Chaga – “King of Medicinal Mushrooms”

Chaga is an exceptional medicinal mushroom with a wide range of special effects.

Does Chaga Protect against Radiation Damage and Electromagnetic Pollution?

Chaga has a high melanin content which also gives it a characteristic coal-like appearance. Studies have shown that the melanin-complex contained in Chaga possesses high antioxidant properties and thus protects the genome (Melanin complex of the fungus Inonotus obliquus, Babitskaia VG et al 2000).

The fungal melanins in Chaga protect against radiation damage, such as UV radiation, and offer protection against high temperatures.
It could also be shown that Chaga (the polysaccharide fraction) can offset the negative effects of microwave radiation on damaged germ cells (Prevention of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides for high power microwave radiation induced testicular injury in rats: an experimental research, Zhao LW et al. 2014).

Chaga and Mutations

It could be shown that the polyphenols contained in Chaga cause a reduction of human tumor cell proliferation (HCT116 / colon carcinoma) via inhibition of topoisomerase II. In particular, the ingredients DBL (dihydroxybenzalacetone) and CA (caffeic acid) of the Chaga’s polyphenol content were important. Topoisomerases are effective enzymes that enable the reading of the DNS by temporarily splitting and relaxing the intertwined DNA strands. This process is inhibited by the modified DNA in tumor cells and thus their growth is blocked.
(Inhibitory effects of low molecular weight polyphenolics from Inonotus obliquus on human DNA topoisomerase activity and cancer cell proliferation, Kuriyama I et. al. 2013).

Chaga as an Antioxidant

The Chaga mushroom is considered to be a very powerful antioxidant.

A strong antioxidant effect is attributed particularly to the contained polyphenols and the melanin-complex (Antioxidant effect of Inonotus obliquus., Yong Ciu et al. 2004).

In other studies, it was shown that the polysaccharide constituents have an antioxidant effect.

Chaga and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Chaga decreases levels of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β).
This has an anti-inflammatory effect in the intestinal mucosa. Thus, in turn, leads to an inhibition of the inflammatory infiltration of immune cells in the intestinal mucosa.
Therefore, scientists believe that Chaga could be a useful supplement for chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Also in other studies this effect was confirmed. Here it was found that Chaga acts as an anti-inflammatory and an antinociceptive (analgesic) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Scientists found that a down regulation of NF-kappa B binding activity occurred. The inducible nitrogen oxid synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 the (COX-2) were inhibited. (Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Inonotus obliquus in Colitis Induced by Dextran Sodium Sulfate, Choi SY et al 2010,
Ethanol Extract of Inonotus obliquus Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells , Kim HG et al., 2007)

Chaga and Parasites

Toxoplasma (Effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide on survival and cytokines in sera of mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii, LI Jia-jia et al. 2011)

Chaga and Cancer

In a study of the most frequent occurring human cancer cells (in vitro – i.e. test tube) the betulinic acid contained in Chaga appeared to be a potential chemotherapeutic agent.
Examined were cancer cell lines from the lung, colon and rectum, breast and prostate. All examined cell lines were significantly suppressed in their growth. Therefore, a dosage was needed, which can be easily obtained in vivo (i.e. in a living body)
(Broad in vitro efficacy of plant-derived betulinic acid against cell lines derived from the most prevalent human cancer types, Kessler JH et al. 2007).

Chaga and Diabetes

Injured beta cells of the pancreas recovered when Chaga was taken.
Strong oxidative stress could be reduced to a minimum.
Scientists found that the relaxation effect could be traced back to Chaga’s polysaccharide content.
Therefore, they came to the conclusion that Chaga polysaccharides might be appropriate to lower elevated blood sugar levels. (Protective Effect of Polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Symptoms and Their Potential Mechanisms in Rats., Diao BZ et al 2014).

Botany of the Chaga

The Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a pore mushroom with black coal-like appearance. Its inside has a brownish orange color.
Its black appearance is due to the high melanin content. Melanin is a protective pigment that among other attributes determines peoples’ natural skin tone. Compared to other food products, the melanin content in Chaga is above average. Chaga is also very rich in minerals and trace elements such as potassium and zinc. Other important components are betulinic acid, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and triterpenes, iron and chromium.

Chaga is found in North America, Canada, Russia, Korea, and Northern and Eastern Europe.

In folk medicine, the legendary medicinal mushroom is also used in cases of ailments and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, (e.g, polyps of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritis), for treatment of parasites, diabetes and for strengthening of the immune system.
It is reported that Chaga frequently can be found near temples and holy places.

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