Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom): A review

Abstract

Inonotus obliquus , also known as Chaga, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for therapeutic purposes since the sixteenth century. Collections of folk medicine record the application of Chaga for the treatment of diseases such as gastrointestinal cancer, diabetes, bacterial infection, and liver diseases. Modern research provides scientific evidence of the therapeutic properties of I. obliquus extracts, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, anti-fatigue, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols, and lignin metabolites have been found to be responsible for the health-benefiting properties of I. obliquus . Furthermore, some studies have elucidated the underlying mechanisms of the mushroom’s medicinal effects, revealing the compounds’ interactions with enzymes or proteins of important pathways. Thus, this review aims to explore available information on the therapeutic potentials of Inonotus obliquus for the development of an effective naturally sourced treatment option.

Biologically active secondary metabolites from white-rot fungi

“…Inonotus obliquus ( I. obliquus ) , naturally grows on the trunks of birch wood trees in colder northern climates and is a medicinal fungus that has been used for therapeutic purposes since the 16th century ( Ern et al, 2023 ). To investigate the antihyperglycemic and anti-lipid peroxidative effects of the dry matter of the culture broth (DMCB) of I. obliquus , Sun et al (2008) utilized normal, glucose-induced hyperglycemic, and alloxan-induced diabetic mice.…”

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Extracts of Inonotus obliquus and Microalgae

“…CM has been used as a traditional medicine in these regions for several centuries 6 . The major bioactive compounds of CM include polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols, and lignin metabolites 5,7 . The beneficial health effects of CM, including anti-inflammatory activity, are considered to be primarily associated with polyphenols 8 .…”

Chemical Content and Cytotoxic Activity on Various Cancer Cell Lines of Chaga (<em>Inonotus obliquus</em>) Growing on <em>Betula pendula</em> and <em>Betula pubescens</em>

“…As a natural source of biologically active substances, the chaga has been traditionally used as an anti-tomor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant natural remedy [5]. Chaga has been recognized for its medicinal uses since the sixteenth century [6]. Owing to containing a range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical value, including polyphenols, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and lignin, chaga has demonstrated diverse therapeutic effects.…”

“…These encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-tomor and anti-fatigue activities. Significantly, chaga has shown efficacy in anticancer activities [6][7][8].…”