Inonotus obliquus (the chaga mushroom) is a slow-growing parasitic fungus found on white birch trees in cool climates. The mushroom can take as much as seven years to achieve maturity. Over the course of its progress it develops a brown/black, woody, chitin-based outer shell that covers its interior orange/yellow meat. The greatest focus of chaga may be found in Russia, especially Siberia, however the mushroom additionally naturally grows in Korea and elements of northern and japanese Europe. It is indigenous to the Canada, particularly areas of Canada and all through the northwest. Chaga has been used for more than 500 years as a natural holistic remedy for a wide range of well being conditions. Usually, Inonotus obliquus is taken as a tea or tincture. It incorporates over 200 phytonutrients, B complex vitamins, various minerals, fiber and protein. It is thought to be a common well being elixir, selling overall vitality and immunity. Siberian medicine for the reason that 16th century. The mushroom remains to be generally used in Russia to prevent and treat plenty of ailments. Chaga has been a staple of traditional Russian. The Japanese, who have also used it for tons of of years, name it the “Diamond in the Forest.” Chaga is known worldwide for its antifungal, antipyretic, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Inonotus obliquus is usually thought of an adaptogen. Chaga use ultimately spread to China the place individuals usually favor herbal and plant-based mostly medicines. Adaptogens are pure substances that enable humans to better deal with the impact of stress. By warding off the results of stress and bettering coping skills, adaptogens are thought to improve performance, focus and physical capability. Chaga was traditionally used to treat varied types of cancer. Adaptogens are typically seen to support the entire body versus a person system. Contemporary research has centered on the consequences of chaga extract on most cancers cells. The truth is, the mushroom was rumored to have cured the lip most cancers of a Russian duke. Its apparent capability to selectively kill sure most cancers cells. The mushroom is of curiosity to most cancers researchers because of its noticed results on the immune system. As an illustration, chaga comprises polysaccharides referred to as beta-glucans. The precise mechanism of those actions is unknown, but Inonotus obliquus incorporates constituents that may play a role in increasing immune operate and killing cancerous cells. Further, the mushroom incorporates betulin and betulinic acid, both of that are being investigated for their potential role in most cancers treatment. Research continues to be in its infancy, however extracts of the mushroom have been observed to have an effect on sure cancers in laboratory and animal research. These molecules may help stop the growth and spread of some most cancers cells and have been noticed to extend the exercise of the immune system in animals. The therapeutic worth of chaga in humans with cancer continues to be unknown and additional analysis is required. The antioxidant properties of chaga are thought to be unequalled in the plant kingdom. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize free radicals in the physique. When accumulated throughout the body regularly, this damage is believed to play a task in premature aging and the onset of many preventable diseases. Chaga comprises high ranges of antioxidants. Free radicals are ionic molecules which might be highly reactive and may damage surrounding cells by “stealing” electrons, inflicting molecular injury. The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capability) ranking relies on numerous laboratory tests used to determine the antioxidant capacity of various foods. ORAC ratings had been beforehand published by the FDA, but the group has since stopped this observe over rising concern that the lab-primarily based tests do not mirror the antioxidant action of food within the physique. Nevertheless, chaga constantly ranked atop the ORAC lists and has been observed in laboratory studies to exhibit strong antioxidant results. Inonotus obliquus accommodates high amounts of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is a natural protection against superoxide, which is the body’s most prevalent free radical. Chaga mushroom is mostly well tolerated by humans. Is just not associated with any severe unwanted effects. However, chaga might interact with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. By neutralizing the destructive effects of superoxide all through the body, SOD is believed to sluggish the aging course of and inhibit the onset of disease. It can be crucial to talk with your physician earlier than you’re taking Inonotus obliquus to make sure this supplement is best for you. Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Fan L, Ding S, Ai L, Deng K. Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of water-soluble polysaccharide from Inonotus obliquus. 2011. Integrative Medicine: Chaga Mushroom. Ma L, Chen H, Dong P, Lu X. Anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of extracts and compounds from the mushroom Inonotus obliquus. Lee SH, Hwang HS, Yun JW. Antitumor activity of water extract of a mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, towards HT-29 human colon cancer cells. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec;23(12):1784-9. Park YK, Lee HB, Jeon EJ, Jung HS, magic mushroom capsules Kang MH. Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA harm in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay. Shikov, A.N., et al. 2014 Medicinal Plants of the Russian Pharmacopoeia: their history and applications.