Amazing Chaga Mushroom Extract

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a mushroom that typically grows on birch trees in colder climates across the Northern Hemisphere. At first glance, the mushroom doesn’t look very appealing; actually, it doesn’t even look like a mushroom at all! Appearances can be deceiving, however, as this special mushroom packs a punch when it comes to its health value.

Chaga Description

Chaga has been consumed for centuries in the East (most typically as tea), where its health benefits are well established. More recently, chaga has been gaining popularity in the West, where its numerous health benefits are now being recognized by many health gurus. Technically, chaga is a highly-concentrated black mass of mycelium that protrudes from birch trees infected with the parasitic–but non-toxic–fungus Inonotus obliquus. The dark, hard and cracked exterior, which often appears like burnt charcoal, is called the sclerotium. The interior has a rusty yellow brown color.

What Are the Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms?

The health benefits of Chaga are numerous, many of which can be attributed to its immune-boosting ingredients and antioxidants. [1] Let’s go through each of the top 4 health benefits:

1. Supports Immune System

Chaga has an abundance of beta-D-glucans which help balance the response of the body’s immune system. This means that chaga helps boost the immune system when necessary, but slows it down when it’s overactive. This makes chaga a natural biological response modifier (BRM). Research has also shown that chaga activates immune cells responsible for combating cancer initiation.

[2] Research is still ongoing, as more studies are needed to determine chaga’s full role in cancer. Chaga has proven effective in supporting standard cancer approaches, such as chemotherapy, by compensating for the program’s negative side effects. I’m certainly not saying that chaga will ease cancer progression; however, evidence suggests there may be vital compounds in the mushroom that warrant further investigation.

2. Soothing Properties

Chaga supports the integrity of blood vessels and provides soothing properties in times of irritation. This can be helpful for those suffering from pain, neuropathy, and even diabetes. [3]

3. Ulcers And Gastritis

Due to its immune-boosting properties, chaga has long been used to support gastrointestinal health in Eastern culture. Most ulcers are caused by bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, so a well-functioning immune system can fight off this pathogen. Ulcers may be soothed by the use of chaga, depending on the severity and the patient.

4. Normalize Blood Pressure And Cholesterol Levels

Studies have shown that the betulinic acid found in chaga is able to break down LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the bloodstream. [4]

Antioxidant Properties

So what are the ingredients behind chaga that provide all these health benefits? Let’s go through the 6 key ingredients that make chaga so healthy.

1. Polysaccharides

Chaga contains structural polysaccharides within its chitin walls, which provide energy, cardiovascular health, intestinal and liver health, and promote healthy blood sugar levels. It’s also said to improve one’s mood.

2. Beta-D-Glucans

Beta-D-glucans are known for their ability to modulate the immune system. They also help with normalizing cholesterol levels and blood sugar.

3. Phytosterols

Of the phytosterols present in chaga, 45 percent is lanosterol, 25 percent is inotodiols and the remaining 30 percent consists of ergosterol, fecosterol, and several others. In vivo and in vitro testing shows a direct effect of both lanosterol and inotodiols on caner cells, with ianosterol imparting a positive effect on viral compounds. [5]

4. Betulin And Betulinic Acid (Triterpenes)

Betulin and betulinic acid are powerful therapeutic agents that are currently being researched for their effects on supporting healthy cholesterol levels. In addition to their favorable benefits for maintaining a healthy cholesterol profile, betulin and betulinic acid are also being studied in relation to cancer and viruses. [6]

5. Antioxidants

Chaga sclerotium contains massive amounts of the natural black pigment known as melanin, which has high antioxidant levels due to the amount of polyphenols it contains. In fact, chaga has the highest ORAC score (the measure of antioxidant potency) of any superfood.

6. SODs

SODs are another important antioxidant present in chaga. SOD refers to a group of enzymes called superoxide dismutase. These enzymes play an important role in protecting our body against the destructive effects of uncontrolled oxidation and free radicals. SOD potency is measured by the S-ORAC score. [7]

This article was first published by GlobalHealingCenter.com/.

Russell Jones is the founder of Chaga HQ. Born in Oxford, England, he studied at Oxford Brooks University before embarking on a successful career as an engineer and project manager in the broadcasting industry. His work soon took him to Canada, where he settled in Ontario and became a husband and father. A lifelong tea drinker, Russell first tried locally harvested chaga tea as a low caffeine alternative to the teas typically sold in stores. Visit him at chagahq.com to learn more about chaga.

Our Siberian Chaga Extract Powder has an extract ratio of 9:1, 1kg of fresh or raw Chaga Mushrooms is equivalent to approximately 110g of extract.

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Chaga mushroom extract powder has a pleasant flavour that many liken to a cross between tea and coffee and, as it can be enjoyed in exactly the same way, makes a wonderfully healthy alternative to your usual cuppa. Chaga mushroom extract powder may also be used as an additional ingredient in your choice of rawfood meals and snacks – it’s highly concentrated too, so only a tiny amount is required for a demonstrable nutrient boost*.

Chaga extracts can be added to nearly anything to give you the antioxidant boost you need and deserve. Add Chaga extract to coffee, juices, mixed drinks and water. You can even add them to foods, elixirs, water, teas, tonics, smoothies, homemade ice cream and chocolate, puddings, fruit and/or vegetable juices, etc.

*It is not recommended to consume more than 1 teaspoon of chaga mushroom extract powder per day, unless otherwise agreed with your naturopath.

References

1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Chaga Mushroom — Fact Sheet.

2. Youn MJ, Kim JK, Park SY, et al. Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. World J Gastroenterol. Jan 28 2008;14(4):511-517.

3. Hyun KW, Jeong SC, Lee DH, Park JS, Lee JS. Isolation and characterization of a novel platelet aggregation inhibitory peptide from the medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus. Peptides. Jun 2006;27(6):1173-1178.

4. Sun JE, Ao ZH, Lu ZM, et al. Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of dry matter of culture broth of Inonotus obliquus in submerged culture on normal and alloxan-diabetes mice. J Ethnopharmacol. Jun 19 2008;118(1):7-13.

5. Lee SH, Hwang HS, Yun JW. Antitumor activity of water extract of a mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, against HT-29 human colon cancer cells. Phytother Res. Apr 15 2009.

6. Zhong XH, Ren K, Lu SJ, Yang SY, Sun DZ. Progress of research on Inonotus obliquus. Chin J Integr Med. Apr 2009;15(2):156-160.

7. Youn MJ, Kim JK, Park SY, et al. Potential anticancer properties of the water extract of Inonotus [corrected] obliquus by induction of apoptosis in melanoma B16-F10 cells. J Ethnopharmacol.Jan 21 2009;121(2):221-228.