Effects of regular and mastic chewing gum on alertness, mood, heart rate and EEG activity in adolescents: a pilot study

Chewing gum has been associated with changes in alertness, mood, and cognitive performance. Natural mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus resin) differs from commercial chewing gum in composition and texture, but its neurophysiological effects have not been previously explored. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of measuring heart rate, mood, alertness, and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during chewing, and to explore potential differences in these attributes between regular sugar-free gum and natural mastic gum in adolescents. Thirty healthy 15-year-old students were randomly assigned to chew either regular sugar-free gum or natural mastic gum for 3 minutes. Heart rate was recorded before and during chewing. EEG activity (alpha, beta, and theta rhythms) and derived mental state indices were recorded at three time points using a wearable EEG headband. Mood and alertness were assessed using a validated Visual Analogue Scale (Global Vigor and Affect). Non-parametric statistical tests were used to determine any differences due to small sample size and non-normal distributions. Chewing gum was not associated with significant changes in heart rate. Global Vigor increased during chewing in the total sample, reaching statistical significance within the mastic gum group, although between-group differences were not significant. Exploratory EEG analyses showed changes in alpha, beta, and theta rhythms during and after chewing, particularly in the mastic gum group; however, large inter-individual variability and multiple comparisons limited interpretation. Mental state indices derived from EEG showed no consistent changes. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of combining subjective and wearable EEG measures to examine the acute effects of chewing gum in adolescents. Chewing was associated with short-term changes in alertness and EEG activity, but evidence for differential effects between gum types remains preliminary. Larger, controlled, and blinded crossover studies are required to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.