Introduction: Inonotus obliquus: is a mushroom belongs to family Hymenochaetaceae
commonly known as Chaga mushroom. It is a parasite which grows very slowly on the trunk of birch trees in cold regions
such as North America, Russia, and Korea. It grows in a ‘conk’ form. It looks like a
mass of burnt charcoal. The mass
is actually the dense black mass of mycelia. The hard and cracked exterior
surface is called the sclerotium. The
inner surface is softer and has a rusty yellow-brown colour.
A fully formed sclerotia are
found on birch trees which are older than 40 years, however, the fungus
infection starts much earlier. Once infected, it takes about 3 to 5 years until
the Chaga can be harvested. During this time, the mushroom is draws its nutrients
from the host and utilize them for its own development. Chaga can grow to a
harvestable size again in about 3 to 10 years, and this cycle can be repeated
until the trees life time.
commonly known as Chaga mushroom. It is a parasite which grows very slowly on the trunk of birch trees in cold regions
such as North America, Russia, and Korea. It grows in a ‘conk’ form. It looks like a
mass of burnt charcoal. The mass
is actually the dense black mass of mycelia. The hard and cracked exterior
surface is called the sclerotium. The
inner surface is softer and has a rusty yellow-brown colour.
A fully formed sclerotia are
found on birch trees which are older than 40 years, however, the fungus
infection starts much earlier. Once infected, it takes about 3 to 5 years until
the Chaga can be harvested. During this time, the mushroom is draws its nutrients
from the host and utilize them for its own development. Chaga can grow to a
harvestable size again in about 3 to 10 years, and this cycle can be repeated
until the trees life time.
Chemical Compositions: The Inonotus obliquus mainly
include following components:
include following components:
Lanolin Alkane Triterpenes: Many triterpene compounds in Inonotus obliquus were found which
mainly includes, Fuscoporine, lanosterol, 3β-hydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-diene-21-a1,
3β, 21-dihydroxy-lanosta-8,24-diene, 3β-hydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-diene-21-acid,
3β, 22R-dihydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-diene.
mainly includes, Fuscoporine, lanosterol, 3β-hydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-diene-21-a1,
3β, 21-dihydroxy-lanosta-8,24-diene, 3β-hydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-diene-21-acid,
3β, 22R-dihydroxy-lanosta-8, 24-diene.
Lignin: Water extract of mushroom showed inhibitory activity against
the protease of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The active
component was identified as a water-soluble lignin derivative with high molecular
weight. [1]
the protease of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The active
component was identified as a water-soluble lignin derivative with high molecular
weight. [1]
Melanin: The high-molecular-weight phenolic pigments found in fungus
Inonotus obliquus were categorized as
melanin based on their physicochemical properties.
Inonotus obliquus were categorized as
melanin based on their physicochemical properties.
Pharmacological
Activities: Following activities are observed in
the Chaga mushroom:
Activities: Following activities are observed in
the Chaga mushroom:
Anti-cancer Activity: The water extract of Inonotus
obliquus mushroom exhibited a potential anticancer activity against B16-F10
melanoma cells in vivo. The mushroom polysaccharide, made by water extraction
and alcohol precipitation, had inhibitory effects on sarcoma S180 in mice was
also observed. In vitro, the anti-cancer activities of the extracts of Inonotus obliquus against various types
of tumor cells were observed. It is reported that the mechanisms of action of
polysaccharides from mycelia and sclerote of Inonotus obliquus were different. The polysaccharide from sclerote exhibit
anti-cancer effects directly by inhibiting cancer cells and protein synthesis
of tumor cells, whereas the mycelia variety produced an indirect effect through
activation of immune cells. Similarly, it was reported that the polysaccharides
extracted and fractionated from cultured mycelia of Inonotus obliquus had weak inhibitory effects against cdc25
phosphatase. The cytotoxic effect of aqueous extracts of Inonotus obliquus was evaluated on human cervical uteri cancer
cells and it could inhibit cancer cell growth. If cells were cultured in
extracts of the fungus, a decrease in the cell proteins and mitotic index was
observed. Moreover, the extracts disturbed mitoses by increasing the number of
mitotic cells in metaphase. Aqueous extracts of Inonotus obliquus influenced not only mitoses but also the cell
cycle. The aqueous extract of Inonotus
obliquus inhibits the growth of tumor cells and causes a decrease in the
amount of cell protein and mitotic index value in human cervical uteri tumour
cells, this extract disturbs the metabolism in tumour cells, lowers the
activities of lactate dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, malate
dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transferase, and enhances catalase activity. The
triterpenes extracted from Inonotus
obliquus, especially inotodiol, had marked inhibitory effects on Walker-256
carcinosarcoma and MCF-7 breast cancer, as well as on P388 leukemic cells in vitro.
obliquus mushroom exhibited a potential anticancer activity against B16-F10
melanoma cells in vivo. The mushroom polysaccharide, made by water extraction
and alcohol precipitation, had inhibitory effects on sarcoma S180 in mice was
also observed. In vitro, the anti-cancer activities of the extracts of Inonotus obliquus against various types
of tumor cells were observed. It is reported that the mechanisms of action of
polysaccharides from mycelia and sclerote of Inonotus obliquus were different. The polysaccharide from sclerote exhibit
anti-cancer effects directly by inhibiting cancer cells and protein synthesis
of tumor cells, whereas the mycelia variety produced an indirect effect through
activation of immune cells. Similarly, it was reported that the polysaccharides
extracted and fractionated from cultured mycelia of Inonotus obliquus had weak inhibitory effects against cdc25
phosphatase. The cytotoxic effect of aqueous extracts of Inonotus obliquus was evaluated on human cervical uteri cancer
cells and it could inhibit cancer cell growth. If cells were cultured in
extracts of the fungus, a decrease in the cell proteins and mitotic index was
observed. Moreover, the extracts disturbed mitoses by increasing the number of
mitotic cells in metaphase. Aqueous extracts of Inonotus obliquus influenced not only mitoses but also the cell
cycle. The aqueous extract of Inonotus
obliquus inhibits the growth of tumor cells and causes a decrease in the
amount of cell protein and mitotic index value in human cervical uteri tumour
cells, this extract disturbs the metabolism in tumour cells, lowers the
activities of lactate dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, malate
dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transferase, and enhances catalase activity. The
triterpenes extracted from Inonotus
obliquus, especially inotodiol, had marked inhibitory effects on Walker-256
carcinosarcoma and MCF-7 breast cancer, as well as on P388 leukemic cells in vitro.
Hypoglycemic Activity: Polysaccharides in mycelia and sclerote of Inonotus obliquus showed hypoglycemic activity in mice with
diabetes mellitus. The active components mainly consisted of β-glucan,
heteroglycan and proteinum complex. The hypoglycemic effect was maintained for
3-48 h after the mouse was injected with polysaccharides purified from mycelia
and sclerote of Inonotus obliquus.
diabetes mellitus. The active components mainly consisted of β-glucan,
heteroglycan and proteinum complex. The hypoglycemic effect was maintained for
3-48 h after the mouse was injected with polysaccharides purified from mycelia
and sclerote of Inonotus obliquus.
Anti-viral Activity: It is reported that inhibitory activity against the protease of
HIV-1 was observed in boiling water extracts mushroom. The active component was
identified as a water soluble lignin derivative with high molecular weight. The
extracts from Inonotus obliquus, also
shows complete activity against human influenza virus A, B and horse influenza
A. The antivirus components mainly consist of betulinol, clerodol and
fungisterol, which exist mainly in the outer surface of Inonotus obliquus, with lesser amounts inside.
HIV-1 was observed in boiling water extracts mushroom. The active component was
identified as a water soluble lignin derivative with high molecular weight. The
extracts from Inonotus obliquus, also
shows complete activity against human influenza virus A, B and horse influenza
A. The antivirus components mainly consist of betulinol, clerodol and
fungisterol, which exist mainly in the outer surface of Inonotus obliquus, with lesser amounts inside.
Immunomodulator Activity: Inonotus obliquus consists
of biological response modifier-polysaccharides. It is also reported that Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides has
the effect on increasing immunity. It is reported that the endo-polysaccharide
produced by a submerged culture of Inonotus
obliquus strongly stimulated B lymphocyte- and macrophage related humoral
immunity. In general, high-molecular weight β-glucans appeared to be more
active than low-molecular-weight varieties. Enhanced proliferation and
polyclonal IgM antibody production were observed in B cells treated with
purified water-soluble endo-polysaccharide. The expressions of interleukin-β,
interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in
macrophages were also enhanced. However, the endo-polysaccharide did not affect
the proliferation of T cells, the interleukin-2 expression in Th1 cells, or the
interleukin-4 expression in Th2 cells. [2,3]
of biological response modifier-polysaccharides. It is also reported that Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides has
the effect on increasing immunity. It is reported that the endo-polysaccharide
produced by a submerged culture of Inonotus
obliquus strongly stimulated B lymphocyte- and macrophage related humoral
immunity. In general, high-molecular weight β-glucans appeared to be more
active than low-molecular-weight varieties. Enhanced proliferation and
polyclonal IgM antibody production were observed in B cells treated with
purified water-soluble endo-polysaccharide. The expressions of interleukin-β,
interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in
macrophages were also enhanced. However, the endo-polysaccharide did not affect
the proliferation of T cells, the interleukin-2 expression in Th1 cells, or the
interleukin-4 expression in Th2 cells. [2,3]
Anti-inflammatory and
Analgesic Activity: The mechanism of action of the
anti-inflammatory effect due to methanol extracts from Inonotus obliquus. The effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced
responses was examined in a murine macrophage cell line. It was found that the
extract could significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide and the
release of prostaglandin E2 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cell line.
Consistent with these observations, the extract could potentially inhibit the
protein and mRNA expression of iNOS cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Also, the extract
can inhibit the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB
(NF-kappaB), which is associated with the prevention of inhibitor kappa B
degradation and the reduction in nuclear p65 protein level. On the basis of
above observations it can be concluded that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties of extract are due to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression
via the down-regulation of NF-kappaB binding activity.
Analgesic Activity: The mechanism of action of the
anti-inflammatory effect due to methanol extracts from Inonotus obliquus. The effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced
responses was examined in a murine macrophage cell line. It was found that the
extract could significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide and the
release of prostaglandin E2 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cell line.
Consistent with these observations, the extract could potentially inhibit the
protein and mRNA expression of iNOS cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Also, the extract
can inhibit the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB
(NF-kappaB), which is associated with the prevention of inhibitor kappa B
degradation and the reduction in nuclear p65 protein level. On the basis of
above observations it can be concluded that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties of extract are due to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression
via the down-regulation of NF-kappaB binding activity.
Antiplatelet Aggregative
Activity: It was reported that water and ethanol
extracts from mycelia of Inonotus
obliquus was found to have Antiplatelet aggregative activity. The resulting
platelet aggregation inhibitor was a novel tripeptide with peptide sequence of
tryptophan-glycin-cysteine (Trp-Gly-Cys).
Activity: It was reported that water and ethanol
extracts from mycelia of Inonotus
obliquus was found to have Antiplatelet aggregative activity. The resulting
platelet aggregation inhibitor was a novel tripeptide with peptide sequence of
tryptophan-glycin-cysteine (Trp-Gly-Cys).
Antioxidant Activity: The Chaga mushroom has been known to exhibit potent antioxidant
activity. The antioxidant activity is mainly due to polyphenol extract, and the
extract containing triterpenoids and steroids also have antioxidant effect.
activity. The antioxidant activity is mainly due to polyphenol extract, and the
extract containing triterpenoids and steroids also have antioxidant effect.
Clinical Application: Traditionally, Inonotus
obliquus is used as a medicinal fungus in treating cancer patients,
including patients with breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, skin
cancer, rectal cancer and Hopkins lymphoma, ulcer, gastritis, hyperplasia of
the reproductive organs and glandular organs, and colon carcinoma. At some
places Chaga mushroom is also used to treat tuberculosis, liver diseases, heart
diseases and ascariasis [2].
obliquus is used as a medicinal fungus in treating cancer patients,
including patients with breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, skin
cancer, rectal cancer and Hopkins lymphoma, ulcer, gastritis, hyperplasia of
the reproductive organs and glandular organs, and colon carcinoma. At some
places Chaga mushroom is also used to treat tuberculosis, liver diseases, heart
diseases and ascariasis [2].
Conclusion: Chaga Mushroom is widely used in many
societies, but systematic studies on medicinal properties are not thorough
enough. The medicinal properties should be thoroughly investigated with
emphasis on the anticancer property along with its other properties.
societies, but systematic studies on medicinal properties are not thorough
enough. The medicinal properties should be thoroughly investigated with
emphasis on the anticancer property along with its other properties.
References:
1.
Ichimura T, Watanabe O, Maruyama S. Inhibition of HIV-1
protease by water-soluble lignin-like substance from an edible mushroom,
Fuscoporia obliqua. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry. 1998 Jan
1;62(3):575-7.
Ichimura T, Watanabe O, Maruyama S. Inhibition of HIV-1
protease by water-soluble lignin-like substance from an edible mushroom,
Fuscoporia obliqua. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry. 1998 Jan
1;62(3):575-7.
2.
Zhong XH, Ren K, Lu SJ, Yang SY, Sun DZ. Progress of research
on Inonotus obliquus. Chinese journal
of integrative medicine. 2009 Apr 1;15(2):156-60.
Zhong XH, Ren K, Lu SJ, Yang SY, Sun DZ. Progress of research
on Inonotus obliquus. Chinese journal
of integrative medicine. 2009 Apr 1;15(2):156-60.
3.
El Enshasy HA, Hatti-Kaul R. Mushroom immunomodulators:
unique molecules with unlimited applications. Trends in Biotechnology. 2013 Dec
1;31(12):668-77.
El Enshasy HA, Hatti-Kaul R. Mushroom immunomodulators:
unique molecules with unlimited applications. Trends in Biotechnology. 2013 Dec
1;31(12):668-77.
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