Chaga's History
Chaga Mushroom (Innotus Obliquus), often referred to as the "King of medicinal mushrooms", looks like a dark black woody mass rather than a mushroom and, in fact you probably wouldn't even recognize it as a mycelium species when walking through the forest. However, this unusual looking variety is one of the most powerful adaptogens and superfoods on the planet, exhibiting immune-supporting complex polysaccharides that are considerably more potent than most any other medicinal mushroom.
This black tree fungus has long been respected in Northern Europe, Canada, China, Finland, and Russia for its immune-boosting qualities. Chaga mushroom tea has played a significant role in Russian herbalism and Siberian folk medicine for hundreds, if not thousands of years, particularly for its ability to help humans adapt to cold harsh climates. Acknowledged by the Chinese Monk Shan Nong in the book "The Sen Nong Ben Cao Jing" written in 100 B.C. it was described as "the king of herbs" and "a precious gift of nature. The fungi became popular here in the West in 1968 when the Russian novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn published the book, "The Cancer Wound", in which he speaks about "the tea from the cancer patients. While the exterior of the mushroom looks like a burnt black mushroom has actually been used as a long-burning firewood source as well as a clothing dye in many parts of the world.
There is an exceptional amount of immune-boosting antioxidants found in chaga such as beta glucans and betulinic acid, in addition to various other triterpenes and sterols as well as melanin and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
In addition to sterols, polyphenols and polysaccharides, the mushroom also contains a host of other superhealthy antioxidant constituents including melanin and superoxide dismutase as well as triterpenes, like betulin, inotodiol and lupeol. Furthermore, It is also gaining recognition around the world for its ability to help inhibit tumor growth via certain anti-mutagenic compounds like betulinic acid which it concentrates in high amounts from birch bark.
Science
Chaga Mushroom is a highly regarded Siberian tonic that has been used for centuries to promote longevity and well-being. High in antioxidants, it can be used for immune and detoxification support. Also with naturally occurring vanillic acid, Chaga has a unique, full-bodied taste with the increased
Grown Organically, Chaga Extract is loaded with antioxidants(Highest Amount from Anything in the world), keeps your Eyes, Nails, Skin and Hair youthful through Melanine.
Extreme Anti-Inflammatory and is used for immune and detoxification support. Anti-viral, Highly Alkaline, it helps with Digestive issues and provides great support
against Pathogens.
The mushroom draws upon and concentrates nutrients out of the birch tree lignins and bark, converting them into a form that is easily digested by humans. One of these nutrients is a triterpene called betulin, which it absorbs specifically from the bark and further converts to betulinic acid. This is one of the active compounds and tumor-inhibiting components that is inherent to the Chaga M Species. Along with the Coriolus (Turkey Tail Mushroom), it is viewed by many mycologists and health experts as one of the strongest anti-tumor mushrooms available.
Betulinic acid induces apoptosis (PCD) through it direct effects on the mitochondria and once inside the cancer cells are believed to influence cell death within the tumor itself. Other research coming from Poland suggests that betulinic acid is also beneficial as an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In addition, they are a known immune enhancer as well as a liver tonic (Stamets 2005) In a 2001 study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, it was noted that "Chaga fraction elicited anticancer effects which were attributed to decreased tumor cell proliferation, motility and induced morphological changes". In addition to a full spectrum of phytonutrients, Chaga mushroom also contains 29-long chain polysaccharides, protein-bound xylogalactoglucans, and beta-glucan derivatives. The beta-glucans in Chaga, especially 1-3 beta-glucans, help to activate our immune cells or macrophage defense systems working on both the surface immune system as well as stimulating stem cells deep within the bone marrow reserve. This further "supercharges" and activates various other immunes cells such as natural killer cells (NK cells) and T cells. The triterpenoid element found in the mushroom called inotodiol, which is drived from lanostane compounds, show promising effects as anticancer agents in a study conducted in 2010. The results that l.obliqus and its compounds in these subfractions isolated from L.Obliqus could be usedas natural anticancer ingredients in the food and/or pharmaceutical industry
Benefits
Rich in Antioxidants
Chaga mushroom is a rich source of antioxidants, which are substances that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that chaga mushroom had the highest antioxidant activity among all the mushrooms tested.
Boosts the Immune System
Chaga mushroom contains beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that can stimulate the immune system. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that chaga mushroom can increase the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help regulate the immune system. Another study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that chaga mushroom can increase the activity of natural killer cells, which are white blood cells that help fight infections and cancer.
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Chaga mushroom contains betulinic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that chaga mushroom can reduce inflammation in mice.
Lowers Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Chaga mushroom contains compounds called triterpenoids, which have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that chaga mushroom can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats.
Protects Against Cancer
Chaga mushroom contains compounds called polysaccharides, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that chaga mushroom can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in test tubes. Another study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that chaga mushroom can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells in mice.
In conclusion, chaga mushroom is a powerful superfood that offers a range of potential health benefits. Its rich antioxidant content can protect the body from cell damage and inflammation, while its immune-boosting properties can help fight infections and cancer. Chaga mushroom's cholesterol-lowering properties can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. As with any natural supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding chaga mushroom to your diet.
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