319. Mastiche, N.F.—Mastic.
A concrete resinous exudation from Pista'cia lentis'cus Linné. A shrub about 12 feet high. Fruit a small, roundish drupe, brownish-red, produced chiefly in the island of Scio.
DESCRIPTION OF DRUG.—A handsome-appearing resin, globular, somewhat elongated, yellowish, translucent tears about the size of a pea, brittle, and dusty from powder derived from attrition; plastic when chewed; odor balsamic; taste slight turpentine-like and faintly bitter. Soluble in ether and nearly so in alcohol.
CONSTITUENTS.—Volatile oil 1 to 2 per cent., and two resins, mastichic acid (alpha-resin), soluble in alcohol, and masticin (beta-resin), insoluble in alcohol, but soluble in ether.
ACTION AND USES.—Mild stimulant, but rarely used internally. Dose: 30 gr. (2 Gm.). Used as a filling for carious teeth, and for making paints, varnishes, etc., and formerly official in Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches.
