Learn More about Chaga!

Chaga, scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus, is a distinctive fungus that thrives on birch trees in cold climates. Revered for centuries in traditional medicine, chaga's unique appearance, resembling a dark and rugged growth on tree bark, conceals a rich source of bioactive compounds. Often referred to as the "King of Mushrooms," chaga has captured attention for its potential properties. Whether enjoyed as a tea or incorporated into various wellness products, chaga remains a fascinating natural element, cherished for its unique characteristics.

Below is a compiled list of resources and studies we find to be interesting. We encourage everyone to do their own research and speak with your doctor to learn more about Chaga mushroom.

 

  • Chaga’s potential in Oncology
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      • Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a Future Potential Medicinal Fungus in Oncology? A Chemical Study and a Comparison of the Cytotoxicity Against Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells (A549) and Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B)
        • Summary: 

          This study delves into the fascinating world of medicinal mushrooms and the potential benefits they may have in oncology. Specifically, it focuses on Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a type of mushroom found in northern climates that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

          The researchers of this study conducted a chemical analysis of Chaga and found that it contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, and triterpenoids, that have been shown to have anticancer properties.

          To test this, they compared the cytotoxicity (ability to kill cells) of Chaga against both human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). The results showed that Chaga was more cytotoxic against the cancer cells than the healthy cells, indicating its potential as a future medicinal fungus in oncology.

          Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of Chaga and other medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of cancer. By continuing to research and understand the bioactive compounds within these fungi, we may be able to unlock new treatments and therapies for those battling illness.

        1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142110/ 

         

        • Potential Treatment of Lung Cancer
          • Bioactivity-based analysis and chemical characterization of cytotoxic constituents from Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) that induce apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells
          • Summary: 

            This study explores the potential benefits of continuous intake of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) aqueous extract in suppressing cancer progression and maintaining body temperature in mice.

            The researchers found that mice that received the Chaga extract had a slower tumor growth rate compared to the control group, suggesting that Chaga may have anti-cancer properties. Additionally, the mice that received the extract also had higher body temperatures, which could potentially aid in cancer treatment as some therapies work better at higher body temperatures.

            Overall, this study suggests that the continuous intake of Chaga mushroom extract may help suppress cancer progression and maintain body temperature in mice. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and mechanisms of Chaga, this study provides promising evidence for its potential as a natural cancer-fighting supplement.

        1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29800742/ 

         

      1. White Birch Tree as Best source of Chaga
          • Chaga RNA-Seq de Novo Assembly and Differential Transcriptome Analysis of Chaga ( Inonotus obliquus) Cultured with Different Betulin Sources and the Regulation of Genes Involved in Terpenoid Biosynthesis
            • Summary: 

              This study looks at Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a type of mushroom that grows on white birch trees, and its potential as a source of natural medicine. Specifically, the researchers investigated the differences in gene expression and terpenoid biosynthesis in Chaga when grown on different sources of betulin, a compound found in white birch trees.

            • The study found that Chaga grown on white birch trees had higher levels of terpenoids, compounds known for their medicinal properties, than Chaga grown on other sources of betulin. Additionally, the researchers identified several genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis that were differentially expressed depending on the source of betulin.

              • These findings suggest that Chaga grown on white birch trees may be a particularly potent source of natural medicine due to its high levels of terpenoids. By understanding the genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, researchers may be able to manipulate Chaga cultivation to optimize its medicinal potential. Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of Chaga and its importance in natural medicine. With further research and understanding of its genetic makeup, we may be able to unlock even more of its medicinal properties and harness its power to benefit human health.

                1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31487924/ 

               

            1. Drinking Chaga Tea had positive effects
                1. Continuous intake of the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) aqueous extract suppresses cancer progression and maintains body temperature in mice
                2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4946216/

               

            2. Anti-Viral & Anti-Inflammatory effects of Chaga
                1. The Antiviral, Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Natural Medicinal Herbs and Mushrooms and SARS-CoV-2 Infection
                2. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/9/2573/htm 

               

            3. Anti-Oxidative Properties of Chaga Tea
                1. Antioxidant Small Phenolic Ingredients in Inonotus obliquus (persoon) Pilat (Chaga) 
                2. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb/55/8/55_8_1222/_article 

               

            4. Chaga’s Anti-Aging Properties and Cognitive Health Support (PDF)
                1. 3,4-Dihydroxybenzalacetone (DBL) Prevents Aging-Induced Myocardial Changes in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse-Prone 8 (SAMP8) Mice
                2. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/9/3/597/pdf 

               

            5. White Birch Tree Chaga shows highest amount of Betulinic Acid
              6.
                1. Betulinic Acid for Cancer Treatment and Prevention 
                2. https://oriveda.com/zips/Betulinic_Acid_for_Cancer_Treatment.pdf 

               

            6. Chaga as most studied Mushroom for Future of Medicine
                1. Medicinal mushrooms as an attractive new source of natural compounds for future cancer therapy
                2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6044372/ 

               

            7. Chaga Mushroom reduces microwave radiation damage
                1. [Prevention of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides for high power microwave radiation induced testicular injury in rats: an experimental research].
                2. https://europepmc.org/article/med/25137855 

               

            8.  Chaga Mushroom and Breast Cancer treatment potential
                1. Inotodiol suppresses proliferation of breast cancer in rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus via downregulation of β-catenin signaling
                2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332217353581
            9. Chaga Mushroom aiding in Chemotherapy Recovery
                1. Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus
                2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774877/ 

               

              THIS PRODUCT HAS NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO CURE, TREAT OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IF THIS PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

              WE DO NOT RECOMMEND IF YOU ARE DIABETIC, PREGNANT, BREASTFEEDING OF IF YOU ARE UNDERGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT.