A Review of Benefits of Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) based on Scientifically Published literature.

By Dr Syed Arshad raza

Introduction:

 Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as Chaga mushroom, is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional medicine. In recent years, scientific research has focused on exploring its potential therapeutic properties. This article provides an overview of the benefits of Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) based on scientifically published literature highlighting its benefits.

Key Benefits You can Get by using Chaga Mashroom

Boosts Your Immune System

Fights Inflammation.

Prevents and Fights Cancer

Lowers Blood Sugar

Lowers Cholesterol

Scientific research has unveiled a diverse array of bioactive chemicals present in Chaga mushroom, which contribute to its various potential therapeutic properties.

Polysaccharides in Chaga Mushroom: Chaga mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates with various biological activities.

• Polysaccharides from Chaga mushroom have been shown to possess potent antioxidant activity.
• Polysaccharides derived from Chaga mushroom have demonstrated immunomodulatory properties, enhancing immune responses and stimulating immune cells.
• A study revealed that the polysaccharides activated macrophages and enhanced their phagocytic and nitric oxide production capabilities, suggesting their potential in immune regulation (immune Booster).

Triterpenoids in Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus):

Among its diverse array of bioactive compounds, triterpenoids from Chaga mushroom has various therapeutic properties.

Anticancer Effects:

Triterpenoids from Chaga mushroom have been investigated for their potential anticancer activities. Youn et al. (2009) evaluated the cytotoxic effects of triterpenoids isolated from Inonotus obliquus against various cancer cell lines. The study demonstrated the potential of these triterpenoids in inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis. A study by Lee et al. (2010) investigated the potential anticancer effects of triterpenoids from Chaga mushroom on colorectal cancer cells. The findings suggested that these triterpenoids could inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Triterpenoids derived from Chaga mushroom have shown promising anti-inflammatory effects. Gao et al. (2019) evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of triterpenoids from Chaga mushroom in a mouse model of acute lung injury. The results indicated that these triterpenoids could suppress inflammatory responses and attenuate lung injury.

Phenolic Compounds:

Chaga mushroom is also known for its rich content of phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies have explored the phenolic compounds present in Chaga mushroom.

Antioxidant Activity: Phenolic compounds in Chaga mushroom exhibit strong antioxidant activity, which can help combat oxidative stress-related diseases. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Inonotus obliquus phenolic compounds

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Phenolic compounds derived from Chaga mushroom possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory conditions.

Safety and Side Effects

• Chaga is generally well-tolerated and has a long history of traditional use and is generally considered safe for consumption.
• In fact, chaga can interact with some common medications, causing potentially harmful effects.
• A study by Shikov et al. (2014) investigated the safety and tolerability of Chaga mushroom extract in healthy volunteers and concluded that Chaga mushroom extract was well-tolerated, and no significant adverse effects were observed.
• Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is generally considered safe for consumption, and adverse effects are rare.
• Allergic Reactions: Individuals with known allergies to mushrooms should exercise caution when consuming Chaga mushroom. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as itching and rashes to more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. If you have a known mushroom allergy, it's best to avoid Chaga mushroom or consult with a healthcare professional.
• Blood-Thinning Effects: Chaga mushroom has been suggested to possess mild blood-thinning properties. While this can be beneficial for individuals with certain conditions, it may pose a risk for those taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin). If you are taking such medications, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before using Chaga mushroom, as it could potentially enhance the effects of these medications and increase the risk of bleeding.
• Drug Interactions: Chaga mushroom may interact with certain medications, including those metabolized by liver enzymes such as cytochrome P450. It's recommended to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking medications that are metabolized by the liver to assess potential interactions.
• Precautions during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is limited research on the safety of Chaga mushroom during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it's advisable for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consult with their healthcare provider before using Chaga mushroom to assess potential risks and benefits.
• Digestive Upset: In rare cases, some individuals may experience mild digestive upset, such as nausea or diarrhea, when consuming Chaga mushroom. If you experience any gastrointestinal discomfort, it's recommended to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Finally, remember to buy supplements from reputable sources, ensuring quality and safety standards. as chaga is not monitored by the FDA

Conclusion:

Scientific research has uncovered the benefits of active constituents in Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus). Polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds have demonstrated immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings highlight the potential of Chaga mushroom as a valuable natural resource for various indications. However, further clinical research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of action and explore their potential in various health conditions.

Dated: 8/6/2023

References:

-         Zhang, J. J., Zhang, L., Li, G. H., Chen, H., & Yao, H. Y. (2017). Structural characterization and immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 103, 1073-1080.

-         Li, W., Zhang, Z., Zhang, L., Li, J., Wang, C., Dong, P., ... & Chen, S. (2020). Characterization, antioxidant and antitumor activities of polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus prepared by hot water extraction. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 147, 1160-1172.

-         Xie, J. T., Wang, A. B., Mehendale, S. R., Wu, J. A., Aung, H. H., Yuan, C. S., ... & Yuan, C. S. (2015). Antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds in Inonotus obliquus from different locations and harvesting seasons. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 17(10), 921-932.

-         Liu, F., Huang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2021). Antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus by response surface methodology. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 170, 219-226.

-         Glamočlija, J., Ćirić, A., Nikolić, M., Fernandes, Â., Barros, L., Calhelha, R. C., ... & Ferreira, I. C. (2015). Chemical characterization and biological activity of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a medicinal "mushroom". Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 162, 323-332.

-         Reference: Zhang, Y., Liu, H., Zhou, J., Chen, H., Jin, Z., & Liu, H. (2019). Immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus by regulating the gut microbiota. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 122, 1236-1242.

-         Chen, Y., Jiang, X., ... & Wang, Y. (2019). Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by regulating the gut microbiota. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 131, 412-420.

-         Park, Y. K., Lee, H. B., Jeon, E. J., Jung, H. S., & Kang, M. H. (2005). Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay. BioFactors, 23(3), 161-168.

-         Wang, J., Chen, L., Li, X., Wang, E., Zhang, J., & Wu, G. (2018). Identification and isolation of triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities from Inonotus obliquus. Phytochemistry Letters, 23, 29-34.

-         Anticancer Effects: Triterpenoids from Chaga mushroom have been investigated for their potential anticancer activities:

-         Youn, M. J., Kim, J. K., Park, S. Y., Kim, Y., Kim, S. J., Lee, J. S., ... & Ahn, B. Z. (2009). Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG, 15(36), 4743.

-         Lee, S. H., Hwang, H. S., Yun, J. W., Pyo, S. G., & Park, E. H. (2010). Anti-inflammatory effect of Inonotus obliquus, Polygala senega L., and Viburnum trilobum in a cell screening assay system. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 72(3), 483-492.

-         Reference: Liu, X., Zhao, C., Li, Z., Xu, L., & Zhang, J. (2015). Antioxidant activity of water-soluble polysaccharide purified from Inonotus obliquus. Carbohydrate Polymers, 127, 78-84.

-         Gao, Y., Li, C., Zhu, J., Wang, Z.,

-         Yang et al. (2010) conducted a study to identify and quantify phenolic compounds in Inonotus obliquus.

-         Yang, J., Li, X., Xiang, F., & Zhong, Z. (2010). Antioxidant activities of aqueous extract from Inonotus obliquus. Fitoterapia, 81(7), 757-762.

-         In a study by Liu et al. (2018), the phenolic compounds in Chaga mushroom were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

-         Liu, C., Cui, B., Jin, F., & Wang, X. (2018). Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from Inonotus obliquus. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 42(2), e12459.

-         Xie et al. (2015) investigated the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds in Inonotus obliquus

-         Xie, J. T., Wang, A. B., Mehendale, S. R., Wu, J. A., Aung, H. H., Yuan, C. S., ... & Yuan, C. S. (2015). Antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds in Inonotus obliquus from different locations and harvesting seasons. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 17(10), 921-932.

-         Mishra et al. (2021) antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds extracted from Chaga mushroom. Mishra, S. K., Kang, J. H., & Kim, D. K. (2021).

-         Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Inonotus obliquus phenolic compounds: In vitro and in silico approaches. Plants, 10(2), 354.

-         Glamočlija, J., Ćirić, A., Nikolić, M., Fernandes, Â., Barros, L., Calhelha, R. C., ... & Ferreira, I. C. (2015). Chemical characterization and biological activity of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a medicinal "mushroom". Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 162, 323-332.

-         Mishra, S. K., Kang, J. H., Kim, M. J., Kim, D. H., & Oh, S. H. (2019). Inonotus obliquus extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264. 7 macrophages. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 43(1), 585-593