Inonotus obliquus: Top 12 Benefits of Chaga Mushroom

The Chaga mushroom is scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus. It is a fungus that is found primarily on birch trees and prefers colder climates, such as Siberia, Russia, Northern Canada and Northern Europe. In Russia it grows on birch, alder, beech and some other hardwood trees. It is also known as black mass, cinder conk, birch canker polypore, sterile conk trunk rot and clinker polypore. Chaga is a Russian name, and in England and Canada it is called the sterile conk tree rot of birch. It has also been referred to as Fuscoporia obliqua in the literature. Chaga is a parasite of birch, but is saprobic upon the death of a tree, leading to white rot.

In appearance, Chaga is an exotic looking mushroom. It resembles a lump of burnt charcoal, but it is orange inside. The black appearance is due to the vast amount of melanin and results in a mycelium mass. The Chaga mushroom may be considered ugly but it is known to have a wide array of potential health benefits and as such has been in use for centuries in parts of Asia and Siberia. It is now gaining popularity in the western world for these health effects as more and more people turn to natural products and manipulate their properties for medicinal purposes. When being hosted by trees other than birch, Inonotus obliquus may take on a different appearance.

Chaga Mushroom Identification and Description

Fruiting body: 25-38cm in diameter and high. Burnt charcoal outside with a bright orange core. The fruiting body emerges from the bark producing basidiospores to infect other vulnerable trees. Irregular outline that protrudes from the tree at first and becomes more concave with age. The flesh has been described as both soft and tough, this may be age dependent.
Smell: Woody, sweet, earthy and aromatic if extracted from live trees.
Gills: No gills.
Taste: Woody and sweet; brewed with hot water and milk or cream, it is described as resembling mocha
Spores: Spores only released upon the death of the tree. Can release spores several times within seven years of the host tree dying. Spores disperse through the air and enter the bark of the new host. Spores form a mycelium, destroying the bark and erupting through the tree.
Edibility: Both interior and exterior of the mushroom are edible.
Habitat: Birch trees primarily; grows in summer and autumn but can be found all year round.
Range: Lives throughout the range of the several different species of birch, including most of Canada, the Northeast, Upper Mid-west, and Pacific Northwest of the United States, most of Europe, eastern and central Asia, and parts of Japan.

Division: Basidiomycota; Class: Agaricomycetes; Order: Hymenochaetaceae; Genus: Inonotus & Species: Obliquus.

Note that chaga’s fondness for birch species is such that if you see something on a tree that isn’t a birch, it probably isn’t chaga.

The fungus does produce spores, but we have not been able to track down their color. Since the chaga sclerotium does not produce spores, and since the fungus does not produce spores until after the tree is dead, and then only produces them under the bark where they are hard to find, spore characteristics are not an important identification mark for chaga.

Chaga Mushroom Look-Alikes

Inonotus obliquus can be easily identified by its soft orange and gold core; this helps to differentiate it from the black knot fungus, which is similar in appearance. Otherwise, it is relatively distinctive.

Chaga has few, if any, close look-alikes among fungi, but it can easily be mixed up with tree growths of various kinds, notably burls.

A burl is similar to a gall in that both are abnormal plant growths triggered by some sort of irritant, such as a virus, fungus, or insect. Burls, unlike galls, occur in the trunk of a tree, rather than in its leaves, flowers, fruits,  or young stems. Some burls can become enormous, bigger around than the tree’s trunk is. Burls are often mistaken for chaga in species where the bark is dark and roughly-textured—from a distance, such a burl can, indeed resemble the dark and roughly-textured chaga.

The stub of a broken-off branch can also be mistaken for chaga, especially if the bark has healed over the wound, or if the exposed wood of the stump has been darkened by rot.

In all cases, opening the growth up to check its interior color will clarify its identity, since only chaga has a black outside and an orange-brown inside. Before you go chopping into bumps on trees, though, please make sure that the tree is a birch. If it isn’t, the growth is probably not chaga.

Chaga Mushroom Benefits

Mushrooms have throughout history been used in the treatment of disease. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber and secondary metabolites. Furthermore, they contain a variety of bio-active molecules such as polysaccharides, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, derivatives of glycoprotein; these, each in their own way, may positively contribute to a variety of health conditions. The Chaga mushroom, now described as Inonotus obliquus belongs to the Hymenochaetaceae family and there is evidence supporting it being medicinally beneficial in cancer, viral infections and glucose disorders, such as diabetes. It may stimulate the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties; this will be discussed below (Reviewed in [1.]).

Diabetes

Rats that have induced diabetes were fed extracts of Inonotus obliquus specifically, the polysaccharides from the mushroom. These rats received doses of 10mg, 20mg or 30mg for a period of 6 weeks. It was shown that blood glucose levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner; furthermore, the pancreatic beta-cells damaged by inducing diabetes, saw some restoration [2.]. Another chemically induced diabetic mouse model, fed dry matter extracts taken from Inonotus obliquus culture broth, led to an improvement in serum insulin levels and reduced pancreatic cellular damage [3.]. Collectively, this suggests a role for Inonotus obliquus in moderating blood glucose levels and restoring the effects on the pancreas due to damage from inducing diabetes.

Cancer

Liver cancer

Inonotus obliquus extract administered in a liver cancer model using, human hepatoma cells in vitro, induced cell death 1.] – essential to prevent proliferation and growth of tumors.

Skin cancer

Using a mouse model with melanoma cells, associated with skin cancer, a dose of 20mg/kg/day of aqueous extracts of Inonotus obliquus, reduced tumour growth and prevented proliferation [4.]. The mechanisms behind these effects appear to include the increase in important proteins involved in apoptosis that lead to controlled cell death following the administration of Inonotus obliquus.

Colorectal

Aqueous extracts of Inonotus obliquus have shown their ability to inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer in vitro and colon tumours in mice [5.]

Lung cancer

An in vitro study of non-small cell lung cancer saw the extracted polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus inhibit metastatic growth (spread) of the tumour, indicating a role in the prevention of secondary tumour formation [6.]

The evidence here supports a positive role for the administration in vitro and in vivo animal models of Inonotus obliquus in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and potential spread to secondary tumours. The molecular mechanisms appear to be due to cell-death pathways, leading to inhibition of cancer cell proliferation.

Editors Note: Chaga is in no way a cure or proven method to treat cancer. Always check with your doctor prior to changing any of your cancer treatment protocols.

Immune system modulation

Inonotus obliquus has been shown to have a variety of positive effects on the immune system. One study, observing cancer in mice fed with polysaccharide extracts of Inonotus obliquus (30mg/kg/day), noticed the extract did not kill cancer cells but did enhance the mouse survival rate (by four times). This effect was due to the stimulation of the immune system [7.].

In another, immuno-suppressed mice received 24 days of aqueous Inonotus obliquus extract, and researchers saw an improvement in the immune response of the mice. These mice had had their immune system suppressed with bone marrow damage, the Inonotus obliquus extract saw a return of some immune cells, to near normal levels [8.]. Furthermore, they saw stimulation of specific immune cell colonies, in addition to an increase in important cytokine molecules – cytokines are essential in regulating immune responses.

Finally, in vitro, lignin complexes extracted from Inonotus obliquus were able to increase the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that engulf and remove unwanted pathogens and debris in the body and are essential to the immune system response [9.].

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant

The body produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are essential in certain pathways however, when uncontrolled they can cause damage to DNA, contribute to pathologies such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to have a balance between the production of ROS and removal/scavenging of them. Inonotus obliquus has been shown to moderate the effects of ROS in human fibroblasts [10.]. Freeze dried extracts of Inonotus obliquus have been shown to have a more effective scavenging activity of superoxide radicals even compared to ascorbic acid (Vitamin C); this effect was dose dependent [11.]. Moreover, administration of Inonotus obliquus (100mg/kg) was able to modulate inflammatory responses and cytokine production enabling an appropriate Th1 and Th2 cell response [12.]; essential for a healthy immune response. It is important to note that oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species, can contribute to aging, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Natural sources rich in anti-oxidants are being heavily researched in an effort to prevent disease and protect the body; the effects observed from Inonotus obliquus are very promising.

Cardiovascular and cholesterol

Hyperlipidemic rats as a result of a high-fat diet were given between 100 and 500 mg/kg/day of Inonotus obliquus for eight weeks. The results of this study showed that there was a significant decrease in the LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in the serum. Furthermore, there was a decrease in lipid oxidation by free radicals, caused by the experimental high fat diet. The researchers proposed that the reduction in cholesterol may be due to the anti-oxidant properties of the mushroom [13.]. High cholesterol is a significant factor in cardiovascular disease, and management of levels is important in prevention.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Mice that had induced intestinal inflammation were also given aqueous Inonotus obliquus extract to observe the effects on the inflammation. It was shown that there was a reduction in oedema, mucosal damage and loss of the crypts found in the lining of the intestine. Furthermore, it aided in the suppression of infiltrating immune cells in the colon tissue, preventing further inflammation with the reduction in inflammatory cytokines. This evidence supports a role for seen Inonotus obliquus in reducing the inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease [14.].

Anti-Viral

A study showed that water extracts of Inonotus obliquus were able to reduce the infection ability of the hepatitis C virus in vitro [15.]. Furthermore, lignin complexes extracted from Inonotus obliquus were able to suppress the HIV-1 protease [16.]These are valuable findings as this protease is essential for the life cycle of the HIV virus.

Blood Clot prevention

Platelet aggregation is a complex but necessary process in wound healing; when this process is aberrant, it may lead to conditions such as thrombosis. The ability to suppress the platelet formation may be a step towards therapeutic intervention with thrombosis. Extracts taken from the Inonotus obliquus mycelia, in a mouse model was shown to prevent platelet formation [17.] and may be a potential for the treatment of blood clot disorders. It is very important to note that medical advice should be sought before self-medicating with Inonotus obliquus, as this could potentially lead to excessive bleeding in some conditions.

Modulates swelling

Rats with induced paw oedema were administered ethanol extractions from Inonotus obliquus, and interestingly there was a reduction in acute swelling and pain when doses of 100mg and 200 mg/kg [18.] were given to the rats.

Chaga Mushroom Dosage

The Chaga mushroom is traditionally grated and presented as a fine powder which is then served as a herbal tea – representing a decaffeinated version of tea or coffee. It is thought that both warm or cold water with Chaga mushroom extract will release its medicinal properties. There is no evidence from human studies establishing a suitable dosage; therefore, always err on the side of caution.

Chaga Mushroom Toxicity, Safety & Side Effects

Whilst there is evidence for medicinal properties, by virtue of the fact Inonotus obliquus can affect blood glucose levels and blood clotting, it is important to receive professional advice from a doctor before self-administrating any mushroom as a therapeutic. This will ensure that there are no contraindications or possibilities of it affecting any drugs already being taken.

There are no known side-effects reported but caution should be demonstrated when first trying Inonotus obliquus. It is noteworthy that long term use may result in kidney stones, due to the high levels of oxalates that are present. Although naturally occurring if there is an excessive amount of oxalate and not enough liquid in the urine, they may form kidney stones.

Chaga does not appear to be poisonous in the normal sense; that is, you won’t get sick from drinking a cup of chaga tea, unless you happen to be allergic. However, chaga does contain oxalate, a substance known to damage the kidneys if taken in sufficiently high doses over time. How much chaga a person might need to consume to develop a problem isn’t clear; the lack of research that leaves us wondering whether chaga is really helpful also leaves us unclear as to whether chaga might be harmful. It does seem wise to never take chaga in an ongoing way for long periods of time.

If chaga can do the things tradition says it can, then it probably does have side effects and drug interractions, though. That’s because any effect besides the one you want right now is a “side effect,” and so since chaga is reputed to have multiple effects, the ones you don’t need right now would be side effects.

Specifically, if chaga does lower blood sugar, then it could be dangerous for anyone also taking medication to lower blood sugar. Similarly, if chaga can strengthen the immune system, then it could possibly undo the effects of drugs meant to suppress the immune system (these are taken by, for example, transplant recipients who need to prevent their immune systems from attacking the transplanted organ). If it can reduce the chance of a damaging clot (such as the kind that cause some strokes) then it can also interfere with healthy clotting and could be a real problem if taken prior to surgery.

But perhaps the greatest risk associated with using chaga is that a person might take it instead of medication, perhaps out of a belief that natural products are somehow superior. It’s important to recognize that while chaga might be helpful in some circumstances, it’s also possible that it is not helpful. Medicine, on the other hand is helpful, even if rarely perfectly so. Untested remedies like chaga should be taken only as a supplement to standard medical treatment—and with the full knowledge of your doctor.

References:

  1. Duru, K.C., et al., The pharmacological potential and possible molecular mechanisms of action of Inonotus obliquus from preclinical studies. Phytother Res, 2019. 33(8): p. 1966-1980.
  2. Diao, B.Z., W.R. Jin, and X.J. Yu, Protective Effect of Polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Symptoms and Their Potential Mechanisms in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2014. 2014: p. 841496.
  3. Wang, J., et al., Antidiabetic activities of polysaccharides separated from Inonotus obliquus via the modulation of oxidative stress in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. PLoS One, 2017. 12(6): p. e0180476.
  4. Youn, M.J., et al., Potential anticancer properties of the water extract of Inonotus [corrected] obliquus by induction of apoptosis in melanoma B16-F10 cells. J Ethnopharmacol, 2009. 121(2): p. 221-8.
  5. Mishra, S.K., et al., Inonotus Obliquus Suppresses Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Tumor Growth in Mice Models by Downregulation of β-Catenin/NF-κB-Signaling Pathways. European Journal of Inflammation, 2013. 11(3): p. 615-629.
  6. Lee, K.R., et al., Inonotus obliquus-derived polysaccharide inhibits the migration and invasion of human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells via suppression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Int J Oncol, 2014. 45(6): p. 2533-40.
  7. Kim, Y.O., et al., Anti-cancer effect and structural characterization of endo-polysaccharide from cultivated mycelia of Inonotus obliquus. Life Sci, 2006. 79(1): p. 72-80.
  8. Kim, Y.-R., Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus. Mycobiology, 2005. 33(3): p. 158-162.
  9. Niu, H., et al., Investigation of three lignin complexes with antioxidant and immunological capacities from Inonotus obliquus. International journal of biological macromolecules, 2016. 86: p. 587-593.
  10. Yun, J.S., et al., Inonotus obliquus protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and premature senescence. Molecules and Cells, 2011. 31(5): p. 423-429.
  11. Cui, Y., D.-S. Kim, and K.-C. Park, Antioxidant effect of Inonotus obliquus. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2005. 96(1-2): p. 79-85.
  12. Ko, S.K., M. Jin, and M.Y. Pyo, Inonotus obliquus extracts suppress antigen-specific IgE production through the modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. J Ethnopharmacol, 2011. 137(3): p. 1077-82.
  13. Liang, L., et al. Effect of the Inonotus Obliquus Polysaccharides on Blood Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress of Rats Fed High-Fat Diet In Vivo. in 2009 2nd International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Informatics. 2009.
  14. Mishra, S.K., et al., Orally administered aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus ameliorates acute inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. J Ethnopharmacol, 2012. 143(2): p. 524-32.
  15. Shibnev, V.A., et al., Antiviral activity of Inonotus obliquus fungus extract towards infection caused by hepatitis C virus in cell cultures. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2011. 151(5): p. 612-4.
  16. Ichimura, T., O. Watanabe, and S. Maruyama, Inhibition of HIV-1 protease by water-soluble lignin-like substance from an edible mushroom, Fuscoporia obliqua. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 1998. 62(3): p. 575-577.
  17. Hyun, K.W., et al., Isolation and characterization of a novel platelet aggregation inhibitory peptide from the medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus. Peptides, 2006. 27(6): p. 1173-8.
  18. Park, Y.M., et al., In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the methanol extract of Inonotus obliquus. J Ethnopharmacol, 2005. 101(1-3): p. 120-8.

 

 

2 thoughts on “Inonotus obliquus: Top 12 Benefits of Chaga Mushroom”

  1. Hi Austin,
    I am writing a summary of medicinal fungi for the new webpage for
    the New Jersey Mycological Association. Could we use the beautiful Chaga picture you took on this page? I would give you photo credit.
    Thanks,
    Liz Broderick

    Reply

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