Mastic

Mastic (Resina Mastix), the resin of the plant Pistacia lentiscus L. (family Anacardiaceae), which is a tree 4-6 m tall, growing on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, on the islands of the Greek archipelago (Chios) and in Syria; it is exuded in the form of transparent, rounded, lemon-yellow grains that harden in the air, somewhat bitter in taste, and very aromatic. It has an antiseptic effect due to its content of essential oil and resin acids. The constituent parts of Mastic: essential oil (up to 2%), bitter principle-masticin (5%), about 42% various free resin acids and about 50% resenes (hydrocarbons). It is used in the form of tinctures for gargling, per se as a chewing substance, and as a binding agent in the preparation of pills and some plasters. Mastic solution of Ettingen, according to the author, consists of 20 parts of mastic, 50 parts of chloroform (or benzene) and 20 drops of linseed oil. According to other data, the composition of mastic solution is: rosin 15 g, sandarac 15 g, benzene 70 g and benzoyl ester 5 g. It is used when applying dressings to wounds of the extremities, as well as for traction (long strips of flannel with mastic solution applied to them). According to Spindler, mastic solution is a modification of skin lacquer, introduced in 1900 by the Kharkov orthopedic surgeon Fink under the name 'kleol,' or 'Fink's skin lacquer,' with the following composition: Terebinth. venet. 15.0, Masticis 12.0, Colophonii 25.0, Resinae albae 8.0, Spirit, vini (90°) 180.0. The mastic solution is immediately applied around the wound after injury, which protects it from contamination by microorganisms from surrounding parts, while the wound itself is covered with a gauze bandage attached to the skin. The dressing remains until healing occurs, unless suppuration has taken place.