Orthomolecular - Mycotherapy - Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Question 1

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Answer 1

Chaga grows mainly on birch trees in cooler climates where it develops a woody growth that has the appearance of burnt charcoal.
* The inside of the hardened clumps reveals an orange-coloured, soft centre.
* Chaga has a long traditional use for certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and to increase endurance.
* Key constituents include beta-glucans, triterpenoids and sterols including ergosterol.
* It is rich in antioxidant compounds and reduces inflammation by down-regulating inflammatory mediators.

Question 2

Immunity

Answer 2

Therapeutic uses:
* Acts as an immunomodulator that can support bone marrow activity and the proliferation of immune cells including T-lymphocytes.
* Anti-viral activity —e.g. against hepatitis C.
* Helps to prevent ‘cytokine storms’, where the immune system over-responds and damages healthy tissue.
* The immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory actions can be used in diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

Question 3

Cancer

Answer 3

Therapeutic uses:
* Antioxidant and induces cancer cell apoptosis.
* Offsets bone marrow-suppressing effects of chemotherapy.

Question 4

Dosage

Answer 4

• Chaga dosage range: 1–4 g / day.

Question 5

Safety

Answer 5

• Appears to inhibit platelet aggregation.
• Caution with antiplatelet medications and use before surgery is advised.
• Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established.