In a recent review of the medicinal properties of a native Siberian fungus called chaga, the authors highlight the almost incredible value of this unassuming organism in functional medicine.
Their review synthesizes old and new research on chaga; I will explain Its anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects have been evaluated as “remarkable.”
As World at Large reports, the line separating food and medicine is very wide and very blurred. almost all known diseases Everything from bone cancer to sepsis is diagnosed alongside nutritional deficiencies.
No one runs to the kitchen suffering from migraines or eczema, but clinical deficiencies in certain micronutrients can be the underlying or serious cause of many illnesses.
As part of a health diet, functional foods (sometimes referred to as “functional foods”) that define the blurred lines mentioned above are of great interest. Mushrooms certainly fall into this category.
Chaga is not a mushroom as we know it, but a white rot fungus that grows on trees rather than in the soil. It is discovered in North America, Siberia, and Scandinavia and has a traditional history of medicinal use. For example, in indigenous cultures throughout Russia, it is boiled and consumed in tea to treat inflammation and cancer.
Chaga is rich in polyphenols and triterpenes, also known as phytonutrients, or certain compounds found in plants, many of which have antibacterial, antitoxic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, hypoglycemic, and liver benefits. protective, and immunomodulatory effects.
These include betulinic acid, betulin, ergosterol peroxide, caffeic acid, inonobulin B, tramethenolic acid, lupeol, lanosterol, inotodiol, and melanin.
Chaga, like other mushrooms, contains beta-glucan as its main source of fiber. Beta-glucan is perhaps the most fortifying and beneficial type of fiber available to humans, but it is only found in mushrooms. Rich sources of dietary fiber regulate gut-derived immune responses, prevent colon and stomach cancer, and strengthen the mucus lining the gastrointestinal tract, which prevents gut-derived pathogens from entering the bloodstream. Prevent.
Part of chaga’s nutritious arsenal is betulin and betulinic acid. These names are birch trees (birch) And chaga may collect these compounds from its parasitic relationship with hardwoods.
“Betulin has anti-cancer properties and is used to treat wound healing. Derivatives of betulin stimulate collagen synthesis in normal human fibroblasts. Betulin has anti-malarial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer , can be easily converted to betulinic acid, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties,” the authors write.
“Betulin and betulinic acid are the most effective compounds used against skin inflammation. Betulin, betunilic acid, and their derivatives are used against melanoma skin cancer, epidermal cancer, and photodermatosis. You can use it.”
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In particular, its anticancer effects are noteworthy. The authors continue…
“Additionally, triterpenoids such as inotodiol and ergosterol peroxide [chaga] showed anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, and suppressing angiogenesis. Similarly, a compound called 3,4-dihydroxybenzalacetone has been shown to have anticancer properties. ”
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“It can regulate the expression of genes that promote anti-apoptosis and cell proliferation. [chaga] It has shown promising anticancer effects by producing polypolene acids such as inotolic acid, inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, and inducing cell cycle arrest. ”
“Aqueous extracts of chaga mushrooms showed potential anticancer activity against B16-F10 melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and induction of differentiation and apoptosis.” they write.
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Chaga is one of many fungi that are popular for promoting health, but it is certainly one of the most studied. Since most humans don’t live close enough to the Arctic Circle to find chaga in the wild, it is often taken as a supplement.
The supplement industry is full of scammers, tainted products, and fraud, so be careful when choosing your supplements. Beyond these basic issues, Choose the right chaga supplement You’ll also want to make sure you have products made with actual mushrooms, or at least mostly mushrooms, rather than mycelium.
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