The potent antioxidant capabilities of chaga offer patients incredible clinical benefits.
This article explores the potential health benefits, specifically the antioxidant capability,1,2,3 of chaga (Inonotus obliquus). Chaga is a type of edible fungus that grows in cold climates. It’s a fungus that typically grows on birch trees but may also inhabit other trees. Although its binomial name is Inonotus obliquus, chaga is also sometimes referred to by names such as Phaeoporus obliquus, Polyporus obliquus and Fuscoporia obliqua. Chaga has a long history of use as a medicine in China, Japan, Korea and Eastern European countries. Chaga has made its appearance in Western nutrition through popularized adaptogenic and functional powders as well as drinks.
Chaga’s antioxidant action
In discussion of its antioxidant properties, understanding why it’s important in chiropractic practice is necessary. Increased oxidative stress contributes to bodily disease, aging and pain. More specifically, “Elevated oxidative stress levels can disrupt cellular homeostasis, leading to protein degradation, impaired protein synthesis, altered cellular signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction, all contributing to muscle atrophy.”3 In providing the essential dietary cofactors and coenzymes and the necessary antioxidant events, we can help limit oxidative stress and help patients create a body environment that promotes healing as well as protective function against disease. Chaga has been known to have antioxidant properties as a multitude of compounds have been previously isolated and demonstrated this. Specifically, phenolic compounds have been isolated and a unique group called strylpyrones have been determined to display significant antioxidant potential. In addition, melanin is another previously studied component of chaga that has displayed an ability to scavenge free radicals as well as chelate metal ions.2
Chaga has shown effectiveness in two categories as an antioxidant, including its ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce transition metal ions. At similar concentrations to ascorbic acid (vitamin C), chaga has displayed comparable antioxidant properties.2 Further, the discussion about the research on chaga describes its protective effects as an antioxidant. The study determined chaga can prevent DNA damage due to hydrogen peroxide, prevent programmed cell death, inhibit premature aging in skin cells and enhance the antioxidant capacity of normal cells while simultaneously inducing oxidative stress in cancer cells. The value of the antioxidant capability of the compounds found in chaga provides ample evidence that it would be a great addition to the diet in the prevention of chronic illness and management of oxidative stress levels.
In another study, four new compounds that are a part of chaga were isolated to determine their antioxidant and scavenging capabilities. Of these four compounds, two displayed antioxidant activity as well as neuroprotective effects.1 Compound 1 (Phellxinye A) was the most remarkable finding in this study and was particularly significant in the FRAP assay. The FRAP, or ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, displays the ability of a compound to reduce ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+). As well, compound 1 displayed potent activity in the DPPH assay, through its ability to stabilize the free radical DPPH. In addition, compounds 2 and 4 (inonotphenol A and (9S)-acerogenin M), were found to be strong antioxidants through the use of an ABTS test.1 The value of these findings displays the numerous antioxidant properties found in the compounds of chaga. The potent antioxidant capabilities of chaga offer patients incredible clinical benefits. It allows for the addition of chaga as a powder, or as a supplement to help support the body’s defenses against oxidative stress. When it comes to clinical application, more oxidative stress will make healing from injury nearly impossible.
Chaga benefits multiple systems
In addition to its antioxidant properties, chaga possesses numerous other health benefits, such as anti-tumor effects, anti-inflammatory effects and regulation of blood sugar.2 Preclinical studies have shown chaga interferes with cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis of cancer cells.2 Specifically, in colorectal cancer, ergosterol derived from chaga has been found to reduce the expression of cancer-promoting genes.2 In regard to its anti-inflammatory properties, chaga is rich in polysaccharides that can help protect against inflammation-related organ damage as well as suppress nitric oxide production in macrophages.2 Finally, studies have shown chaga extracts can help regulate glucose uptake by cells and improve pancreatic beta cells.2 These findings suggest a link between chaga improving the function of the body’s ability to manage glucose levels.
While all of these properties provide incredible benefits, chaga is high in oxalates. Thus, understand that this functional mushroom should not be used in the presence of any kidney dysfunction or disease. In addition, chaga is a complex compound, and all its effects have not been fully tested in clinical trials on humans. However, understanding its properties and its potential to be used in supplement and nutritional therapy is a valuable asset to any DC.
Final thoughts
Understanding the evidence behind this functional mushroom presents DCs the opportunity to stay informed on the potential clinical application of chaga as an antioxidant, as well as consider its use for reducing inflammation and decreasing blood sugar. It is critical for DCs to stay informed on the advancement of potential applications of clinical nutrition. In addition, this knowledge can be shared with patients who are considering the use of chaga in their treatment regimen.
Jack Arnold is a chiropractic student at the National University of Health Sciences Florida (NUHS-FL) campus with anticipated graduation in 2026. He is the vice president of sports council, a tutor for anatomy, spine and extremities and an in-class teacher’s assistant for thoracic manipulation. Arnold can be reached at jackarnold@student.nuhs.edu.
References
1. Chang Y, et al. Isolation of chemical compositions as dietary antioxidant supplements and neuroprotectants from chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus). Food Bioscience.
2022;47:101623. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429222000827/. Accessed February 16, 2025.
2. Peng H, Shahidi F. Bioactive compounds and bioactive properties of chaga (Inonotus obliquus) mushroom: A review. Journal of Food Bioactives. 2020;12(8). https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.31665/JFB.2020.12245/. Accessed February 16, 2025.
3. Agrawal S, et al. Exploring the role of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle atrophy: Mechanisms and implications. Cureus. 2023;15(7):e42178. https://www.cureus.com/articles/170589/.
Accessed February 16, 2025.
