Main Takeaways

  • A wide array of biological activity

    Antitumor, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidants - you name it, Chaga might have it.

  • Non-toxic

    Various studies have shown no significant toxicity when tested in vitro and in vivo.

  • Anti-fatigue

    Compounds produced by Chaga may reduce the effects of fatigue and physical exertion.

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Bioactive compounds in Chaga

Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides, or IOPS, are a type of complex sugar found in the cell walls of this woody fungus. IOPS have shown various biological activities, including antitumor activity, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, and antioxidant activity. In terms of antitumor activity, IOPS have been found to inhibit the expression of certain enzymes and proteins in cancer cells, induce apoptosis (cell death), and inhibit the migration and invasion of cancer cells. For hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, IOPS have been shown to regulate glucose and fat metabolism, improve insulin resistance, and reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, IOPS exhibit antioxidant activity by capturing or removing reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting against oxidative damage. Dizzying.

Chaga for blood sugar and fatigue

Current research suggests that IOPS could reduce the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream by nearly 40% by inhibiting the activity of intestinal enzymes that break simple sugar bonds. This effectively reduced blood glucose levels after a meal. Related research suggests that the anti-fatigue effects of IOPS manifest in a reduction of of blood lactic acid, urea nitrogen, and lactate dehydrogenase, which indicate a reduction in fatigue after physical exertion.

Side Effects of Chaga: Oxalates

The list of reported benefits of this medicinal mushroom is staggering. However, there are certain potential drawbacks to Chaga: oxalates. Soluble oxalates are an anion present and a wide array of foods we eat regularly, such as spinach, leafy greens, almonds, and avocados. Our bodies can naturally deal with soluble oxalates in relatively low concentrations. In higher concentrations, however, our ability to handle oxalates suffers, and there can be side effects in these situations.

So, before using Chaga, please seek advice from your medical provider if you:

  • Have diabetes or are on diabetes medication
  • Experience blood clots or are on medication to regulate blood pressure
  • Are scheduled for a surgery
  • Have osteoporosis, are prone to kidney stones, or are explicitly avoiding oxalates in your diet.

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Suggested Readings

Bioactive compounds and bioactive properties of chaga (Inonotus obliquus) mushroom: a review. Peng and Shahidi, 2020. Journal of Food Bioactives.

Bioactive triterpenoids and water-soluble melanin from Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) with immunomodulatory activity. Wold et al., 2020. Journal of Functional Foods.

Recent Developments in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Application. Lu et al., 2021. Polymers (Basel).