Add Chaga mushrooms.
Purported Uses:
Inflammation, Cancer treatment and prevention, Hepatoprotection, Immunostimulation
Mechanism of Action:
Oxalic, gallic, protocatechuic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids have been identified in chaga extracts. In vitro, antidiabetic effects are attributed to terpenoids that inhibit alpha-glucosidase. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties may occur via inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Immunomodulating effects are attributed to Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion in immune cells and regulation of antigen-specific antibody production. Anti-quorum sensing activity in chaga conks suggests broader anti-infection attributes beyond immunomodulatory effects.In animal studies, a methanolic extract of chaga produced beneficial effects on learning and memory via decreased malondialdehyde and nitrite levels, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, and restored glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and acetylcholine level. Antifatigue effects were attributed to polysaccharides from chaga, which increased endurance and glycogen content of liver and muscle in mice, while decreasing blood lactic acid and serum urea nitrogen levels. Anti-inflammatory effects in animal colitis models were related to suppression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, iNOS, and interleukin (IL)-1beta.
3beta-hydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-dien-21-al, and inotodiol constituents in chaga produce antimutagenic and antioxidative activities. Water-soluble lignin derivatives have also been identified as bioactive constituents with anticancer properties. A hot-water extract of chaga exhibited inhibitory and proapoptotic actions against colon cancer cells via upregulation of Bax and caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Inhibition of colorectal cancer was exerted by the constituent ergosterol via downregulation of the beta-catenin pathway. Inotodiol, a triterpenoid isolated from chaga, inhibited proliferation of cervical cancer cells and induced apoptosis in vitro via increased Bax expression, decreased Bcl-2, cyclin E downregulation, and p27 up-regulation . Aqueous extracts of chaga inhibited growth of human hepatoma cells via G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest and selective apoptotic induction. Other apoptotic characteristics can induce caspase cleavage and nuclear fragmentation
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/chaga-mushroom