Chaga Mushroom Side Effects, Safety & Possible Interactions

Although side effects related to chaga mushroom consumption are not thought to be common, there are some scenarios where supplementation is not recommended.

Chaga is a natural, slow-maturing fungus that is usually well tolerated by humans.

However, this mushroom may interact with certain chemical substances, particularly pharmaceutical medications. It is important to speak to your doctor before beginning supplementation to talk about possible chaga side effects, including drug interactions.

The chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) has been used to support general health in traditional medicine for centuries. It is indigenous to cold climates, growing primarily in Russia, Canada and parts of the northwestern United States.

Word about the possible health benefits of chaga use has spread worldwide and has sparked clinical research interest to determine its capacities to improve human health.

In particular, chaga is currently being examined for possible action against cancerous cells. It is also being tested for numerous other potential health benefits related to its high antioxidant content.

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 Side Effects

Bruising and Bleeding

One of the main side effects associated with chaga mushroom supplementation is drug interactions.

For instance, the extract may interact with drugs that lessen blood coagulation, such as warfarin and aspirin. Chaga contains triterpenes, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, polysaccharides, betulinic acid and other constituents that stimulate biochemical responses throughout the body.

If you take this supplement with anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet drugs, you may increase your risks of bruising and bleeding.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood-sugar levels drop too low. Some common hypoglycemia symptoms include shakiness, weakness, incessant hunger/thirst, irritability, confusion and/or difficulty speaking.

It is thought that chaga mushroom supplementation may interact negatively with insulin and/or other medications that are designed to moderate blood-sugar levels.

Chaga Mushroom Safety

Although chaga is well tolerated by humans, there is insufficient clinical research to determine its potential to cause negative side effects, especially when used in conjunction with other medications.

Chaga Mushrooms: Purported Health Benefits

Part of the fungus’ popularity can be attributed to its few known side-effects combined with its many attributed health benefits. Although the majority of the therapeutic properties remain clinically unsubstantiated, the chaga mushroom is thought to play a role in:

• Improving cardiovascular health;
• Preventing, treating and reversing the formation and/or spread of cancerous cells;
• Assisting with the regulation of cellular apoptosis, migration and respiration;
• Improving immune system health;
• Manufacturing red blood cells and protecting DNA integrity

Many of the therapeutic claims attributed to chaga are related to its purported antioxidant powers, but the mechanism of these therapeutic claims are still under investigation. It is extremely important to speak to a healthcare professional before beginning chaga supplementation to treat any of the aforementioned conditions.

Chaga Mushroom and Antioxidants

The ORAC rating of a given food source represents its anti-oxidative powers.

ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity”. In other words, the ORAC score of a food represents that food’s ability to neutralize free radical action.

The FDA used the ORAC assay as one of many tests to determine the antioxidant capacities of foods, herbs and supplements.

The FDA removed its ORAC listings in 2012 because of growing concern that the laboratory ratings did not reflect the food’s antioxidant abilities in the body.

Proponents of the chaga mushroom still point to the ORAC rating as evidence of the fungus’ strong antioxidant properties and additional studies have also pointed to the mushroom’s strong antioxidant profile. [2]

Chaga and Superoxide Dismutase Content

Free radicals are charged molecules that travel throughout the body causing cellular damage. Antioxidants are molecular substances that have the capacity to neutralize the charge of free radicals, neutralizing their ability to damage cells and cellular structures. The human body’s most prevalent free radical is called superoxide.

In order to effectively combat the cumulative, detrimental effects of superoxide, a group of enzymes called superoxide dismutases (SOD) is required. SODs are strong antioxidants present and necessary in every living cell.

When there are high levels of bioavailable SOD, free radical damage is minimized. Minimizing free radical damage is thought to slow down the processes of aging and significantly diminish the probabilities of developing many preventable diseases.

The chaga mushroom is thought to have high levels of SOD and also be a strong adaptogen, helping people cope with stress. Always consult with your family physician about possible chaga mushroom side effects before beginning supplementation.

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