Chaga Mushroom Benefits for Health & Anti-Oxidant Effects

The chaga mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, is a parastitic fungus most commonly found on birch trees in cool, northern climates.

It has been used as a folk medicine remedy in Russia and many Baltic nations for centuries to treat a variety of diseases and promote generalized health, stamina and wellbeing.

Although chaga and other medicinal mushrooms are commonly collected in many Asian counties, it has only recently garnered attention in the West.

Supplements are now in high international demand based on all the purported chaga mushroom benefits; the mushrooms are thought to contain more than 200 plant nutrients, numerous vitamins and minerals, and are not commonly associated with severe side effects or toxicity.

Although this fungus is widely associated with a variety of health benefits, clinical research is still needed to confirm many of these therapeutic claims.

Chaga Mushroom

Mushroom Supplement

Immunity

Anti- Oxidant

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Supports the immune system
• Anti-inflammatory with highest ORAC score
• Natural source of superoxide dismutases (SOD)

Dosage:

Between 200 - 800 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Chaga Mushroom Benefits for Human Health

Chaga mushrooms have been classically used in folk medicine traditions to treat gastrointestinal disorders, diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.[4]

Today, purported chaga mushroom benefits include immune system stimulation, cancer treatment and prevention, inflammation reduction and liver protection.

Although chaga has great pharmaceutical importance in parts of Asia, its function remains largely unknown in Western medicine and research is currently underway to examine these claims and understand the mechanisms behind the mushroom’s purported uses.

Fungi release enzymes into their outer environment to break down organic matter into forms that can be easily absorbed. Useful nutrients can then be taken in by fungi and used for growth and development.

Chaga mushrooms are a very slow-growing fungus and can take up to seven years to reach maturity. During this time the mushroom is breaking down and extracting nutrients from its host, the birch tree.

Some researchers suspect that a similar action –the enzymatic degradation of surrounding matter – may play a role in the chaga mushroom’s anti-tumor properties. [2]

In addition, the mushroom contains high levels of betulin or betulinic acid, which are compounds commonly found in birch trees and are currently being investigated for their potential use in chemotherapy. The betulin and betulinic acid in the chaga mushroom can be ingested orally with the added benefits of the of the mushroom’s plentiful phytochemicals.

Many purported chaga benefits have been studied and components of the mushroom have been shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects, [8, 4, 9] antimicrobial effects [3] and to help prevent the development of blood clots.[2]

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that components of the chaga mushroom have illustrated some ability to aid in cancer treatment and prevention, and to stimulate the immune system. They also note that no evidence exists to support the suggestion that chaga can reduce inflammation or protect the liver.

While some results are promising, clinical trials are still necessary to understand what role this natural remedy can play in the treatment of humans.[7]

Chaga Mushroom Antioxidant Effect

Chaga extract has been shown to help protect cells from oxidation in laboratory experiments.

The authors of a 2007 article published in the journal BioFactors concluded that chaga extract “could be a […] useful supplement in healthy individuals to generally inhibit excessive oxidative stress.” [5] This could result in significant benefits for overall human health.

Oxygen free radicals are destructive molecules that can damage cellular structures and cause oxidative stress. Free radical damage is suspected to play a significant role in the aging process.

Lifelong abuse by free radicals – if they are not neutralized – causes cellular structures to break down. This is the same process that causes some metals to develop rust: oxidation.

The cellular stress induced by oxidation has been shown to speed up the aging process of human cells and blood vessels. Cellular damage caused by oxidation has also been correlated with numerous conditions and diseases, such as some forms of cancer and cardiovascular ailments.

Antioxidants like chaga mushroom capsules can act as a counterbalance to free radicals in the body. An effective antioxidant has the power to neutralize the ionic charge of the free radical molecule, reducing its potential to cause any further cellular damage.

When antioxidants remain available in the human system, free radical damage is significantly reduced, which is thought to improve general health.

Chaga Mushroom Side Effects

Chaga is usually well tolerated by humans; but it may interact with certain chemical substances, particularly pharmaceutical medications. If you are considering chaga supplementation, it is important to speak to your doctor about possible drug interactions.

Please speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before beginning supplementation to safely achieve chaga mushroom benefits.

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