A shared property of all these particular mushrooms is said to be immune-modulation: research has been investigating their potential to help balance our natural defense against diseases for many decades.

In particular water-soluble beta-glucans have triggered the interest of scientists: in the EU several health-claims based on beta-glucans have been ratified in the past years by the EFSA. Beta-glucans are supporting a well-balanced immune function and might help to create an good balance between the good and the bad types of cholesterol.

When properly extracted, Chaga has good levels of beta-glucan. In basic hot water extracts these levels are only 3 - 8%, though. Oriveda's Chaga can rightfully claim the highest percentage of beta-glucan ever measured in a Chaga supplement. See the quality control page for the most recent test results.

Given that our immune system is the core of our health this is very important - allergies, infections, auto-immune diseases and many old-age problems are all immune related. Also see our dedicated article about the immune system.

Two terms are worth mentioning here: adaptogenic (helping our body to adapt to the never-ending assaults on our health) and BRM (a natural Biological Response Modifier - helps to normalize the body's natural defense mechanisms without any side effects). These terms are keywords when describing these mushrooms. They do not cure or heal directly, but they help the body to perform at its best.

This is of course linked to Chaga's immune-supporting potential. Responsible are most likely the beta-glucans found in Chaga. Polyphenols also might play a role.

Harmful micro-organisms, bacteria and viruses should be neutralized by the immune system before they can cause infections and inflammations. Existing infections etc. will last considerably shorter if the immune system is functioning at its peak level.

Betulinic acid (an important ingredient of Chaga) is currently being researched in several countries for its anti-HIV potential. Unfortunately betulinic acid has a very low 'bio-availability'; the body has trouble absorbing it. The often seen claims that 'Chaga contains a bioavailable form of betulinic acid' are unfortunately unfounded. For additional information visit our resources page.

Oriveda's Chaga contains over 20 % of beta-glucan and over 2 % of betulinic acid.

In folk medicine Chaga was traditonally used to battle gastritis and related gastro-intestinal problems.

Again, the immune-supporting potential of Chaga plays an important role here, but betulinic acid and the phytosterols present in Chaga might also be important.

Stress e.g. can have a devastating effect on the metabolism, and is known to contribute to the development of ulcers because of its negative effect on the immune system. Most ulcers are caused by bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. A well-functioning immune system will be able to deal with this pathogen.

Chaga is used often in combination with standard cancer treatments such as chemo-therapy and radiation. There are indications suggesting it can neutralize in whole or in part the devastating effects these treatments have on our immune system.

If these claims are justified Chaga might aid in preventing metastasis (cancer cells traveling through the bloodstream should be neutralized by the immune system before they can cause harm). Chaga might be able to significantly contribute to the quality of life during and after treatment this way.

Betulinic acid / phytosterols have also been linked to anti-cancer properties; these compounds are only present in dual extracted Chaga because they are not water-soluble.

Our ORIVEDA extract includes the sclerotium ( the black outside layer ) of the Chaga conk. This is important, because this sclerotium contains a massive amount of a specific fungi-melanin, giving our extract a very high level of anti-oxidants. The percentage of polyphenols is a good indicator - melanin is a polyphenolic derivative.

Research has linked anti-oxidants to DNA-regenerating and re-vitalizing properties. Assuming this is justified, the whole body will benefit from this; your organs will function better and because of this you will look and feel better.

Antioxidant power is often expressed in an ORAC-value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).

In vitro research suggested betulinic acid (a compound unique to Chaga) to be able to break down 'bad' cholesterol. Unfortunately betulinic acid has a very low 'bio-availability'; the body has trouble absorbing it. The often seen claims that 'Chaga contains a bioavailable form of betulinic acid' are unfounded, although there are theories that a synergetic effect is taking place.

The beta-glucans in Chaga have a positive effect on the balance between good and bad cholesterol; as said before in the EU such health claims have been ratified by the EFSA. A healthy balance between LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol helps with high blood pressure and supports a healthy cardio-vascular system: less plaque, stronger arteries.

Oriveda Chaga contains ≥ 2 % of betulinic acid and ≥ 20 % of bioactive beta-glucans.

Psoriasis is basically an auto-immune disease. In the early 70s a case study was performed in the USSR, investigating the effect of a traditional Chaga preparation (Befungin ®) on psoriasis symptoms. We have translated this case study into English.
The full article is available for download in our 'resources' section.

Chaga extracts have no noteworthy side effects at all. The lack of side effects is due to the fact that Chaga extracts work mainly in an indirect way: as a natural BRM (a Biological Response Modifier - stimulating the body's natural defense mechanisms).

There is no potential disturbance of the body's chemical and hormonal balance. This makes these mushrooms extracts ideal dietary supplements for everybody.

The only contra-indications are immune-suppressing drugs (the type you will use after getting a transplant e.g.). Never use these mushroom extracts together with this type of medication - the immune-modulating potential might neutralize its workings.

There are also reports that Chaga extracts might increase the risk of hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that fall too low) in people that are sensitive to that, such as those taking diabetes medicines like insulin. Taking it together with some sugar-containing beverage such as fresh juice will help. Another benefit of fresh juice is the presence of vitamin C. Vitamin C improves the absorption of beta-glucan in the gut.