Chaga

Antioxidant Detoxifier

Notable Properties:

Notable constituents:
- Betulinic acid: Anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. [1]
- Polysaccharides: Immune-boosting and anti-cancer activities. [2]
- Melanin: Antioxidant and DNA-protective effects. [3]
- Triterpenoids: Anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. [4]
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD): Powerful antioxidant enzyme. [5]

Notable Benefits:

Detoxifier [6]
- Chaga supports the body’s detoxification processes in several ways:
  - Promotion of liver health [7]:
    - Chaga can help to support liver function, a vital organ in the body’s natural detoxification process. Compounds in Chaga may enhance the liver’s ability to metabolize and excrete toxins.
  - Stimulation of bile flow [8]:
    - This aids in the elimination of toxins from the body and helps in the digestion of fats.
Antioxidant [6]
- Chaga is exceptionally high in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage. This mushroom contains a variety of antioxidant compounds, including:
  - Melanin [3]:
    - Gives Chaga its distinctive dark color and is known for its high antioxidant content.
  - Superoxide dismutase (SOD) [5]:
    - An enzyme that plays a critical role in protecting against oxidative stress and has been found in high levels in Chaga.
  - Polyphenols and triterpenes [6]:
    - These compounds further contribute to Chaga’s strong antioxidant capacity, helping to combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Inflammation reducer [10]
- Chaga has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which make it beneficial in reducing inflammation and the associated risk of many chronic conditions:
  - Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines [9]:
    - Chaga can reduce the production of inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines, helping to alleviate inflammatory conditions.
  - Beta-glucans and other polysaccharides [6]:
    - These components have been shown to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

SOURCES

[1] Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Birch Bark-Derived Betulin: Recent Developments.

https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/10/12/2663

[2] A REVIEW ON ANTITUMOR ACTIONS OF POLYSACCHARIDE ISOLATED FROM MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS.

ISSN: 2272-6446 Volume 2, Issue 1 (February-March 2014), PP 14-20 www.ijasrjournal.org

[3] RADIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF MELANIN-GLUCAN COMPLEX FROM FOMES FOMENTARIUS AND INDRALIN AT IRRADIATION OF MICE BALB/C BY DOSE OF 5,95 Gy/8,5 min.

ISSN: 1818-311X

[4] Anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of extracts and compounds from the mushroom Inonotus obliquus.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814613000526

[5] Birch Sap (Betula alba) and Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) Extracts Show Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and DNA Protection/Repair Activity In Vitro.

https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=92972

[6] Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1273786/full

[7] Hepatoprotective Activity of Water Extracts from Chaga Medicinal Mushroom, Inonotus obliquus (Higher Basidiomycetes) Against Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide−Induced Oxidative Liver Injury in Primary Cultured Rat Hepatocytes

https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,343363596ed9bda8,02c791752da8e789.html

[8] Assessment of the Gastroprotective Effect of the Chaga Medicinal Mushroom, Inonotus obliquus (Agaricomycetes), Against the Gastric Mucosal Ulceration Induced by Ethanol

https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,7004d4be6a1d3b42,14a4547841aed819.html

[9] Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/biof.5520310306

[10] Birch Sap (Betula alba) and Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) Extracts Show Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and DNA Protection/Repair Activity In Vitro