CHAGA - SUPERIOR ADAPTOGEN FOR BOOSTING IMMUNE SYSTEM

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a fungus parasitic found on birches in addition to other trees. Chaga has the distinctive appearance of burnt charcoal and it can be found in birch forests of Russia, Korea, Northern and Eastern Europe, Northern parts of the United States, mountains of North Carolina and in Canada. Chaga is considered a medicinal mushroom and it has been used in Russian and Eastern European folk medicine since the 16th century to treat cancer, gastritis, ulcers and tuberculosis. Also hypertension, viral infections, cardiovascular disease and diabetes have been treated with chaga. Lately it has attracted interest as a possible therapy for HIV.

Experiments have confirmed that chaga has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulating, pain-relieving and antiulcer properties. Chaga has also shown higher antioxidant activity (ORAC level) than any other tested medicinal mushroom. The antioxidant level of Chaga is six times higher than levels found in Acai berry and remarkably higher than levels found in blueberries or in any other common sources of antioxidants.

Chaga’s antiviral activities along with its ability to improve immunity make it a remarkable common cold and flu treatment. Chaga is natural, non-toxic and found to be safe even in long term daily use. Traditional way to utilize chaga is usually to grind it in to a fine powder and prepare a brew resembling coffee. This kind of hot water extraction process ensures that the major active ingredients, the polysaccharides, are in the extract. Several extraction rounds are generally used for achieving very high amounts of polysaccharides.

Normally though one extraction round is plenty when preparing a drink to be used daily for immune boosting and as a cold remedy. As a way to extract also the non-water soluble components like betulinic acid, betulin along with phyto-sterols, an alcohol extraction routine is required. By combining drops of alcohol extract and hot water brew you will get a cocktail with high remedial value. This infusion can be used for example when you are wondering how to get rid of a cold.

Chaga is these days readily offered in the form of tea bags, chunks, powder, pills, extracts along with tinctures. Commercially sold chaga products can be expensive and the quality can vary. Hence it is recommendable to acquire chaga in form of chunks and prepare the extracts by hand. If you live in an region where chaga can be found, it is recommended to hunt and collect chaga by yourself from the woods. Here are a few suggestions for searching, collecting and preparing Chaga:

• Chaga is commonly found in older birch forests
• Chaga found in a dead tree should not be used
• Once you discover and recognize a chaga, cut off it by using a large knife, chisel, axe, etc
• Remove the outer black part of chaga, unless you are also look after anticancer properties of chaga
• Chop chaga into tiny cubes
• Dry the chaga cubes in dehydrator or in an oven at about 105°F/50°C
• As soon as cubes are totally dry put them in air-tight container where they can be stored for years, or grate cubes in to a powder by using powerful blender

Hot water extract from chaga can be prepared in many ways. Easiest way is to bring couple of liters (couple of quarts) water into a boil and put in two tablespoons of chaga powder. (When using chaga cubes add two to three cubes. Please note that you can use the same cubes at least three times.) Boil slowly for ½-2 hours (or longer). Enjoy around couple glasses everyday. You can store chaga tea in a fridge for 3-4 days

CHAGA OTHER KEY INGREDIENTS

Siberian Chaga Mushroom is a superior grade medicinal mushroom containing over 215 phytonutrients, glyconutrients including: Betulinic Acid, Polysaccharides, Beta Glucans, Tripeptides, Triterpenes including Lanosterol-type Triterpenes, Sterols, Saponins, Inotodiols, Trametenolic Acid, Melanin. High in Amino Acids, Dietary Fiber, Ionized Trace Minerals (Copper, Selenium, Zinc, Magnese, Iron), Ionized Essential minerals (Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, Sodium, Phosphorus), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), Vitamin K, Vitamin D2 (Ergosterol), which is not found in vegetables.

Phytonutrients or Phytochemicals:

Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants, and these components are thought to promote human health. Also ORGANIC fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients may serve as antioxidants, enhance immune response, enhance cell-to-cell communication, alter estrogen metabolism, convert to vitamin A (beta-carotene is metabolized to vitamin A), cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis), repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures, detoxify carcinogens through the activation of the cytocrome P450 and Phase II enzyme systems.

Glyconutrients:

Glyconutrients are plant saccharides that provide support for the immune system. Saccharides are necessary for the body’s creation of glycoforms, the structures on cell surfaces used to “talk” to other cells. Glyconutrients play a key role in supporting your immune system and promoting effective cell-to-cell communication. Recent scientific research has shown that eight simple sugars (monosaccharides)—most of which are no longer found in abundance in the standard modern diet—form virtual “words of life” at the cellular level. These sugars combine with proteins and fats to create glycoforms that coat the surface of nearly every cell in the body. Glycoforms function as cellular recognition molecules that communicate the messages a body needs to function in health. These messages directly affect your natural defense (immune) and endocrine (glandular) systems, in addition to supporting proper organ and system function.

Polysaccharides:

Polysaccharides function with the immune system against cancer, HIV virus, and other anti-bacterial and viral infections has been studied.

Beta Glucan:

Modern scientific research demonstrate that Beta Glucans may ward off tumors, cardiovascular disorder, immune deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, viral, bacterial, parasitic diseases. Also used for skin firming.

Research evidence indicates that Glucans work best in synergy with other Protein-Glucans, Triterpene Sterols and antioxidants which may help the body’s natural defense mechanisms to fight against different infectious conditions. Beta-D Glucans activate T-helper, NK cells and B cells to increase the production of antibodies. Beta-D Glucans activate Macrophages which are a kind of white blood cell that “eat up” pathogens such as bacteria, yeast cells and virus infected cells that reside throughout the mucous membranes, digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts.

Animal and human cell culture studies have shown that Beta Glucan can stimulate several aspects of immune function, such as phagocytosis and interleukin production. Phagocytosis is the process of a white blood cell engulfing and destroying a foreign substance. Interleukin is a chemical mediator that triggers white blood cell production and activity.

A Beta-Glucan-activated macrophage or neutrophil can remove cellular debris resulting from oxidative damage, speed up recovery of damaged tissue, and further activate other components of the immune system. It is a powerful immune enhancer, which also helps reduce total cholesterol levels and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, as well as raising HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Beta Glucan is, according to preliminary studies, helpful in reducing the elevation in blood sugar levels that typically follow a meal. Beta Glucan delays gastric emptying so that dietary sugar is absorbed more gradually, and by possibly increasing the tissue sensitivity to insulin. Beta Glucan 1,3/1,6 is a highly potent form of Beta Glucan.

Beta Glucan in skin care products: Recent studies with several hundred women, given a cosmetic regimen of which a topical cream containing Beta Glucan was a major part. The effects on the signs of aging in the skin were evaluated. Compared with the control group, A 27 percent improvement in skin hydration was observed after eight weeks of using the regimen twice a day. An improvement in lines and wrinkles of 47 percent was measured, firmness and elasticity increased by 60 percent, and skin color improved by 26 percent. The rate of skin renewal increased by 34 percent. These dramatic results were achieved because Beta Glucan rejuvenates the skin's cells by invigorating the macrophages.

Beta Glucan Study: The study was done in part by a University of Alberta spin-off company and dispels the hard-held belief about the natural ingredient, Beta Glucan. The finding is significant, not only in the treatment of skin disorders and removing fine lines and wrinkles but in the promotion of wound healing and reduction in scaring following surgical procedures, says Dr. Mark Redmond, president and CEO of Ceapro Inc, a spin-off company formed in the late 1980s to commercialize technology from the University of Alberta's faculties of pharmacy and medicine for the treatment of cold sores. "As a result of our study, we now know that Glucan works through the inter-cellular lipid matrix, or the cells' cement, to enter the lower levels of the skin. Of medical significance is the fact that Beta Glucan creams promote wound healing and reduction in scaring following surgical procedures." The research team, made up of Redmond, Ravi Pillai and Joachim Roding both from Symrise, then measured the depth of the skin that the Glucan penetrated. Photographs show the actual reduction of wrinkles and consumers should expect to see similar results on themselves in as little as ten days, says Redmond. "The proof that we provide in this paper and other research that we have conducted is that Glucan can have a specific and measurable effect on skin beyond making you look good and feeling great," says Redmond. "We also have indications that a number of applications in cosmetics are in the works to use Glucan as the non-invasive alternative to Botox for those who are afraid of needles." Ceapro has also discovered that beta Glucan can be used as a transdermal delivery system to feed drugs and other compounds into the skin. This development may lead to new and better ways of delivering such medicines as antihistamines and pain relievers.

Siberian Chaga Polysaccharides are comprised of different types of Glycosidic linkages, ie (1,3) (1,6) Beta Glucans or (1,3) Alpha Glucans. Each differs in configuration, anti immunity activity, molecular weight, size of branching chains and hence its beneficial complexity.

Betulin or Betulinic Acid:

Siberian Chaga contains large amounts of Betulinic Acid in a form that can be ingested orally and also contains the full spectrum of immune-stimulating phytochemicals. Chaga is the only mushroom to contain low pH Betulinic Acid which directly targets cancer cells, which are primarily low pH instructure. Also clinically proven to have anti-tumor and tumor reducing benefit. The anti-cancer properties of Betulin or Betulinic Acid, is now being studied as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Many medicinal mushrooms are known for its immuno potentiating effects, but David Winston, a renowned herbalist claims Chaga “has an advantage no other fungus has, that it contains Betulinic acid”. Betulinic acid has demonstrated strong anti tumor activity with virtually no side effects and no toxicity. Betulin works highly selectively on tumor cells because the interior pH of tumor tissues is generally lower than that of normal tissues, and Betulinic Acid is only active at those lower levels (Noda et al. 1997). Once inside the cells, Betulinic Acid induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the tumors (Fulda et al., 1997). Recent clinical studies show that Betulinic Acid possesses valuable pharmacological properties such as: immuno-modulators, anti-bacterials, anti-oxidants, anti-virals, anti-tumorigenics, anti-pyretics, and others.

Betulinic Acid also is being tested for effectiveness in treating HIV while showing a high anti-mutagenic activity, capable of lowering the number and frequency of mutations in the chromosomes and the genes. Betulinic Acid has been tested for Melanoma cancer, eczema, skin infections and other conditions. Betulinic Acid has been explored as a potential treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe cold-like symptoms and pneumonia. 

Inotodiol:

Has shown activity against influenza (flu) viruses A and B and various cancer cells. Inotodiols extracted from Siberia Chaga exhibit anti tumor properties, destroying Walker 256 Carcinosarcoma cancer cells and MCF-7 human adenocarcinoma mammary cells. Institutional studies at the University of Tokyo, Japan have determined the effective destruction or certain cancerous carcinosarcomas and mammary adenocarcinomas.

Triterpenes:

Lower cholesterol, improves digestion, detoxifies the liver, hepatitis, chronic bronchitis, coughs and asthma. In vitro Triterpenes effective against MCF-7 cells.

Triterpenoids and Sterols:

Promotes good blood circulation and assists to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.

Sterol:

Derivatives effective for prostate, herpes, lupus, allergies and psoriasis.

Lanosterol-linked triterpenes:

Has been studied and researched by Dr. Kirsti Kahlos, School of Pharmacology, 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.

Lanosterols:

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

Trametenolic Acid:

For non-insulin dependent diabetics.

Saponins:

Saponins are glycosides mainly of the triterpenoidal type found Siberian Chaga and in vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts). Research studies indicate it lowers the risk of cancer and lowers cholesterol. Saponins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Melanin:

The Melanin produced by the Chaga mushroom demonstrates high antioxidant and genoprotective effects (Melanin Complex of Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus Obliquus, Journal of Medical Mushrooms, 2002, vol. 4). Melanin enhances the appearance of hair, skin and eyes, and restores a more youthful appearance.

Vitamin K:

Effective in decreasing the appearance of spider veins and broken surface capillaries.

Vitamin-D2 (Ergosterol):

One of three vitamins able to be absorbed by the skin and the only one that the body is able to manufacture (when exposed to ultraviolet light). 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.

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