Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

In contrast to other functional mushrooms, chaga is not a fruiting body, aka a mushroom. Rather, it's a "sclerotium" – a hardened mass of fungus designed to help it survive in harsh conditions. Commonly found in birch forests, the fungus appears like burnt charcoal; however, cut inside, and you'll find a soft orange core.

Chaga was used for centuries in Russia and Northern Europe to fortify one's health. Traditionally, it was grated into a fine powder and used to brew mushroom tea.

It has many of the classic benefits of mushrooms, including:

1. Anti-inflammatory
2. High antioxidant profile
3. Lowers blood sugar
4. Cholesterol reduction

Anti-inflammatory

It's startling how many fungi seem to enhance our immune system. Not just through antibiotics (several of which derive from fungi) but also by reducing inflammation and marshaling our body's defenses.

In the case of chaga, it promotes the formation of beneficial cytokines: proteins that regulate the immune system and recruit white blood cells to fight harmful pathogens⁵⁶. It also does the reverse, inhibiting the production of harmful cytokines that aggravate inflammation⁵⁷.

As a result, chaga is equally as effective at fighting infections as soothing chronic inflammatory diseases.

High antioxidant profile

Part of chaga's anti-inflammatory effects come from its potent antioxidants. In one analysis, chaga has the "strongest antioxidant activity among fungi," with the seven antioxidant components identified and isolated⁵⁸.

Oxidative stress, if left untreated, produces free radicals that damage DNA, cells, and ultimately our organs. It's part of the "wear and tear" of life. Antioxidants reduce free radical damage, preventing cell death and promoting healthy organ function⁵⁹.

Other studies have noted how I. obliquus antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress and are highly effective at scavenging free radicals⁶⁰.

Lowers blood sugar

In animal studies, Chaga consistently demonstrates a lowering of blood sugar levels, indicating a potential benefit to people with diabetes. One study in obese, diabetic mice saw reduced blood sugar levels and insulin resistance compared to no treatment⁶¹. Another study in mice, meanwhile, observed a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels in just 3 weeks⁶².

As with many of the benefits of mushrooms, the key ingredients are polysaccharides. A 2014 analysis identified several effects of polysaccharides in I. obliquus that protected against diabetes in mice⁶³.

However, like other medicinal mushrooms, these properties need further study.

Cholesterol reduction

The potent antioxidant profile may also reduce cholesterol levels. Several studies have noted chaga's capacity to reduce levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides⁶⁴. These molecules clog up the arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Better still, Chaga boosts HDL "good" cholesterol, which removes excess cholesterol from your bloodstream^61,62. This points towards a viable supplement for heart disease, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, and other chronic diseases.