CHAGA – THE KING OF HERBS
Chaga (inonotus obliquus) is a woody mushroom that grows on birch trees with a black, scarred outer surface that looks like burnt charcoal with a light brown interior. While it can and does occur on white birch trees in parts of Canada, Japan, and northern Scandinavia, Chaga is primarily found in Russia, where the highest quality specimens are considered to come from the black birch trees of Siberia. Most often consumed in a hot tea mixture, Chaga has been used as a traditional folk medicine in Russia and Eastern Europe since at least the fifteen hundreds for a variety of diseases, including stomach pain, ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, liver problems, and even cancer.
After being ignored for hundreds of years by Western pharmacologists, Chaga is currently enjoying resurgence as a possible treatment for a wide variety of diseases and health problems, including chronic fatigues syndrome, the flu, stomach problems, and even HIV and certain types of cancer. Recent studies in the U.S., Russia, and other countries have shown Chaga to have anti-tumor benefits related to the mammary glands and female sex organs; studies in Finland have demonstrated that inotodial, one of the most active ingredients in Chaga, was effective against influenza and various cancer cells; and Japanese research not only found similar antiviral activity, but also discovered that Chaga shows activity against HIV (protease inhibition). Chaga has even been classified as a medicinal mushroom under World Trade Organization (WTO) codes.
Siberian Chaga Mushroom uses and the Scientific Evidence
Melanin Complex from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Pers.: Fr.) Pilat (Chaga) (Aphyllophoromycetideae.)
To view extracts of published research findings on the web, click here
This wood-rotting fungus has been used as a folk medicine in many East European countries including Russia, to treat gastritis, ulcers, tuberculosis (TB) of the bones, and cancer. The inner brown layer closest to the tree is the portion of the fungus most often used. Medical research has shown Chaga to be effective as an anti-tumor agent. In 1958, scientific studies in Finland and Russia found this mushroom provided an epochal effect in uterine, liver, breast, and gastric cancer, and hypertension and diabetes.
The post-antibiotic world of Western Medicine is now beginning to study, evaluate, and test Chaga for the active compounds underlying its historically understood homeopathic benefits. As with many other natural medicinal foods and herbs, the modern medical and scientific community is coming to understand that whole supplements like Chaga, offer a complex balance of active compounds, delivery mineral structures, and co-agents, more effective to sustaining a healthy immune balance than isolated compounds synthesized from these natural products.
The primary active compounds discovered in Siberian Chaga are a variety of triterpenes and sterols including Lanosterol, Ergosterol Inotodials, Saponins, and Polysaccharides. Modern research is now beginning to demonstrate that these compounds are effective for human maladies treated by folk medicine practitioners with natural products, without toxic side-effect, for millennia.
Arguably, the most well known western research conducted on the use of Chaga has been performed by Dr. Kirsti Kahlos and her team at School of Pharmacology, at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Dr. Kahlos’ team conducted studies validating the immuno-modulating impact of Lanosterol-linked triterpenes effective as a flu-vaccination and for anti-tumor applications. Institutional studies at the University of Tokyo, Japan have determined effectiveness of Inotodials in the destruction of certain cancerous carcinosarcomas and mammary adenocarcinomas. The Melanin complex produced by the Chaga mushroom demonstrates high antioxidant and genoprotective effects ( Melanin Complex from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus Obliquus, Journal of Medical Mushrooms, 2002, vol. 4) . The polysaccharide beta-glucan, also present in Chaga, is proven to be effective at inhibiting mutagenic and immuno-modulating effects of cancerous tumors by triggering immune system response ( SP Wasser, 2002, Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Israel).
Mushrooms are a flavorful and nutritious food group. Good sources of B-Vitamins Thiamine, Riboflavin and Niacin. They contain all the essential amino acids. Mushrooms have also been used for thousands of years as some of the most effective, yet benign, of many plants that formed the Oriental herbal tradition. Garuda International offers more than ten species of the highest quality mushroom extract powders available in the world today. Some are certified organically grown and some have standardized levels of active compounds. These are perfect powdered materials for formulating immune system boosting dietary supplements and natural cosmetics. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a highly prized medicinal fungus that has been used in Siberian folk medicine as a cleansing and disinfecting substance, often used to treat stomach discomforts. It is a parasitic fungus growing on birch, alder, beech and other hardwood trees throughout North America and Europe. The fungus produces a thick mass on the trunks of trees sometimes measuring up to 40 cm thick and 1.5 meters in length. Folk medicine practitioners have traditionally removed these masses from the trees and prepared teas and other decoctions for the treatment of diseases ranging from stomach diseases, intestinal worms, liver and heart ailments and cancers. More recent pharmacological studies using Chaga in Poland, Russia, and the U.S.A. have shown anti-tumor activity related to the mammary glands and female sexual organs. Much of this research was carried out in Finland by researchers at the School of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki. The most active compound, inotodiol, has shown activity against influenza viruses A and B, and various cancer cells. Studies in Japan have also confirmed antiviral activity, (inhibition of the protease enzyme of HIV-1).
Benefits
Chaga is rich in triterpenes. The main compounds are lanosterol-type triterpenes related to inotodiol. Other compounds isolated from Chaga include betulin, polysaccharides, and soluble lignins.
Advantages
Today, we use modern extraction techniques to concentrate the active components from the fungal masses. The highest quality fungal cankers are removed from birch trees (betula pubescens) in Eastern Europe, cleaned and shipped to North America where they are sorted. Chaga is extracted using a proprietary process that concentrates the active compounds. The finished powdered extract is standardized to a minimum 0.15% inotodiol content.
Quality Assurance
Mushroom extracts can be considered some of the first nutraceuticals - food concentrated into medicinal form. Garuda's extracts are carefully produced according to gmp standards from select raw materials. Many of our extracts are standardized to contain guaranteed levels of active compounds.
Applications
Chaga extract powder can be used to formulate various types of dietary supplement tablets and capsules. The powder can also be included in herbal tea blends. Chaga can also be blended with other medicinal mushroom extracts and powders from different species such as garuda's reishi (ganoderma lucidum), shiitake (lentinula edodes) or maitake (grifola frondosa).
Chaga's 4600 year history.
First documented use of medicinal mushrooms for healing and longevity by Asian culture
100 B.C.
The medicinal almanac Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing presents the life work of the Divine Farmer, Shen Nong, classifying Chaga as superior class. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Materia Medica of Deity of Agriculture, is an earliest medical material dictionary was composed around the era of Qin and Han dynasties. There were 365 kinds of medical materials collected in this book.
Chaga and Fighting Cancer
Chaga Case Studies
Introduction:
Chaga contains large amounts of betulin or betulinic acid, a natural substance that is being studied for use because of its anti-cancer properties. Chaga also contains the full spectrum of immune-stimulating phytochemicals found in other medicinal mushrooms such as the maitake and shiitake mushrooms in a form that can be ingested orally.
In a 48 patient human clinical trial in Poland in 1957, ten patients treated with chaga showed a reduction of tumor size, a decrease in pain, a decrease in the intensity and the frequency of hemorrhaging, and a recovery that was accompanied with better sleep, appetite and feelings of improvement. Most of these patients were female treated with chaga for cancer of the genital organs or breast cancer.
Chaga contains an extraordinary amount of phyto-nutrients with remarkable cancer fighting properties as well as benefiting those with HIV, diabetes, tumors, high blood pressure or cholesterol and obesity. Here are some of the most recent results or endorsements.
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Patient
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Age
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Symptoms
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Female
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76
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She suffers from severe arthritis, especially in the hip joint area and is a type 2 diabetic. According to the patient, she drank 2 grams chaga-containing water daily. Within four months, the pain in the hip area subsided allowing her to sit for long periods without pain. Her high blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels dropped to normal levels. She avoids any kind of alcohol and eats a balanced diet without much red meat.
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Female
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70
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She is a type 2 diabetic. Does not smoke or drink and eats a balanced diet consisting mainly of vegetables, rice, fruits, fish and a small amount of red meat. Within 3 months of drinking 2 grams chaga water daily, her LDL Cholesterol decreased and HDL (good cholesterol) increased. Skin complexion also improved dramatically. Dosage now cut to 1 gram daily.
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Female
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50
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She experienced early menopause at the age of 49. She started drinking 1 gram chaga water for four months. Her menstrual cycle returned to normal and is now quite regular once again. She noticed her skin complexion improved considerably especially the color and texture of the face.
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Male
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55
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He is overweight by about 12 kg. His cholesterol and triglyceride levels are within the normal range, albeit on the upper range. He started drinking chaga, one gram dosage and immediately noticed weight loss. He lost 3 kg within three months. However his diet hardly changed at all during this period. He drinks approximately 10-12 glasses of beer or vodka weekly and eats three solid meals a day, consisting of red meats, fish, rice, vegetables and fruits. He trains in the gym 2-3 times per week and walks approximately 20-25 km on the weekends.
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Female
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Late 30s
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She underwent radiation treatment for a thyroid problem, feeling pain and weak for several months. She started drinking chaga, about one gram dosage daily for approximately two months. The persistent pain around the throat and thyroid nodules disappeared. She does not feel nauseated all the time and her energy level increased dramatically. Skin complexion also improved.
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Male
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16
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He has severe dermatology problems with an excess amount of pimples and redness on both cheeks. He is quite active playing sports daily at times 3-5 hours a day on the weekends. He has a healthy appetite eating at least 4 meals a day. He weighs 60 kg , height 188 cm. But he eats an excess of fried foods, sweetened beverages and confectionary. He started drinking one gram chaga water for two months. His skin complexion cleared up considerably. The redness disappeared and the size of the pimple pores decreased significantly.
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Female
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Mid 40s
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She is a former alcoholic and currently drinks modestly, equivalent to 5-6 glasses of wine per week. She works out regularly. She has a very hyperactive nervous system, and most noticeable, her hands continuously shake. She started drinking chaga water for three months. The hands stopped shaking within two months and she noticed a particularly calming effect. She suspects she has a minor form of Parkinson’s disease although she has not received any medical attention.
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Male
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Mid 60s
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He has pancreas cancer. He is drinking mega dosages of chaga in conjunction with Chinese acupuncture treatment and herbal medicines. He started the treatment four months ago. He feels less pain and less fatigue with this combined treatment.
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Male
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40s
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He has chronic bronchitis and underwent acupuncture treatment for one month. He was previously taking prescribed pharmacology medicines, but the drugs left him lethargic and tired, so he stopped and changed to acupuncture treatment. He started to drink mega dosages of chaga water and within a month, the persistent coughing stopped. He continues with both the acupuncture treatment and chaga. His skin complexion and luster improved dramatically.
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Female
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50s
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She was diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor in the uterus. She started drinking mega dosages of chaga for three months. The tumor disappeared. Chaga contains an extraordinary amount of Beta Glucan, which is a powerful immune stimulator to combat B Lymphocytes, natural killer cells and suppresses T cells.
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Female
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65
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She underwent breast cancer surgery six years ago. She is completely free of any cancerous cells. However she started smoking cigarettes again and for preventative purposes started drinking chaga six months ago. No conclusive results to date.
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Male
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58
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He has hepatitis with the SGOT and SGPT count in the lower 200-300 range. Normal counts are under 30. He is also a type 2 diabetic and 10-12 kg overweight. After drinking chaga for four months, the count decreased to 45, still high but a significant improvement. He drinks about 3 grams per liter of water daily.
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Female
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Mid 30s
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She has a severe allergy problem especially in the spring time when the air is heavily pollinated with blooming flowers and plants. Her allergy problem decreased significantly after drinking chaga. She was physically examined by western medical practitioners who stated that the Chaga’s Lanostan nutrients could have been the reason for the allergy inhibition. Chaga contains a high level of Allergen, a type of antibody.
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Male
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53
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His diet consists of high red meat consumption, high carbohydrates, lack of food fiber and excess processed foods. His blood cholesterol level is 230 mg per dl, on the high side of the recommended range which is 130-230 mg/dl. He is approximately 20 kg overweight. He started drinking 2 grams chaga water daily. His cholesterol dropped considerably to 180 mg/dl in two months combined with a change in his diet. He drinks less alcohol and reduced red meat consumption. The color of his skin and complexion improved considerably.
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Female
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Mid 40s
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She suffers from night vision problems and has extreme difficulty to drive a car at night. The beam from opposing cars is a frightening experience. After drinking chaga water for approximately two months, the night vision problem virtually disappeared.
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Chaga contains an extraordinary amount of phyto-nutrients such as Beta Glucans, Polysaccharides, and other synergistic anti mutagenic and anti viral minerals, amino acids and nucleosides.
Background Notes and Key Information on Chaga:
The publications of several key clinical and scientific papers in 2000 and 2002 with regards to the role of "Antioxidants" and "Medicinal Mushrooms" and focusing on Inonotus obliquus better know as "Siberian Chaga Mushroom" and its role in curtailing
Oncological Expressions, Cancer Cell reproduction and as a natural defense for multiple other maladies created a worldwide renewed interest in this rare and highly priced "King of the Herbs". The worldwide "Natural and Alternative Medicine" movement today, has re-discovered and embraced Siberian Chaga for its medicinal qualities. As a result, Siberian Chaga is the most highly prized of all medicinal mushrooms commanding as much as twelve (12) times the value of other medicinal mushrooms and used today as the base natural product in over fourty six (46) oncological pharmaceutical medications and compounds.
For the past fourty (40) years 1,600 modern scientific studies have demonstrated and proven the pharmacological effects for the immune, hormonal and central nervous system. Siberian Chaga is neither a plant or animal yet its DNA make up is thirty (30%) per cent closer to humans than plants. Classified scientifically as: Basidiomycetes mushrooms to which there are approximately 200 species have demonstrated medicinal values. Siberian Chaga is far and above any other Basidiomycetes. Siberian Chaga contains the highest value ever recorded in the ORAC Scale and is over 40,000 times more potent in antioxidants than the closest natural product in foods or essential oils.
Chaga Case Studies - Japan
Breast Cancer? Uterine Cancer? Gastritis? Ulcers? research paper by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., A.H.G.
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Sex
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Age
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Result
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Female
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38
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She had severe eczema since age 28, particularly within the skin folds. She underwent Western pharmacology and Acupuncture treatments for over 10 years without any relieving results. A friend recommended Chaga, drank 2 grams dosages daily and within 1.5 months all the problems disappeared. Her attitude and lifestyle has completely changed.
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Female
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44
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She suffered from severe facial and skin problems and had trouble sleeping. She drank Chaga daily and within five months, recovered fully.
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Female
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65
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In March 2001 she underwent surgery for stomach cancer. The side effects from the drugs were unbearable. She stopped taking the drugs and commenced to drink mega dosages of Chaga. She started to “feel better” immediately. There are no signs of cancer cells two years later.
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Male
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9
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In January 2000 he was diagnosed with leukemia. The cost of treatment was estimated to be $80,000 for Western pharmacology/hospitalization. Being of lower class income, the family decided to try Chaga instead. The white cell count had fallen to normal levels, and now two years later, he leads a normal life.
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Male
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54
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He has diabetes and was recommended Chaga by a friend. Within six months, he noticed a significant improvement in his skin complexion and level of energy. Being a diabetic he is still careful with his choice of foods and drinks.
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Male
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58
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He suffered from constipation for many years. Drinking the Chaga tea daily for four months, his problem has been relieved.
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Female
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23
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She had a mild case of eczema and allergies. Instead of drinking Chaga tea, she rubbed the concoction on her skin daily for several months. The prior symptoms have disappeared.
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Female
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53
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Her blood pressure was very high at 170/140. She was recommended Chaga and within six months her high blood pressure dropped to 130/80, a normal range for her age.
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Male
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56
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He suffered from severe job-related stress and could not properly digest his food. He drank Chaga tea daily for four months noticing a remarkable improvement.
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Female
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27
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She cannot sleep well at nights creating extreme nervousness. She commenced drinking Chaga and within a few days noticed a “calming effect”
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Male
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42
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He had an operation for throat cancer. He is also a diabetic with extremely high blood glucose levels. The doctor recommended daily insulin but he rejected this treatment. He started to drink Chaga daily but for three months there were nil effects on the glucose count. Then the glucose levels started to decrease and remained constant the next three months.
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Endorsements of Chaga
John Pezzuto of the University of Chicago is quoted as “ the activity of the Betulinic acid is one of the most promising discoveries amongst 2500 plant extracts studied.” The Betulinic acid contained in Chaga covers the full spectrum of immune stimulating effects found in similar medicinal mushrooms such as Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms.
Russian and Japanese medical professionals both contend Chaga is 100 times more effective than Ganoderma Lucidum or Phellinus Linteus. The International Agriculture Development Institute in Korea confirms such claims.
The Japanese Cancer Society claims Chaga plays an important role in combating cancer. Chaga reinforces the membrane of the cancer cells from spreading, prevents thrombi formation aiding in the fusion of medication, and its joint usage with pharmacology drugs and chemotherapy diminishes their side effects.
The Gandodelan A-B is responsible for blood sugar maintenance. Chaga activates the immunity system and arrests the excess production of allergen. Gandodelan A-B does lower blood sugar content quickly, in white mice clinical studies, by 60-89% in seven hours.
Chaga contains high levels of Beta Glucan – polysaccharides, a proven and potent anti cancer agent. Maitake does as well and many clinical studies attest to its potent anti viral and anti tumor effects. The Beta Glucans are powerful immune boosters, not by killing virus or cancer cells directly, but by stimulating the body’s ability to setup cellular defenses.
Numerous studies also indicate a 50% reduction in glycemic peaks are achieved due to the Beta Glucan effects on cholesterol levels.
There are over 1600 research papers on Beta Glucan activity including studies from Harvard Medical School, National Cancer Institute, the Department of Agriculture and others. These studies prove Beta Glucan are external immunomodulators to keep one’s immune system in a highly prepared state ready for combat against cancer like cells.
Very few westerners had heard of “chaga” before Solzhenitzen introduced it in his 1968 novel, The Cancer Ward. In that novel, Sergei Maslennikov, an old country doctor from the Alexandrov district near Moscow, noted that none of his peasant patients had cancer. The doctor, wondering about this, "started looking around... and discovered this: That to save money on tea the muzhiks of that locality brewed not tea, but chaga, otherwise known as the birch-tree mushroom. ... Actually, it's not even a birch-tree mushroom, but a birch-tree cancer ... a sort of ugly growth on old birch trees... It is dome-shaped, black on the outside and dark brown inside." It occurred to doctor Maslennikov, Solzhenitsyn continues, that this tea made from the birch tree mushroom could be the magic remedy that the Russian peasants, without realizing it, had been using to cure themselves of cancer for hundreds of years. Solzhenitsyn’s novel is largely autobiographical. He was a patient himself in a Cancer ward, and he went on to recover from what he was told was a terminal illness. Did Solzhenitsyn use chaga to treat his cancer? It certainly seems likely.
Research Reports:
Chaga's Inhibiting Effects on Tumor Growth: Rzymowska 1998
Extract Betulin inhibits tumor growth: Noda et al 1997
Anti-Mutagenic effects on Chaga: Akiko Saitoh, Chizuko Sato & Kazuhito Niiyama 1996/08
Effects of the Extracts from fungus Inonotus Oliquus on Catalase level in HeLa and nocardia cells:
A. Jarosz, M Skorska, J. Rzymowska, J. Kochmanska, E Malarczyk Vol 137 1990
Effects of Aqueous extracts from Inonotus Obliquus on the Mitotic Index and Enzyme Activities :
J. Rzymowska Vol 137 1998