Chaga mushroom is a parasitic polypore mushroom that grows primarily on birch trees in extremely cold climates, such as Siberia, Russia, Northern Europe, Korea, Northern Canada and Alaska.

In nature, there is an ongoing battle between Chaga and birch trees: while the tree continues to resist infection, mycelial networks of Chaga spread within the tree for decades, formulating potent phytochemicals as a way to resist the immune system of the tree and eventually destroy it.

The stress of the struggle between the host and harsh climate is what enables Chaga to evolve, adapt, and become resilient against pathogens, producing many of the medicinal compounds humans have been attracted to since the 12th century.

Chaga is a flammable substance, with an appearance similar to burnt charcoal, it was first used as tinder for thousands of years by indigenous ancestors before realizing its medicinal potential.

Today, Chaga is used as a homeopathic treatment for heart disease, diabetes, intestine/stomach cancer, liver disease, parasites, seasonal flu, viral infections, stomach pain, and tuberculosis. This fungi is considered to have the highest antioxidant levels of anything found in nature due to its rich source in beta-glucans, betulinic acid, melanin, and superoxide dismutase.

Chaga is a key ingredient in Mógū's 5 Mushroom Formula - Synergy.

 

Active Compounds found in Chaga

Beta-glucans, endo-polysaccharides, hetero-polysaccharides, and homoglycan are all polysaccharides found in Chaga which are helpful in supporting healthy cell division and a healthy immune response.

Chaga mushrooms have the highest levels of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) found in any natural food and is extremely high in antioxidants. Other foods like wheatgrass, broccoli and cabbage also contain SOD but in much smaller amounts.

Triterpenes: with strong immune-strengthening influence. Trametenolic Acid for non-insulin dependent diabetics. Inotodiol - A Triterpenoid found in chaga mushrooms which aids the immune system in destroying abnormal cells.

Sterols effective for prostrate, herpes, lupus, allergies and psoriasis. Lanosterol-linked triterpenes effective as a flu-vaccination and for anti-tumor applications.

Betulinic Acid which stimulates apoptosis, triggering cancerous cells to destroy themselves. Clinically proven to have anti-tumor, tumor reducing benefits, and serves as a chemotherapeutic agent. Recent clinical studies show that Betulinic Acid possesses valuable pharmacological properties such as: immunomodulators, anti-bacterials, anti-oxidants, anti-virals, anti-tumorigenesis, antipyretics, and others.

Lanosterols: exhibit strong cytotoxicity towards carcinoma cells. Assists to lower cholesterol and reduce candidiasis. Anti-bacterial.

Ergosterols: This vitamin is necessary for the building of new skin cells, as well as bones, teeth, and hair. This vitamin regulates cell turn over and is used in prescription derivatives to help control psoriasis. Derivatives effective for antioxidant therapy and cancer drugs. 

Melanin produced by the Chaga mushroom demonstrates high antioxidant and genoprotective effects. Melanin enhances the appearance of hair, skin and eyes, and restores a more youthful appearance.

Saponins: shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. 

Main Vitamins and Mineral Elements: B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, rubidium, cesium, fiber, copper, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium

Peptides, Proteins, and Glyconutrients: signaling molecules for hydrogen bonding and other electrostatic interactions, improving joint function and pain reduction. Glyconutrients play a key role in supporting your immune system and promoting effective cell-to-cell communication.

Amino Acids: The Chaga mushroom contains 19 out of the 20 amino acids required by humans, making it easier to build and rebuild protein, making you stronger and keeping you flexible.

Other myco-nutrients