Expected Results

The main goal of the HYPER-MASTIC research project is the promotion of Chios mastic and its products, as phytotherapeutic products with antihypertensive action, based on reliable scientific documentation. The expected results of the project can be distinguished in purely scientific knowledge, innovation and economic development, while special emphasis is given to the beneficial effects of the project on society.

• For the Chios mastic resin: modern, validated and certified quality control methodologies will be developed, in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia and international quality and safety standards. The application of these methodologies is expected to contribute to consumer protection, in response to the widespread phenomena of Chios mastic counterfeiting and fraud worldwide, which ultimately degrade Chios mastic products.
• Significant results are expected to emerge from the methodologies of extraction, separation, isolation and identification of the Chios mastic components. Until today, their isolation in pure form has not been possible, their availability by the HYPER-MASTIC network is a milestone for the success of the project. It will also allow further investigation of their biological properties in other pharmacological targets, as well as the implementation of quality control procedures in the future. Particular emphasis will be put on the use of "green methodology techniques", with obvious benefits for the environment and the health of the population, but also a significant cost reduction.
• During the project, the bioavailability study of Chios mastic components through the analysis of biological fluids of the patients of the clinical study, is expected to provide important information on the safety and effectiveness of the Chios mastic components, all for the benefit of the consumers.
• Based on data from a pilot clinical study carried out by the HYPER-MASTIC network, the administration of Chios mastic is expected to drastically reduce blood pressure, to act protectively at the sites of damage to organs targeting hypertension, as well as against vascular aging. This effect is expected to be observed either autonomously, or in parallel and cumulatively with that of antihypertensive drugs that patients may receive.
  The findings are significant, as hypertension is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular death and the most common chronic disease leading to primary care facilities, with huge medical and financial costs. The possible finding of a beneficial effect of the phytotherapeutic preparations of Chios mastic on the levels of blood pressure and its complications, would be extremely beneficial both from a medical and from an economic point of view.

• The combined and complementary application of modern approaches (genomic, metabolic) and modern bioassays in endothelial cells and in vivo in rat hypertension model, is expected to lead to the finding of correlations, indicating new signaling and pathogenic pathogens.
• Thanks to the long experience of the participants in the HYPER-MASTIC project in research and development focusing on Chios mastic, but also in the detailed project design, we aspire that the new product to be developed will be a national development model in the field of phytotherapy.
• The research institutes participating in the project will gain new knowledge, while the participating companies will gain significant benefits, through the comparative advantages provided by the integrated scientific documentation. This will lead to faster and more stable market penetration.
• Through the scientific project, the creation of working positions is sought and expected, along with the formation of a new philosophy for young scientists and workers in the field of phytotherapeutic products. A different culture is expected to be formed, giving alternative solutions to the development of the country.
• Finally, the successful completion of the project will contribute to the development of the local community of Chios, to the support of the Greek economy but also to the protection of the overall society, by contributing to consumer safety.