Chaga
Also known as: Inonotus obliquus, Poria obliqua, Polyporus obliquus, Fuscoporia obliqua
Overview
Chaga is a fungus with a charcoal-like appearance that grows primarily on the trunks of birch trees. Once Chaga infects a tree trunk, it can grow there for up to 80 years. The mushroom has been used for centuries and is often touted as a cure-all within the realm of alternative medicine: From gastrointestinal diseases to cancer, there are few ailments for which Chaga has not been used as a potential remedy.
Benefits
Chaga contains multiple compounds, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and polyphenols, that interact with various cellular signaling pathways and proteins. By interacting with these pathways, Chaga may be able to reduce inflammation, have antioxidant properties, and suppress tumor growth. However, there is no human evidence to support these claims, and the current research is limited to in vitro and animal studies.
How it works
Chaga’s potential benefits are limited to in vitro studies and animal studies. Chaga has shown anticancer properties in both in vitro and animal research by inhibiting cancer cell replication and stimulating anticancer activity in the immune system. Chaga can impair a virus’s ability to enter target cells in vitro in feline viruses, herpes simplex, and hepatitis C. The polysaccharides present in Chaga can reduce markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Chaga was also able to reduce fatigue in exercising mice. Lastly, Chaga induced potentially beneficial changes to the gut microbiome in mice with chronic pancreatitis.
Side effects
Chaga is most commonly sold as a dried extract in powder or capsule form but is also available as a liquid tincture. There is very little human research available for Chaga. Thus, dosage recommendations cannot be made, as further research is required.
Dosage
The safety data for Chaga is limited; there are few human studies available. The main concern is that it contains high levels of oxalate (a compound commonly found in plants that can cause kidney stones). While anecdotal evidence suggests it is relatively safe, there are case reports of oxalate-induced kidney disease (a condition that occurs due to the buildup of calcium oxalate crystals within the kidney) after long-term consumption of Chaga. Because there are few human studies, Chaga should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
FAQs
What is Chaga?
Chaga is a fungus with a charcoal-like appearance that grows primarily on the trunks of birch trees. Once Chaga infects a tree trunk, it can grow there for up to 80 years. The mushroom has been used for centuries and is often touted as a cure-all within the realm of alternative medicine: From gastrointestinal diseases to cancer, there are few ailments for which Chaga has not been used as a potential remedy.
What are Chaga’s main benefits?
Chaga’s potential benefits are limited to in vitro studies and animal studies. Chaga has shown anticancer properties in both in vitro and animal research by inhibiting cancer cell replication and stimulating anticancer activity in the immune system. Chaga can impair a virus’s ability to enter target cells in vitro in feline viruses, herpes simplex, and hepatitis C. The polysaccharides present in Chaga can reduce markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Chaga was also able to reduce fatigue in exercising mice. Lastly, Chaga induced potentially beneficial changes to the gut microbiome in mice with chronic pancreatitis.
What are Chaga’s main drawbacks?
The safety data for Chaga is limited; there are few human studies available. The main concern is that it contains high levels of oxalate (a compound commonly found in plants that can cause kidney stones). While anecdotal evidence suggests it is relatively safe, there are case reports of oxalate-induced kidney disease (a condition that occurs due to the buildup of calcium oxalate crystals within the kidney) after long-term consumption of Chaga. Because there are few human studies, Chaga should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How does Chaga work?
Chaga contains multiple compounds, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and polyphenols, that interact with various cellular signaling pathways and proteins. By interacting with these pathways, Chaga may be able to reduce inflammation, have antioxidant properties, and suppress tumor growth. However, there is no human evidence to support these claims, and the current research is limited to in vitro and animal studies.
