Related Terms

• Basidiomycetes, chaga conk, chagi, chago mushrooms, cinder conk, clinker polypore, conk, flavonoids, fungus, Hymenochaetaceae (family), inonoblins, Inonotus obliquus, kabanoanatake, melanins and other pigments, phelligridins, polyphenols, Polyporaceae (family), polypores, polysaccharides, sterols, tiaga, triterpenoids, true mushrooms, tsi aga.

Background

• Inonotus obliquus, a mushroom commonly known as "chaga," is widely used in folk medicine in Siberia, North America, and northern Europe. Chaga is a member of the Basidiomycetes (true mushrooms) family and widely distributed in Europe, Russia, and the northern regions of Japan. When growing on the tree, chaga produces a black, long-lasting woody growth called a "conk," which absorbs nutrients and important chemicals from the wood. When the chaga conk flower ripens, it falls to the forest floor. It is estimated that only about 0.025% of trees will grow a chaga conk, making the chaga mushroom somewhat rare.

• Chaga mushrooms have been used in folk medicine since the 16th Century as a remedy for cancer, stomach problems, ulcers, and tuberculosis of the bones. Chaga has been collected and consumed for centuries in Asia. Although medicinal use of chaga and other mushrooms is rare in Western countries, reports have described its nutritional value and the value of the biologically active starches and other plant compounds (flavonoids and lipids) that it contains.

• Some reports describe chaga as having the following effects: antibacterial; antiviral; toxic; immune system-regulating; anticancer; cardiovascular; pain-relieving; blood sugar-lowering; and plant, insect, or worm-killing activities. However, there is currently a lack of evidence to support using chaga to treat any medical condition.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Aging, allergies, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, arthritis, cancer (gastrointestinal), cardiovascular disease, cosmetic, diabetes, dyspepsia, gastritis, hyperlipidemia, immunostimulation, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory skin conditions (psoriasis), influenza, insecticidal, leukemia, liver cancer, pain, stomach complaints, tuberculosis, ulcers.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• To reduce illness, 7-10 grams of powdered chaga extract has been taken daily by mouth. One teaspoon of crushed chaga in one cup of water has been taken three times daily to improve health. Also, 8-10 drops of chaga have been taken two times daily to treat general sickness.

• For the immune system, 10 drops of chaga extract with a beverage twice daily have been used.

• To prevent illness, 2-3 grams of powdered chaga extract daily has been used in healthy people.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for chaga in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in people with a known allergy or sensitivity to chaga, its constituents, or any member of the Hymenochaetaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Chaga may lower blood sugar and increase insulin levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or low blood sugar, as well as those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Chaga may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Avoid in patients with known allergy or sensitivity to chaga, its constituents, or any member of the Hymenochaetaceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is currently a lack of scientific evidence on the use of chaga during pregnancy or lactation.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Although not well studied in humans, chaga may prevent blood clotting and may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve).

• Although it has not been well studied in humans, chaga may lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Chaga may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and cholesterol-lowering agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Although not well studied in humans, chaga may prevent blood clotting and may increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Although not well studied in humans, chaga may lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin levels. Caution is advised when using supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Chaga may also interact with anticancer herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, antioxidants, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, and herbs and supplements that affect the immune system.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Ham, S. S., Kim, S. H., Moon, S. Y., Chung, M. J., Cui, C. B., Han, E. K., Chung, C. K., and Choe, M. Antimutagenic effects of subfractions of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) extract. Mutat.Res 1-10-2009;672(1):55-59. View Abstract

2. Hyun, K. W., Jeong, S. C., Lee, D. H., Park, J. S., and Lee, J. S. Isolation and characterization of a novel platelet aggregation inhibitory peptide from the medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus. Peptides 2006;27(6):1173-1178. View Abstract

3. Kahlos, K., Hellen, L., Nummila, H., and Hiltunen, R. Experiments on Cultures of Inonotus obliquus. Planta Med 1986;52(6):507-508. View Abstract

4. Kahlos, K., Kangas, L., and Hiltunen, R. Antitumor Activity of Triterpenes in Inonotus obliquus. Planta Med 1986;52(6):554. View Abstract

5. Kim, Y. O., Park, H. W., Kim, J. H., Lee, J. Y., Moon, S. H., and Shin, C. S. Anti-cancer effect and structural characterization of endo-polysaccharide from cultivated mycelia of Inonotus obliquus. Life Sci 5-30-2006;79(1):72-80. View Abstract

6. Kim, H. G., Yoon, D. H., Kim, C. H., Shrestha, B., Chang, W. C., Lim, S. Y., Lee, W. H., Han, S. G., Lee, J. O., Lim, M. H., Kim, G. Y., Choi, S., Song, W. O., Sung, J. M., Hwang, K. C., and Kim, T. W. Ethanol extract of Inonotus obliquus inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. J Med Food 2007;10(1):80-89. View Abstract

7. Lee, I. K., Kim, Y. S., Jang, Y. W., Jung, J. Y., and Yun, B. S. New antioxidant polyphenols from the medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus. Bioorg.Med Chem.Lett. 12-15-2007;17(24):6678-6681. View Abstract

8. Najafzadeh, M., Reynolds, P. D., Baumgartner, A., Jerwood, D., and Anderson, D. Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Biofactors 2007;31(3-4):191-200. View Abstract

9. Nakata, T., Yamada, T., Taji, S., Ohishi, H., Wada, S., Tokuda, H., Sakuma, K., and Tanaka, R. Structure determination of inonotsuoxides A and B and in vivo anti-tumor promoting activity of inotodiol from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus. Bioorg.Med Chem. 1-1-2007;15(1):257-264. View Abstract

10. Park, Y. K., Lee, H. B., Jeon, E. J., Jung, H. S., and Kang, M. H. Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay. Biofactors 2004;21(1-4):109-112. View Abstract

11. Song, Y., Hui, J., Kou, W., Xin, R., Jia, F., Wang, N., Hu, F., Zhang, H., and Liu, H. Identification of Inonotus obliquus and analysis of antioxidation and antitumor activities of polysaccharides. Curr.Microbiol. 2008;57(5):454-462. View Abstract

12. Taji, S., Yamada, T., Wada, S., Tokuda, H., Sakuma, K., and Tanaka, R. Lanostane-type triterpenoids from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus possessing anti-tumor promoting activity. Eur.J Med Chem. 2008;43(11):2373-2379. View Abstract

13. Wasser, S. P. and Weis, A. L. Therapeutic effects of substances occurring in higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms: a modern perspective. Crit Rev.Immunol. 1999;19(1):65-96. View Abstract

14. Youn, M. J., Kim, J. K., Park, S. Y., Kim, Y., Kim, S. J., Lee, J. S., Chai, K. Y., Kim, H. J., Cui, M. X., So, H. S., Kim, K. Y., and Park, R. Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. World J Gastroenterol. 1-28-2008;14(4):511-517. View Abstract

15. Zjawiony, J. K. Biologically active compounds from Aphyllophorales (polypore) fungi. J Nat.Prod. 2004;67(2):300-310. View Abstract