Chaga
Properties and benefits of Chaga
Chaga is known as one of the most valued natural adaptogenic substances in ancestral medicines for its antioxidant power. An emblem of wild life for the nomadic cultures of the northernmost latitudes of the planet. Its set of active principles modulates and enhances the immune system, is highly anti-tumoral, and improves physical performance. It reduces stress and inflammation. It is known to be a powerful revitalizer and energizer. It is indicated in cases of suffering:
- Digestive problems, gastrointestinal diseases
- Stomach ulcers
- Stress
- Powerful adaptogen
- Accelerated aging due to oxidative stress
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic inflammation
- Cardiovascular imbalances
- Viral and parasitic infections
- Cancer. It is a powerful anti-tumoral. Induces cellular apoptosis
- Recovers bone marrow damaged by chemotherapy
- Hypertension
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol. Reduces levels of betulinic acid
There are 2 products on category: Chaga
Functions of Chaga extract
- Improves and increases energy levels
- Acts as an immunomodulator and immunopotentiator
- Enhances physical and mental performance
- Provides support in stress management
- Improves resistance to external stresses such as cold
- Activates the pineal gland, directly related to the energy center of the third eye, connected with our spirituality, consciousness, and intuition
Active principles of Chaga extract
- Beta-glucans: antioxidants and immune system activators.
- Ergosterol: precursor of vitamin D.
- Betulinic acid: a terpene with anti-inflammatory and retroviral properties. Inhibitor of human melanoma and active agent against various neural cancers, brain tumors, and leukemia.
- Melanin: antioxidant that gives color to our skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin is responsible for protecting us against oxidative stress and pollutants that accelerate our aging process to which we are exposed daily.
- Polyphenols: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action with immunoregulatory functions.
- Other compounds: inotodiol, flavans, oxalates, hispidin and inopirroles.
Chaga is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the world. It has been shown that a double dose of Chaga extract contains the same amount of antioxidants as 14kg of carrots.
Origin and morphological characteristics of Chaga
The scientific nomenclature of Chaga is Inonotus obliquus. The popular nomenclature of Chaga comes from the Komi language, native to the indigenous peoples of the northwestern region of the Ural Mountains in Russia. It has multiple names in the countries of origin, the most popular of which are forest diamond and black pearl, for its multiple medicinal benefits. In Norway, it is known as Kreftkjuke, cancer mushroom.
It is a parasitic fungus that in its adult form does not have the shape of a mushroom with a stem and cap but instead forms a sclerotium or conk, which is a type of irregular, cracked, and dark-colored protuberance found on the bark of birches, alders, beeches, oaks, and other deciduous species. This black color comes from the large amount of melanin it contains, which contrasts with the rusty brown or orange hue of the inner body.
History of the use of Chaga
The traditional use of Chaga has been documented for many centuries. Hippocrates mentioned its use as an infusion in the work Hippocratic Corpus, to clean external wounds. In Siberia, its use has been documented since the 14th century in the form of infusions, inhalations, macerates, or soaps as an antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory, to treat tuberculosis, liver and heart diseases, and gastrointestinal problems. The Sámi people use it in their traditional medicine, in ceremonies, and as a substitute for tea and coffee. In the Baltic countries and Northern Europe, its use has been documented since the 16th century to treat tumors, gastrointestinal cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Today, many studies and scientific publications are being conducted to certify and quantify the immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects traditionally attributed to it.
Contraindications
We recommend not taking the extract when anticoagulants, antidepressants, or antipsychotics are being taken. Treatment should be interrupted prior to surgeries. Consult a doctor in case of doubt or if undergoing any type of medical treatment.
Not suitable for people with liver dysfunction. Not suitable for recovering alcoholics. Not suitable for children or pregnant women.
Scientific studies
- Fordjour E, Manful CF, Javed R, et al. Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1273786. Published 2023 Dec 5. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1273786
- Feng Y, Liu J, Gong L, et al. Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) against HFD/STZ-induced glucolipid metabolism disorders and abnormal renal functions by regulating NOS-cGMP-PDE5 signaling pathway. Chin J Nat Med. 2024;22(7):619-631. doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(24)60571-6
- Géry A, Dubreule C, André V, et al. 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). Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(3):832-843. doi:10.1177/1534735418757912
- Luo LS, Wang Y, Dai LJ, He FX, Zhang JL, Zhou Q. Triterpenoid acids from medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) alleviate hyperuricemia and inflammation in hyperuricemic mice: Possible inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase activity. J Food Biochem. 2022;46(3):e13932. doi:10.1111/jfbc.13932
- Shevchuk Y, Kuypers K, Janssens GE. Fungi as a source of bioactive molecules for the development of longevity medicines. Ageing Res Rev. 2023;87:101929. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2023.101929
