Chaga mushrooms are a folk remedy used by the native peoples of Siberia and North America to treat stomach upset, headaches, and skin irritations. The fungus is said to alleviate pain and have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
Chaga fungus contains a range of nutrients including the polysaccharide Beta-D-glutan, betulin and betulinic acid, lanosterol, ergosterol, phenolic compounds, melanins, and lanostane-type triterpenoids. The polysaccharides are known to have an anti-inflammatory property and melanins promote hair and nail health.
It is believed that consuming the mushroom boosts the immune system and several of the nutrients are known to have antioxidant activity.
Laboratory and animal studies indicate there may be a number of Chaga mushroom benefits.
Reduced Oxidative Stress
A laboratory study from the Department of Medical Nutrition at Kyunghee University showed that human cells treated with Chaga extract had a 40% reduction in DNA fragmentation over untreated cells when exposed to oxidative stress for five minutes. Since DNA fragmentation is believed to be responsible for some types of autoimmune diseases, this study has promising implications for the treatment and prevention of disease.
Anti-Diabetic Effects
The hypoglycemic effect of the plant is documented and it could enhance the effect of insulin.
A study done on type 2 diabetic* mice showed that Chaga "could significantly restore the body and fat mass weight, reduce fasting blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance ability, increase hepatic glycogen level and ameliorate insulin resistance".