Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), which is actually a fungus and not a mushroom, has been used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Asia to boost immunity and improve overall health. It was traditionally ingested whole made into a powder and steeped in tea. It is more recently gaining popularity within the Western world for its wide range of health benefits and density of nutrients. (2) Chaga is most commonly found growing on the bark of birch trees in the cold climates of the Northern Hemisphere. The fungus resembles a large piece of burnt charcoal growing from the trees, but can be easily distinguished by its soft orange core. (1) It is most highly regarded as a cancer treatment, and has traditionally been used to treat many different kinds of cancers, and was even regarded as a “miraculous cure for cancer” in Solzhenitsyn’s 1967 novel the “Cancer Ward”.

Cancer: Increasingly, researchers are taking seriously the possibility that Chaga mushrooms may be able to prevent cancer and slow its growth. (7) Chaga contains immune supporting polysaccharides and triterpenoid components with direct anti-cancer activity, especially betulinic and acid derivatives. Chaga is also very rich in antioxidants, and can protect against cell damage caused by free radicals, slow the growth of cancer cells, and has even been found to cause tumor cells to self-destruct. Additionally, unlike other cancer treatment methods, Chaga does not harm healthy cells. (8) A 2010 study done on mice indicated that Chaga can be used to slow the growth of lung, breast, and cervical cancer cells, and also slows the growth of tumor cells. (1) Chaga shows great promise in combination with radiotherapy, exhibiting melanoma cell growth inhibition as well as a radiosensitizer in head and neck squamous cell cancers. (9)(10)

Anti-Aging Properties: Oxidative stress causes physical signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and grey hairs. Exposure to the sun, stress, and pollution all lead to oxidative stress and overproduction of free radicals. When too many free radicals are produced for the body to neutralize, it quickly accelerates the aging process. Chaga is a strong antioxidant, and can be used to slow down the aging process, as well as begin to reverse some signs of visible aging. Chaga has the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score, meaning it has the highest concentration of antioxidants among natural foods. Ingestion of Chaga will boost the antioxidant levels in one’s body, slowing down the aging process. (6)
Ant-Viral: Chaga has been traditionally used to treat a number of viral conditions. Extracts can prevent herpes simplex virus through inhibition of viral-induced membrane fusion. Additionally, it has been shown to disrupt the assembly of HIV-1 virus and viral fusion in the cell membrane.

Clinical Summary:

Main Applications: Cancer, antioxidant, antiviral

Key Components: Polysaccharides, betulinic acid derivatives

Dosage: Chaga can be eaten raw, taken as a supplement, or steeped in tea. There is no determined optimal dosage, and dosage may vary depending on age, size, health of the person ingesting it, and treatment goals.

Side Effects: Chaga is generally well tolerated. However, due to some of its properties, there could be some negative interactions with certain medications. -Impact on blood sugar: Chaga may have an impact on blood sugar, so it may pose risks for people who take insulin or have diabetes. -Impact on blood clotting: Since Chaga may prevent blood clotting, someone who is taking blood thinners, has a bleeding disorder, or is preparing for surgery should consult with a doctor before taking it.