Chaga mushroom

Chaga mushrooms - also known as schistosome mushrooms - have been used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Asia as a medicine to boost immune function and improve overall health (1). This mushroom has also become increasingly popular in the Western world in recent years due to its health benefits. Chaga is also packed with antioxidants. However, consuming this mushroom can also come with some risks. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits and potential side effects of chaga.

What are chaga mushrooms?

The Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a type of mushroom that grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates such as Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Canada and Alaska. Chaga produces a wooden cone that looks similar to burnt coal and can grow to about 25 to 38 centimeters in size. Inside this cone is a soft, orange-colored core. Chaga has been used for hundreds of years in Russia and other northern European countries as a traditional medicine, primarily used to improve the function of the immune system and promote general health. Chaga is also used to treat diabetes, certain cancers and heart disease (1). Traditionally, chaga was ground into a fine powder and brewed as a tea. Today, chaga is also available as a supplement in powder or capsule form. Available teas contain either chaga as the sole ingredient or chaga in combination with other mushrooms such as cordyceps. It is believed that taking chaga with cold or warm water releases the medicinal ingredients. Information on the nutritional value of chaga is very limited. What is certain, however, is that this mushroom is very low in calories, very high in fiber and overloaded with a large amount of antioxidants (2, 3).

Potential health benefits of chaga

Although research into this mushroom is far from complete, there are already a number of studies suggesting that chaga may have certain health benefits.

Chaga could stimulate the function of the immune system

Animal and test-tube studies suggest that chaga extracts may positively influence the immune system by reducing long-term inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria and viruses. By promoting the production of beneficial cytokines - specialized proteins that regulate the immune system - chaga stimulates white blood cells, which are essential for fighting harmful bacteria and viruses (5, 6). As a result, this mushroom can help fight infections ranging from the common cold to serious illnesses. Chaga has also been shown to increase the production of IL-6 and lymphocytes in mice. In white blood cells, it increased the production of cytokines (IL-2beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha), as well as messenger substances (nitric oxide) (23, 24). Compounds contained in Chaga helped the immune system of mice to better differentiate between the body's own and foreign cells, which can potentially improve the accuracy of the immune response and reduce the risk of autoimmune reactions (25). In addition, chaga reduced immune hypersensitivity in mice, thereby reducing the risk of shock reactions to severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) (26).

In cell studies and studies conducted with animals, Chaga was able to prevent infections with the following viruses and their cell division:

HIV (27)
Herpes simplex (28)
Epstein-Barr (29)
Hepatitis C (39)

Both aqueous extracts and ethanol extracts of Chaga killed bacteria and fungal cells in cell cultures. Chaga may also help fight infections by blocking the gene expression of bacterial cells (31).

Chaga could reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system that can protect against disease. However, long-term inflammation has been linked to diseases such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis (4). Test tube and animal studies have shown that chaga can prevent the production of harmful cytokines that can cause inflammation and inflammation-related diseases (5, 7). In a study conducted with mice, a Chaga extract reduced inflammation and damage in the gut by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) (8). Chaga may also reduce inflammation by blocking an overactive immune response (32). Extracts of Chaga reduced pro-inflammatory pathways (NF-kB) and messengers (nitric oxide and PGE2) in rats and reduced the response to pain (33). In mice and in cell cultures, chaga reduced NF-kappaB binding activity. This can reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes such as nitric oxide synthase and COX-2. Incidentally, blocking COX-2 is the mechanism used by traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin to reduce pain and swelling (34, 35).

Chaga could protect against cancer and fight cancer

Several animal and test tube studies show that chaga can prevent and slow cancer growth (9). In a study conducted on mice, the use of Chaga supplements resulted in a 60% reduction in tumor size (10). In a test tube study, Chaga extracts prevented the growth of cancer in human liver cells. Similar results were also observed in breast cancer cells, lung cancer cells, prostate cancer cells and colon cancer cells (11, 12, 13, 14). Chaga's anti-cancer effects are believed to be due in part to its high antioxidant content, which can protect cells from free radical damage (15). Chaga contains the antioxidant triterpene. Test tube studies have shown that a concentrated extract of triterpene can help kill cancer cells (15). However, it should be kept in mind that further studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the potential anti-cancer effects of chaga.

Chaga could lower blood sugar levels

Several studies conducted with animals have linked chaga to lower blood sugar levels. For this reason, chaga may help to better control diabetes (16, 17). A study conducted on obese diabetic mice found that chaga extract lowered blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity compared to the control group (18). In another study conducted with diabetic mice, Chaga reduced blood glucose levels by 31% over the course of three weeks (17). Similar results have been observed in other studies (19, 20). However, as there are no human studies yet, it is unclear whether chaga can also help control diabetes in humans.

Chaga could lower cholesterol levels

Chaga extracts may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. In an eight-week study conducted on rats with high cholesterol levels, a Chaga extract reduced levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, while increasing antioxidant levels (21). Similar studies came to the same conclusions, observing that in addition to reducing levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, chaga increased levels of "good" HDL cholesterol (17, 18). Scientists believe that the antioxidants contained in chaga are responsible for its effect on cholesterol levels. But again, more human studies are needed to fully understand the effects of chaga on cholesterol levels.

Chaga is rich in antioxidants

Compared to three other widely used antioxidant mushrooms, chaga has the strongest antioxidant activity (36). In human lymphocytes, a Chaga extract reduced DNA damage caused by hydrogen peroxide by over 40% (37). A compound isolated from Chaga was also able to protect brain cells from Parkinson's disease by activating an antioxidant pathway (38). In mice, the antioxidant activity of chaga was able to protect against the effects of chronic inflammation of the pancreas (39). In test tubes, several of the phenolic compounds present in chaga were able to neutralize free radicals (40).

Chaga could increase physical endurance

Studies carried out on animals have shown that compounds present in Chaga extracts can increase exercise tolerance. Mice given a Chaga extract were able to last longer in a swimming test. The animals treated with chaga also had greater energy stores in their muscles and liver (41). The complex carbohydrates contained in chaga significantly reduced blood lactate levels in physically active mice. This could help to increase endurance, as an accumulation of lactate in the blood accelerates the onset of exhaustion (42). Chaga also reduced blood urea nitrogen levels, which can contribute to fatigue (43). In addition, Chaga extracts activate PPARy, which may help maintain energy metabolism and promote physical endurance (44).

Chaga could prevent the formation of blood clots

Platelet aggregation occurs when blood cells clump together and form blood clots. Sometimes platelet aggregation can promote the formation of blood clots in the veins, which can ultimately lead to heart attacks and strokes. Chaga has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in animal studies (45).

Cognitive function

In animal studies, a Chaga extract was able to reduce cognitive dysfunction by reducing oxidative damage caused by a plant toxin (scopalamine) in the brain. The extract also restored levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which promotes learning and memory, as effectively as the drug tacrine (46).

Safety and side effects of chaga

Chaga is generally well tolerated. However, no human studies have been conducted to determine safety or appropriate dosages. Chaga may interact with some widely used medications and have potentially harmful effects. For example, chaga may pose a risk to people who use insulin or suffer from diabetes due to its effects on blood sugar levels.

Chaga also contains a protein that can inhibit blood clotting. For this reason, people taking blood-thinning medication, suffering from blood clotting disorders or preparing for surgery should consult their doctor before using chaga (22). Although some research shows that chaga may help reduce inflammation, it may also cause the immune system to become overactive. Therefore, people suffering from autoimmune diseases should seek medical advice before using chaga. There is no research on the safety of chaga for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Therefore, the safest option for pregnant or breastfeeding women is to avoid chaga.

Conclusion

Chaga mushroom has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is packed with antioxidants and is available as a tea or in supplement form.

Its extracts could fight cancer, improve immune system function, relieve chronic inflammation and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, further human studies are needed to confirm these benefits, as well as to determine safety, side effects and optimal dosage.