Chaga (Chaga) Siberian

Caga (Chaga). The homeland of this medicinal fungus is Siberia and the northern regions of China, where it has long been used to prepare decoctions for the treatment of tumors, and has earned the nickname "Gift from God" for its results. Chaga is also very suitable for autoimmune problems, because it can stimulate the immune system and, if necessary, also suppress it. It has also proven successful in various infectious diseases. Because it has an anti-inflammatory effect, it is used, for example, in intestinal inflammation. Chaga scans the digestive system and liver for pathogens that she eliminates. From the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine, Chag is characterized by warm temperature, sweet taste and tropism of the spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, stomach. Its significance lies in reviving blood, supporting defensive qi and calming the spirit. Due to the tropism to the digestive tract, it can serve well, for example, for various intestinal problems such as constipation, but also for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Its use can support digestion. It has a healing and protective effect due to the presence of betulinic acid on the gastric mucosa, which is used in gastritis and ulcers. However, the most significant effects include anti-cancer action, especially in cancer of the intestines and liver. It is the protection and regeneration of the liver that has proven itself in hepatitis. In addition to tropism to the digestive system, Chaga also has tropism to the heart. Because it harmonizes the soul, strengthens mental functions, improves memory and concentration. Antioxidant properties and their action as an adaptogen are also important. This is manifested mainly in the body's resistance to the external environment, resistance to stressful situations and slowing down the aging of cells.

Chaga (Chaga) tested in practice

as adjunctive therapy of tumors and prevention of tumors,
activates the immune system in bacterial and viral infection, also suitable Reishi, Coriolus, ABM, Maitake,
supports the cardiovascular system,
regulates blood pressure and cholesterol, also suitable for Reishi, Maitake, Auricularia,
supports and cleanses the intestines, is suitable for Hericium,
has an anti-inflammatory effect, Reishi is also suitable

Chaga can also be used for:

digestion support,
in gastritis,
Crohn's disease,
ulcerative colitis,
in the case of gastric or duodenal ulcers,
liver protection,
helps with both bacterial and viral infections (including herpes viruses),
shingles,
candidiasis,
hepatitis C,
detoxification,
to relieve pain,
as a support for the body's activities in diabetes,
supports mental functions (concentration, memory, thinking),
has strong antioxidant properties, supports in sports (with Coriol and Cordyceps),
it can be used for eczema, psoriasis,
blood purification,
leukemia,
malaria,
eye and hair support,
it is probably the strongest adaptogen,
has antiaging effects and
has an anti-allergic effect (prevention of anaphylactic shock).

Characteristics of Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliguus, birch mushroom, tschagapilz, Hua Jie Kong Jun) is a wood-destroying fungus that parasitizes mainly on deciduous trees. This perennial fungus occurs mainly on birches, where it draws an important component - betulin, which boasts rich effects. Chaga is widespread in the northern hemisphere. But they knew about it about 4000 years ago in Mesopotamia, Egypt, but also in China. As we have already written, it is part of Russian healing and traditional Chinese medicine. But the mushroom was also known to the Indians in North America. This medicinal fungus produces sexual and asexual fruiting bodies. When it attacks the tree, dark, dark black "cracked" fruiting bodies are formed, which hide the chlamydospores (spores). Some fruiting bodies survive for many years and are about 10-35 cm in size. The mushroom matures, grows through the trunk of a tree and it dies. During this, a second type of fruiting bodies with sexual spores is formed - basidiospores. The fruiting bodies are larger, sometimes growing to a size of several meters. In addition to domestic Siberia, Chaga also spread throughout Russia, where it was used in healing. It was also consumed by Tsar Vladimir Monomach or Rasputin. A mention of it can also be found in Solzhenitsyn's book Cancer. The original inhabitants of Japan - the Ainas brewed tea from it, which proved to be effective for various digestive problems. The powder from the dried mushroom was useful to them again during religious ceremonies. Later, Chag was studied by JG N Dragendorff in St. Petersburg from 1864, and a significant shift in the study of fungi occurred in the 20th century, when the composition of the fungus was revealed and the effects began to be investigated scientifically. (1, 2)

Individual components of Chaga

Examining the composition of mushrooms always reveals interesting facts. Detailed analyzes are important for identifying the main components. These are, in particular, polysaccharides, mycoosterols, terpene compounds, betulin, phenols, melanin, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. (1)

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides with their varied effects are among the important components of Chaga. On the one hand, it is the stimulation of the immune system, on the other hand, for example, anti-cancer action, reduction of oxidative stress, regulation of glycemia. Chaga contains many types of polysaccharides that differ in composition, branching, or molecular weight. The effects then develop accordingly. Insoluble polysaccharides ("coarse" fiber) act as a probiotic, ie food for the microflora (they take care of its good condition) and promote intestinal peristalsis. The best known polysaccharides are β (1 → 3) -glucans. Xylogalocthoglucans with anticancer effects are also important. IP3 is one of the polysaccharides recently discovered for science and is a potent immunostimulant. It consists of carbohydrates - arabinose, rhamose, glucose and galactose.

Terpene compounds

Terpene compounds can benefit the body by their anti-cancer and anti-infective effects. Chaga contains, for example, ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, fosoperianol D, lanostans or tramethenolic acid.
Steroid compounds - mycoosterols
Steroid compounds include mycoosterols, typical of fungi. The basis is the cholesterol nucleus, which has various side chains. Alnosterol accounts for almost half, with inotodiol being an important component (25%). There are also other components, such as ergosterol (vitamin D2), episterol, phecosterol, β-sitosterol. Sterol compounds excel in antitumor effects and can handle various types of viruses.

Betulin and betulinic acid

Betulin and betulinic acid (3β-hydroxylup-20 (29) -en-28-oic acid) occupy other leading positions, both of which belong to triterpenes. Their significance lies mainly in the anti-infective effect. The effects have in particular an antiviral, antitumor effect and also reduce the level of lipids in the blood. It occurs in the fungus in a form that allows good absorption from the digestive tract into the body. Chaga draws these substances into itself from the host (birch). Betulin becomes betulinic acid by further reactions.

Phenols and phenolic compounds

The phenolic compounds were obtained from the chag by extraction procedures. These substances also have anti-cancer, anti-infective and antioxidant effects. Chaga contains, for example, ceresol, mequinol, syringol, guaiacol, gallic acid, protocatechuric acid and also polyphenols 3,4-dihydroxybenzalacetone, phelligridin D, inonoblin A.

Melanin

In addition to these substances, Chaga also contains a sufficient amount of melanin - a dye that is formed from the amino acid tyrosine. It is also present in the human body and is the cause of eye, skin or hair color. Among other things, this powerful antioxidant has an anti-cancer effect, protects against the negative effects of the sun's rays, and reduces genotoxicity.

Amino acids and proteins

Proteins and amino acids are also important, including those that the body cannot produce on its own. Examination of Chaga revealed that mature Chaga contains 14 amino acids, its fungus (mycelium) even 16. These are mainly cysteine, glycine and tryptophan. In the case of proteins, for example, chitinase.

Fats and fatty acids

Plants do not contain much fat, unless we are talking about seeds. In tea, these are mainly unsaturated fatty acids, which are very good for health. In this case, it is specifically linoleic or oleic acid. Chaga does not contain cholesterol.

Vitamins, minerals and trace elements

Chaga is full of various vitamins and of course it is a source of minerals and trace elements. The vitamins are mainly B vitamins, vitamin D and beta-carotene. Magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese or germanium are also present.

Chaga's health benefits

The above valuable ingredients have told us how Chaga can benefit the body. And while this is not their entire list, it is clear that this medicinal fungus can significantly affect health.

Chaga and the immune system

The ability to affect the various functions and reactions of the immune system is typical of Chaga. If the immune system works well, it can well defend itself not only against infections, but also, for example, cancer cells. When in balance, it does not attack the body's allergens and antigens. It is in this activity that the Chaga organism is beneficial. It helps to strengthen defense reactions and slightly increase the activity of the immune system when allergic or autoimmune inflammations occur. (1) Polysaccharides, in particular beta glucans, are the most involved in influencing the immune system. For example, they are tested in cell cultures: the polysaccharide extract is added to the cells of the immune system, and then a change in behavior is observed. When present in the test cell, more frequent division, greater activation, and cytokines are produced that mediate the activation of another component of the immune system. It strengthens the phagocytic abilities, the ability of phagocytes to absorb or kill (in viruses and bacteria) foreign particles. Chaga can also activate T cells. Studies have been done to confirm that Chaga increases the production of the necessary B cells. Immune-boosting effects were tested in laboratory animals. It was also tested whether Chaga can boost the activity of the immune system even when the animals are given immunosuppressants. One part of the tested rats received cyclophosphamide and Chaga was administered with suppressed immune reactions. In just 8 days, the activity of the immune system increased. It follows that this fungus can change the effects of even strong immunosuppressants. Anti-inflammatory effects were verified in experiments on mice with induced intestinal inflammation, such as Crohn's disease. When these small rodents received Chaga, the severity of the disease decreased. Mice did not lose weight, debilitating bloody diarrhea did not appear, and intestinal examination showed a healthier mucosa, without more serious damage. Compared to mice that did not receive a fungus, the inflammation was suppressed. Suppression of inflammation has also been demonstrated in chronic pancreatitis. Animals affected in this way received polysaccharides from Chaga. At the end of the experiment, a histological analysis was performed, which showed a smaller extent of pancreatic damage. They also did not show up to immune cells that would destroy tissue activity. Because studies in allergic mice have shown the benefit - reducing the production of IgE - antibodies associated with allergies. It follows that Chaga can also help allergy sufferers. It is clear from this that chaga contributes to the harmonization of the immune system and to the balancing of its activity, so that it does not harm the organism, but benefits. (1)

Chaga is involved in killing cancer cells

Because cancer, despite advances in science, is still choosing human lives, scientists are looking for ways to reverse it. This is because the treatment itself is often also difficult for the body, especially for undesirable side effects. Therefore, much research has already been done to validate alternative methods. One of the studied mushrooms was Chaga. Studies have confirmed the anticancer effects of this fungus on, for example, melanoma, cancer of the colon, liver, lung, ovary, brain, but also leukemia. Chaga has been shown to kill cancer cells in a variety of ways while supporting the cells of the immune system. Chaga is effective against cancer by a double mechanism. Whether it is in cooperation with the immune system, when it strengthens the activities of NK cells, macrophages or also T lymphocytes, or through its own bioactive components. These ingredients are toxic to cancer cells. These include, for example, terpenes (betulin, betulinic acid) or polysaccharides. In most cases, the action of this fungus has been tested on cell cultures of certain types of cancer cells to which Chaga has been added. In this way, the responses of cancer cells to Chag were best monitored. Blockade of cell division occurred and the cell cycle was stopped. Viability was significantly reduced and because caspases and proapoptotic proteins were activated and blocked with antiapoptotic, cell death (apoptosis) was induced. Chaga can also prevent metastasis - by inhibiting the production of metalloproteinases by tumor cells. They are enzymes that break down the intercellular mass. This is because the loose mass pushes the cancer cells in a simpler way and then travels through the bloodstream or into the lymphatic system. The studies also looked at Chaga's effect on the animal's body. Mice with lung cancer and spontaneous metastasis significantly reduced metastasis by as much as 25% when consuming this fungus. In addition, there was also a reduction in tumor volume - by 60%. Chaga limited the formation of new blood vessels that would supply nutrients to the cancer cells. (1, 2)

Antioxidant properties of Chaga

We often cause the formation of free radicals ourselves. This is influenced by our way of life - whether it is long-term stress, environmental pollution, but also, for example, chronic infections. Free radicals are needed in the body, but once they are not in balance with antioxidants, they begin to harm the body much more. Then the body must be supplied with antioxidants from the outside. Free radicals are highly reactive compounds - they are carcinogenic and mutagenic. They react, for example, with cell membrane lipids and DNA, and also accelerate degenerative processes (including brain degeneration). Chaga can fight free radicals through its own components such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds or triterpenes. In addition, the medicinal sponge contains enzymes - superoxide dismutases. Antioxidant effects are often tested in solutions with free radicals, where Chaga is added. Its advantage is the neutralization of hydroxyl radicals. Experiments were also performed on cell cultures exposed to hydrogen peroxide at toxic concentrations. The viability of the cell culture in this case drops below 40%. However, if Chaga is added, viability will increase to 90%. The last option for testing is on live models. Most mice or rats are exposed to situations where oxidative stress increases. The result is then an increase in certain values in the blood, such as malondialdehyde. When Chaga is added, the values do not increase and the cell membranes are not peroxidized. Chaga is considered to prevent degenerative diseases or, for example, cancer, due to its confirmed antioxidant properties. (1)

Chaga handles infections

In my life, perhaps everyone has gone through infectious diseases. However, the immune system is not always able to defend its area, even if it is strong. Sometimes, infectious pathogens attack through strategies that can overwhelm and bypass the body's defenses. Many infections are very dangerous, sometimes even causing death. Sometimes there is no suitable treatment for viral infections. As the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics increases, the treatment options for bacterial diseases decline. New antibiotics are still being developed. It is important to find substances that can prevent the growth of bacteria or better - that can kill bacteria. (1) Chaga helps build a more resilient immune system. If the infection enters the body, it is destroyed in time. Due to the composition of the fungus, Chaga also acts directly on infectious pathogens. It can handle a wide range of different types of viruses. These can be, for example, herpes viruses, which survive hidden in the body and wait for the opportunity to reactivate. This affects 98% of the population. The manifestation is mainly unpleasant cold sores, but sometimes the result can also be herpetic meningoencephalitis. A study was performed on cells infected with the herpes virus and confirmed that if Chaga was added, the virus would be destroyed and the cells would remain intact (without viral DNA). Studies have also been performed in mice in which rodents have been infected with the herpesvirus HSV2 (genital type). When they did not receive a medicinal mouth, most of them died. In the group of mice that consumed Chag, the chance of survival increased by a great 90%. Chaga can also destroy the hepatitis B and C viruses, which cause chronic hepatitis. This often results in cirrhosis, liver fibrosis and sometimes even liver cancer. Antiviral treatment is not usually effective. However, when Chaga is given, the virus multiplies (replication) and the effectiveness of the therapy increases. Chaga is also a defense against HIV, where it prevents entry into the cell. As a result, the infection cannot develop. Chaga can well control infections in animals. Studies have shown its effect on feline viruses such as feline influenza or calcivirosis. Among the microorganisms that Chaga can destroy are bacteria. And not only the ordinary ones, but also the resistant and dangerous ones, such as the causative agents of TB - mycobacteria. These usually need to be treated often for several months or more with combinations of antibiotics. Chaga also eliminates pseudomonads, for example. The medical fungus also prevents infection. A case of campylobacter, which is the cause of intestinal infection, has been proven. It adheres to the intestinal mucosa, where it causes infection. In it, Chaga crosses his plans, which prevents him from getting caught. The antiparasitic effects of Chaga are directed against trypanosomes (the cause of "sleeping" disease) and plasmodia (the cause of malaria). (3, 4, 5, 6)

Chaga against diseases of civilization

A healthy lifestyle is not just an empty grouping of words, but its observance is behind the prevention of many diseases. Many diseases are related to the wrong way of life. This means, above all, lack of exercise and inappropriate eating habits. Then, for example, smoking or consuming more alcohol. The so-called diseases of civilization include, for example, type 2 diabetes or hyperlipidemia. The result is health problems that have a huge impact on length and quality of life. (1)

Chaga and diabetes

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune inflammation of the pancreas that is very often accompanied by insulin resistance. The cells do not respond to insulin, which seems to mean that the body may have enough insulin but it is not used. When elevated sugar levels occur, damage occurs not only to the nerves and blood vessel walls, but also to organs such as the kidneys. Chaga has been shown in many studies to have antidiabetic effects. In experiments on mice or rats, a condition similar to that in human diabetes II was induced. type. Sick rodents had high blood sugar levels, but when they got chag, their blood sugar dropped to normal. In addition, glucose tolerance was improved and the body's inadequate response to insulin (insulin resistance) was broken. The cells thus became insulin sensitive again. In addition, Chaga takes care of the pancreas, protecting it from free radical damage or inflammation. It takes care of its proper function in the production of insulin. (1)

Chaga and hyperlipidemia

The storage of fats in the walls of blood vessels means the development of atherosclerosis. Elevated fat levels are especially dangerous for this condition. The vessels lose their elasticity, have a lower lumen and are inflamed. In addition, blood pressure rises, ischemic heart or lower limb diseases can occur, but also acute conditions such as myocardial infarction. It was found that when rodents were fed a special high-fat diet, there was an increase in blood lipid levels. In the tests, part of the group was given Chaga. In this case, the condition changed so that the values of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides decreased, but the value of "good" HDL cholesterol increased. Because the melanin complex in chage increases the production of adiponectin in fat cells, it is possible to act to lower glycemia and fat metabolism. In addition, adiponectin has an anti-inflammatory effect. The gene for adiponectin is much more active in lean people, with increasing weight its activity decreases. When overweight mice received the melanin complex, adipose tissue volume decreased. (7, 8, 9, 10)

Chaga and organ protection

It has already been mentioned that Chaga benefits many organs. It strengthens them, supports their regeneration and protects them from damage. In the digestive system, it is possible to observe healing effects on the gastric mucosa, which is usually irritated and develops inflammation - gastritis. Chaga also kills Helicobacter pylori, which causes inflammation or stomach ulcers. However, it can also cause stomach cancer. (1) The consumption of Chaga also benefits the liver. The liver is very stressful and can be easily damaged. The fungus protects it against this, because it reduces oxidative stress from liver damage. This damage would destroy the liver even more. This condition was confirmed in an experiment in mice treated with toxic tert-butyl hydroperoxide. (1, 11) Chaga is also important for kidney function because it reduces oxidative stress, glycemia, and also promotes regeneration. In experiments in rats that had kidney damage due to diabetes, blood creatinine levels were increased. These rats had very reduced renal function and albumin was excreted in the urine. When rats received Chaga, glomerular membrane function and integrity were restored and inflammation was reduced. The kidneys functioned better, less albumin leaked into the urine, and creatinine was filtered into the urine. Another study demonstrated the benefit of betulinic acid in renal fibrosis. This is usually the result of long-term damage to this organ, which destroys infections, drugs or, for example, toxic substances, and the damaged tissues are replaced by ligaments. Rats with renal fibrosis received betulinic acid. This ensured better kidney function, but also reduced urea, creatinine or, for example, uric acid in the blood. There has been a decrease in the production of TGF beta - a compound that is responsible for promoting connective tissue production. As a result, the kidneys were protected from further damage, and in many rats the condition was much better. (1, 12, 13)

Chaga against blood clotting

Genetic predisposition and pathological conditions such as inflammation or atherosclerosis have an effect on higher blood clotting. The formation of thrombi depends on the aggregation, ie the grouping of platelets, and also on the activity of the coagulation cascade. The thrombi then reduce the lumen of the blood vessels, and may tear and embolize, for example, into the vascular bed of the brain or lungs, causing the patient to die. Experiments have shown that Chaga interferes with the platelet aggregation process. In in vitro experiments, this aggregation decreased by 71%. Chaga contains an inhibitory peptide, when delivered, aggregation decreased by 90%. It follows that this peptide could be used in the treatment of patients at risk of developing thrombosis. (14)

Chaga and fitness

Finally, chagu can also be used to strengthen physical condition, which has been found in experiments with rodents. The researchers used 64 mice to which they were given polysaccharides extracted from Chaga for two weeks. They then assessed their physical abilities and compared them to pre-treatment values. Mice were placed in a water tank and swam. The result was higher endurance and also faster regeneration after physical exercise. The result was confirmed at the tested lactate level half an hour after exercise. Lactate increases upon depletion and is formed when sugars are burned without the supply of oxygen, i.e. under anaerobic conditions. Lactate concentration values were much lower when consuming chag polysaccharides. But what increased was the glycogen levels in the muscles and liver. Glycogen is a storage carbohydrate that is burned first during physical activity. The burden may have been much earlier. The ability of the extract to significantly delay fatigue growth and accelerate regeneration has been demonstrated. (15)

Summary of Chaga's benefits

It follows from the above lines that Chaga benefits health - not only preventively, but also as a support for treatment. Its importance lies primarily in the protection and regeneration of organs, harmonization of the immune system, but also in slowing down aging. This means that it affects the body as such, unlike most artificial medicines.

Resources

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