Chaga - Inonotus Obliquus

Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows primarily on birch trees in cold regions of Russia, Siberia, China, Canada, and Northern Europe. The mushroom itself is a hard, black mass, and the medicinally used part is the sclerotium, similar to Poria (Fu Ling).

Chaga is considered one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants and has a long-standing reputation in the traditional medicine of Northern Asia. In Siberian and Russian traditions, records of Chaga date back to the 12th century, where it was used in healing rituals by indigenous tribes and regarded as “the gift of the birch”, a sacred tree.

Chaga was traditionally consumed as a bitter decoction or dried powder to strengthen the body, improve resistance to cold, protect against winter illnesses, and “purify the blood.” Russian medical texts from the 16th century describe its use for gastric ulcers, abdominal pain relief, and vitality enhancement. In the 20th century, Chaga was incorporated into Soviet folk medicine as a supportive treatment for cancer, particularly gastric and liver cancers.

Key Active Compounds:

• Beta-glucans and other polysaccharides: Support immune function, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, and act as prebiotics.

Polyphenols and flavonoids: Exceptionally strong antioxidant compounds.

• Melanin: Responsible for Chaga’s dark color; a powerful antioxidant with UV-protective properties.

• Triterpenes: Primarily betulin and betulinic acid, derived from birch bark and concentrated in Chaga. These compounds exhibit significant anti-cancer, antiviral, and antibacterial activity, support liver function, and enhance detoxification pathways.

• Obliquolol: A triterpene shown to protect the nervous system and liver from oxidative damage.

• Inotodiol: A triterpene with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Minerals: Chaga contains relatively high levels of minerals compared to many other medicinal mushrooms.
  

Evidence-Based Medical Properties:

• Antioxidant activity: Studies measuring ORAC values (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) found that Chaga’s antioxidant activity is approximately 20-50 times higher than that of fresh blueberries, which are themselves considered a potent antioxidant “superfood.”

• Immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects: Chaga increases the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and NK cells and contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

• Liver protection: Preclinical studies demonstrate reduced liver enzyme levels, decreased fat accumulation in the liver, and protection against alcohol- and toxin-induced liver damage.

• Anti-cancer activity: Chaga has been studied as a supportive therapy in cancer care, with research indicating activity in breast, colorectal, gastric, and liver cancers.

• Metabolic syndrome: Animal studies suggest that Chaga may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood triglyceride levels.

  
  

Summary:

Chaga offers a rare combination of powerful antioxidants and compounds that support immune and liver function. Its therapeutic potential is particularly relevant in cases of:

Liver damage

Chronic inflammation

Metabolic syndrome

Cancer

Chronic illness

Warnings:

Chaga contains oxalates, which may be problematic in individuals prone to kidney stones. Oxalates are present in raw Chaga but are typically absent from standardized extracts sold in Israel.

Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications, as Chaga may have mild blood-thinning effects. Consultation with a physician or qualified practitioner is recommended.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data; professional consultation is advised.

For further questions, please contact us and provide details of your inquiry.

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