Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) have been widely studied for their anti-tumor effects on many types of cancers (lung, liver, breast, colorectal). A recent study confirms Chaga mushroom extracts suppress oral cancer as well.

The study, supported by the National Research Foundation, suggests Chaga mushroom extracts are a promising natural supplement for the treatment of oral cancer. While the exact mechanism requires more research, the study indicates Chaga mushroom extract slows oral cancer cell growth by suppressing the cancer cell’s energy metabolism.

Several studies have shown the antitumor effects of Chaga mushrooms against various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, liver carcinoma, and colorectal cancer6,7,10,31. Chaga mushroom extract inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells by inducing autophagy processes6. Chaga mushroom constituents exhibit cytotoxic and proapoptotic activities in human lung cancer cells7. In addition, Chaga mushroom-derived ergosterol peroxide suppresses proliferation of colorectal cancer cells through down-regulation of β-catenin signaling10. Similarly, we demonstrated that Chaga mushroom extract decreases the proliferation of oral cancer cells by modulating cancer energy metabolism and autophagy. Furthermore, we have shown the anti-tumor effect of this extract in oral cancer cells through regulation of several cell signal pathways, including AMPK, STAT3, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB. This study, for the first time, found that Chaga mushroom extract suppresses oral cancer cell progression by inhibiting glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential.

Mature mushrooms vs mycelium: A 2024 up-dated summary of scientific findings outlines Chaga’s notable anticancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulating properties. The summary suggests extracted compounds from fully mature Chaga mushrooms have more direct impact on cancer than compounds from Chaga mycelium.

While polysaccharides from Chaga mycelium work by triggering the immune system, those from Chaga sclerotium directly block protein synthesis in malignant cells. These extracts and extracted compounds have shown to be non-toxic and have been used as possible cancer-preventive and chemotherapy substitutes. Endopolysaccharides from the mycelium operate indirectly by stimulating the immune system, whereas heteropolysaccharides and homoglucans from the sterile conk have direct anticancer effects [92].

How to consume: Chaga mushrooms don’t look like most mushrooms. Mature Chaga mushrooms are sclerotium fungi that infect birch trees in a symbiotic relationship that forms large woody conks. While you can consume these with some effort, the best way to tap into Chaga mushroom’s nutritive and medicinal value is to use an extract like those used in scientific studies.