The medicinal fungus chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is indigenous to Russia, Siberia, Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and East Asia. This fungus may grow on a variety of different deciduous tree species, such as beech, oak, alder, and ash, although it mostly thrives on birch trees (Betula spp.). On the trunks of these trees, chaga grows as a conk, a dark brown or black woody growth that resembles a crusty, charred mass.
Chaga has brilliant, rust-colored meat packed of antioxidant chemicals behind its thick, woodsy shell. Chagaga is sometimes referred to as a “medicinal mushroom” despite not being a true mushroom since it is a fungus similar to mushrooms.
Customary Applications of Chaga Mushrooms
Folk medicine from Siberia, Russia, Scandinavia, and Native America has a long history of using chaga. Chaga was thought to provide a variety of therapeutic benefits in various ancient medical systems. It has been applied topically to treat skin issues and is traditionally used by Siberian indigenous peoples to treat respiratory infections, aid in digestion, lengthen life, and reduce colds.
Traditionally, chaga conks are made into a fine powder by grating them and then preparing them as a tea or decoction. These days, this powder can be consumed as a capsule, tincture, tea, or powder.Both on its own and as an ingredient in therapeutic mushroom mixes, chaga is accessible. Blends of mushrooms are frequently offered as powders that may be added to other liquids for everyday usage.
As an adaptogen with the ability to improve a wide range of medical ailments and promote general health, chaga's popularity has grown dramatically in recent years. Current scientific study is exploring the various health advantages of chaga while also drawing on traditional wisdom.
Nnutrition from chaga mushrooms
The multitude of bioactive components found in chaga are what give it its health benefits. The following are some of the main ingredients in chaga:
Polymer-coated
Beta-glucans, a polysaccharide with immune-stimulating qualities, are abundant in chaga. These substances may boost the function of immune cells, including T-cells and macrophages, aiding the body's defense against illnesses and infections. Moreover, oats, seaweed, algae, and other therapeutic mushrooms like maitake and reishi contain beta-glucans.
Oxidizers
Antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds are abundant in chaga. These antioxidants aid in the fight against oxidative stress, lessen the harm that free radicals do to cells, and may even raise the body's levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase.
Acid Betulinic
Chaga may absorb betulinic acid from birch trees when it grows on them. Preclinical research on betulinic acid has revealed encouraging anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
Melanin: The high melanin concentration of chaga gives it its dark color. Melanin may have anti-oxidant properties and provide oxidative stress protection. Melanin plays two roles in the human body: it gives our skin its color and aids in blocking UV rays, which may damage DNA in skin cells and cause aging and skin cancer. Tyrosine and copper are two nutrients that are necessary for the synthesis of melanin.
Benefits of Chaga Mushroom for Health
1. Immune System Adjustment
The immune-stimulating qualities of chaga are ascribed to its polysaccharides, which comprise beta-glucans. These substances boost immune cell synthesis and function, strengthening the body's defenses against infections.
It has been demonstrated that beta-glucans specifically stimulate the cells that make up our innate immune system. These cell types serve as the immune system's initial line of defense against pathogens, preventing infections even before our immune system has produced any particular antibodies against the invasive bacteria. Furthermore, chaga may enhance the synthesis of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between immune cells.
2. Diminish inflammatory response
Numerous chronic illnesses have an inflammatory component. Preclinical research has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of betulinic acid, which is widely found in chaga. These results imply that because chaga has a high concentration of betulinic acid, it may have uses in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances found in chaga may also aid in lowering oxidative damage brought on by inflammation in the body.
3. Properties Adaptogenic
Traditional medicine has utilized chaga to support general health and vigor. This fungus has strong adaptogenic properties, which are thought to aid the body in adjusting to stimuli and preserving homeostasis.
Although chaga is not as well-known as other well-known adaptogens like rhodiola or ashwagandha, its traditional and historical uses attest to its lengthy history of helping our bodies adapt to the demands of our surroundings. According to recent research on animals, chaga may enhance the body's physiologic reaction to stressful circumstances.
4. Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties
Beyond its impact on the immune system, chaga's antiviral and antibacterial qualities have been studied. According to certain research, chaga extracts may prevent some germs and viruses from growing.
Beta-glucans, betulinic acid, and other polysaccharides included in chaga may prevent SARS-CoV-2 from adhering to human cells, according to a recent computer model research. These results imply that chaga may have strong antibacterial qualities against a variety of diseases, although more investigation is necessary.
With its dual properties of immune-stimulating and antibacterial properties, chaga may be a potent ally in bolstering the body's defenses against invasive infections.
5. Could promote a healthy metabolism and blood sugar levels
Studies on animals have demonstrated the benefits of chaga's polysaccharide components on blood sugar management and cholesterol levels. In one study, mice given chaga polysaccharides showed decreased insulin resistance and better fasting blood sugar. According to research using animal models, chaga polysaccharides may raise heart-protective HDL cholesterol while lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Although it is impossible to know if these effects apply to people because these studies have only been done on animals, the results are encouraging and call for more investigation into how chaga affects blood sugar, cholesterol, and metabolism.
