Chaga extract 20:1 | Inonotus obliquus

Properties: The extract from Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is especially valued because it strengthens the immune system. In order to maintain homeostasis, our organism requires optimal functioning of its defense mechanisms that keep dangerous microbes at bay. White blood cells play the key role in the immune response, and their production is increased by Chaga supplementation. Apart from that, Chaga may support the fight with existing infection by preventing development of chronic inflammation. 

There is a grain of truth in the old saying: mens sana in corpore sano – healthy body, healthy mind. Indeed, regular physical activity helps to keep the mind sane and the mood positive. Chaga turns out to be particularly handy when it comes to keeping the whole body well, as it contains lots of vitamins and microelements crucial for its proper functioning. For instance, increased cholesterol level in the blood is one of the main factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Chaga improves the mechanisms that regulate the production of cholesterol and fats. Thereby, it has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system: it eases the blood flow and prevents excessive blood clotting. 

Moreover, Inonotus obliquus protects the human body on the cellular level. Irregular lifestyle, exhaustion, and chronic stress are the factors that accelerate oxidation processes that can lead to DNA damage. Chaga is a natural antioxidant and therefore it supports the detoxification of the organism. Its active compounds enhance expelling of waste metabolic products from the body. 

Supplementation of Chaga is also important for people who enjoy physical activity, and all those who lead an active lifestyle, because it strengthens body performance. Increased physical activity requires more energy resources. Active compounds of Chaga help the body to manage the transportation of energy to muscular tissue more efficiently. Simultaneously, it decreases the production of lactic acid – the main cause of sore muscles. Therefore, Chaga is a perfect pre-training supplement.  

Occurrence: Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a macrofungi species that belongs to the Hymenochaetaceae family of mushrooms. It is a parasitic fungus found mostly on birch-trees, specifically their trunks. That is where its common name – “black birch fungus” – comes from. It can also be spotted on trunks of alders, rowans, oaks, and beeches. Usually, the presence of this fungi is a sign of premature decay of the host tree. Chaga grows in the forests of Eastern Europe, Asia, and North America.

In the traditional medicine Chaga has been used for centuries in order to support immunity, relieve indigestion or regulate the heart rhythm. Its healthy properties were recognized by the tribe of Chants (also called Ostyak), who inhabited the area of modern Siberia. Those indigenous people believed that eating Chaga can benefit the general mood, lead to spiritual purification, and detoxification of the organism. For the first time, this fungus was described in the V century B.C. Hippocrates reported Chaga and its excellent effects on wounds healing in his treatise “Corpus Hippocraticum”.

Biochemistry: Healing properties of Chaga stem from its compounds called β-glucans, molecules that belong to polysaccharides. Moreover, it contains phytosterols. Apart from them, this fungi carries also: phenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins), triterpenes (betulin and betulinic acid), amino acids (tryptophan, glycine, and cysteine), micro and macroelements (copper, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium), B-group vitamins, and melanin.

Fun fact: The name of this fungus originates from the Russian language. “Chaga” comes from Russian “чага” – which means mushroom. This is a term borrowed from the word “mushroom” in the Komi-Permyak language used by indigenous tribes living close to the river Kama west from Ural.