Inonotus obliquus – from folk medicine to clinical use

Abstract

The Inonotus obliquus ( I. obliquus ) mushroom was traditionally used to treat various gastrointestinal diseases. For many years, mounting evidence has indicated the potential of I. obliquus extracts for treatment of viral and parasitic infections. Furthermore, substances from I. obiquus have been shown to stimulate the immune system. The most promising finding was the demonstration that I. obliquus has hypoglycemic and insulin sensitivity potential. This review summarizes the therapeutic potential of I. obliquus extracts in counteracting the progression of cancers and diabetes mellitus as well as their antiviral and antiparasitic activities and antioxidant role. As shown by literature data, various authors have tried to determine the molecular mechanism of action of I. obliquus extracts. Two mechanisms of action of I. obliquus extracts are currently emerging. The first is associated with the broad-sense impact on antioxidant enzymes and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The other is related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) effects. This receptor may be a key factor in the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activity of I. obliquus extracts. It can be concluded that I. obliquus fits the definition of functional food and has a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition; however, studies that meet the evidence-based medicine (EBM) criteria are needed.

Recent Developments in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Application

“…For centuries, Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) has been used in Kiev to cure lip tumor, and it is a traditional medicine in Siberia [ 147 ]. Nowadays, a growing number of Inonotus obliquus related functional foods are developed.…”

Targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 with Chaga mushroom: An in silico study toward developing a natural antiviral compound

“…In this regard, Chaga ( Inonotus obliquus ), a traditional edible mushroom, is well known for its therapeutic value. Chaga mushroom polysaccharides have been found in several studies to possess biologically active substances, in particular long chain homopolysaccharide beta‐glucan, galactomannan, and the unique terpenoid betulinic acid (Gao et al., 2005 ; Kim, 2005 ; Chen & Wang, 2014 ; Glamočlija et al, 2015 ; Szychowski et al, 2020 ; Peng and Shahidi, 2020 ; Lu et al., 2021 ; Basal et al., 2021 ). The virucidal activity of crude Chaga extract was previously proved against feline coronavirus (FCoV) (Tian et al., 2017 ) and hepatitis virus (Pan et al., 2013 ), suggesting a promising potential application in developing antiviral regimens against the current novel pandemic due to SARS‐CoV‐2.…”

Biological Synthesis of Bioactive Gold Nanoparticles from Inonotus obliquus for Dual Chemo-Photothermal Effects against Human Brain Cancer Cells

“…In addition, Chaga and its extracts have interesting biological activity, exhibiting antioxidant, gene-protective, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antitoxic and radioprotective properties [5,6]. The mushroom has found prominent place in folk medicine in the Baltic countries, Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Belarus since the 16th century for the treatments of cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and tuberculosis [7][8][9][10][11]. In Eastern European countries and the North American regions it has been known to be used to treat heart ailments as well.…”