The Chaga mushroom is utilized throughout the years as a remedy. In studies conducted, it possesses anti-cancer activity as well as antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties.
Even though this is a bitter mushroom, it is oftentimes utilized for pain relief. A doctor should be consulted first before attempting to use the medicinal plant especially if using other medications or have a current health condition. Remember that using it might result to undesirable effects.
Risk for bleeding
Eating a Chaga mushroom can significantly augment the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. This increases the likelihood for bleeding and bruising.
The active components in the Chaga mushroom are a combination of triterpenes which increases the risk for bleeding if taken with an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.
Hypoglycemia
The mushroom can also interact with diabetes medications such as insulin which increases the risk for hypoglycemia. The signs of hypoglycemia might include hunger, shakiness, confusion, weakness or anxiety, dizziness and difficulty speaking.
Important considerations
Since the Chaga mushroom is not fully studied in terms of consumption, there might be other side effects that were not documented.
Take note that there are no available clinical tests that assess the safety of the mushroom for managing or preventing conditions including cancer, diabetes or heart disease.
What are the theoretical effects?
Similar with other mushrooms, the Chaga mushroom is packed with beta glucans which possess immunomodulating activities. The beta glucans bind to the complement receptor 3 that enables the immune cells in the body to perceive cancer cells as “non-self” which supposedly instigates the cellular death of the cancer cells.
Even though the side effects of this mushroom are not fully studied, other mushrooms that contain beta glucans can trigger undesirable symptoms.