levels rise, influences the production of other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

In one placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, adults who consumed Chios mastic gum for eight weeks experienced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, and BMI.⁷

Acts as a “good stressor”

Aside from the nutrients that mastic gum provides, chewing it thoroughly and regularly can also serve as a “good stressor” for your body.

Moderate levels of stress, often referred to as “eustress,” can temporarily increase low testosterone levels. When the body encounters a moderate level of stress, such as during exercise or challenging tasks, it responds by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones stimulate the production of testosterone, preparing the body for the physical and mental demands of the stressful situation.

Vigorous chewing of mastic gum alone may not elicit this response, it can be used with other positive stressors like a regular workout routine and dietary supplements to help boost T levels.

Connection between zinc and testosterone

No discussion of testosterone optimization would be complete without acknowledging the role of zinc. As a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions, zinc is indispensable for testosterone synthesis.

We know from studies that mastic gum is a great natural source of zinc. When you chew mastic gum over the course of several hours, zinc is slowly released into your body, assisting in its uptake and absorption.⁴

Here’s a closer look at how zinc is involved in testosterone production⁸:

• Enzyme regulation: Zinc regulates the activity of several enzymes crucial for testosterone synthesis. One such enzyme is aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. By modulating aromatase activity, zinc helps maintain optimal testosterone levels by preventing excessive conversion to estrogen.

• Luteinizing hormone (LH) regulation: Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of the pituitary gland, which secretes luteinizing hormone (LH). LH, in turn, stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Zinc deficiency can lead to decreased LH secretion, impairing testosterone synthesis.

• Supports Leydig cell function: Within the testes, Leydig cells are responsible for synthesizing testosterone. Zinc supports the health and function of Leydig cells, ensuring their ability to produce adequate levels of testosterone in response to hormonal signals.

• Antioxidant protection: Testosterone production is susceptible to oxidative stress caused by toxicity, which can impair Leydig cell function and reduce testosterone synthesis. Zinc acts as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and protecting Leydig cells from oxidative damage.

Aside from supporting the body’s ability to make testosterone, studies suggest that zinc can help support sperm health and production, support prostate function, assist in normal cell growth, support sexual maturity among adolescents, and facilitate DNA synthesis, which is crucial for embryo development.

Are there disadvantages of mastic gum?

Is it safe for mastic gum to potentially impact testosterone levels in men? While mastic gum is generally safe for most people, some experience mild side effects after chewing mastic gum, mostly those related to digestion, such as digestive upset or potential allergic reactions.

In terms of its effect on hormone production, it’s unlikely for mastic gum to cause side effects because it contains moderate but not excessive amounts of nutrients like zinc.

It’s always advisable to start with a small amount of mastic gum to assess your tolerance before using more. You can also consult with a healthcare provider if you’re worried about interactions or hormonal effects, especially if you have a known medical condition.

Key takeaways

Can mastic gum naturally boost testosterone levels? Scientific research focused on the testosterone-boosting effects of mastic gum is still ongoing; however, mastic gum’s rich supply of bioactive compounds and zinc shows the potential to modulate hormonal balance. Based on available studies, mastic gum has physiological effects that make it a natural option for testosterone optimization, especially since it’s unlikely to cause side effects.

Want to learn more about mastic gum’s other benefits, such as for defining the jawline and improving digestion? Learn more about mastic gum’s many uses here.

This article originally appeared online in 2024; it was most recently updated on October 14, 2024, to include current information.

Jillian Levy

Jillian Levy is a seasoned health writer and certified health coach with a decade of experience crafting informative content for leading health, wellness, and personal development brands.

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