Chaga (inonotus obliquus), which grows mainly on birch trees in colder climates, may have a somewhat lackluster, charcoal-like appearance, but its benefits are anything but! Similar to reishi, chaga is traditionally known for supporting the immune system, reducing chronic inflammation and fighting tumours. Research suggests that the consumption of chaga supports the immune system by secreting cytokines and regulating antigen-specific antibody production (1). The compound inotodiol, which chaga extracts from the birch trees in which it grows, has been shown to have anti-cancer activity. In one study, chaga was recognized as an anti-tumour agent because of its ability to stimulate apoptotic cell death and to inhibit the growth of cancer cells (2).
Referenced sources:
Song, F.Q, Liu, Y, et al. (2013) Progress on understanding the anticancer mechanisms of medicinal mushroom: inonotus obliquus.
Hak Lee, S, Hwang, H.S. (2009) Anti-tumor activity of water extract of a mushroom, Inonotus obliquus, against HT‐29 human colon cancer cells.