Science

Chaga is widely used in folk medicine in Siberia, North America, and North Europe.  More than 200 mycochemicals have been identified from chaga [1]. These include carbohydrates (e.g., beta glucans, xylogalactoglucose), lipids (e.g., β-sitosterol, episterol, fecosterol), polyphenols (e.g., 3,4-dihydroxybenzalacetone, inonoblins A, phelligridins D), and terpenes (e.g., p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, foscoperianol D, syringic acid, vanillic acid).  Chaga has possible anticancer, antiviral, and hypoglycemic properties.  A plethora of findings have highlighted the potential molecular mechanisms of actions of this mushroom such as its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, inhibit the growth of tumors, decrease inflammation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, and stimulate the immune system.[2]

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Mushroom research:

[1] Rogers, R. 2011. The Fungal Pharmacy. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA

 [2] Duru, K. C., Kovaleva, E. G., Danilova, I. G., & Bijl, P. van der. (2019, June 17). The pharmacological potential and possible molecular mechanisms of action of Inonotus obliquus from preclinical studies. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6384

[3] Hyun, K. W., Jeong, S. C., Lee, D. H., Park, J. S., & Lee, J. S. (2005, November 11). Isolation and characterization of a novel platelet aggregation inhibitory peptide from the medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196978105004742