Chaga produces an impressive array of metabolites capable of acting as potent free radical scavengers.The metabolites in chaga mushroom benefits DNA health by protecting it from oxidative stress damage. One study demonstrated that human blood cells pretreated with chaga mushroom extracts before being treated with the free radical H2O2 showed 40% less DNA damage than those that weren’t pretreated.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) has long been used as a folk remedy for cancer, tuberculosis,diabetes, and digestive diseases in Russia and elsewhere in northern Europe. This fungus is a parasite of birch trees that grow in cold climates at high latitudes in the northern hemisphere, in Russia, Korea, eastern and northern Europe, Canada and northeastern United States. Traditionally, the conk is chopped and boiled into a medicinal tea. Chaga is sold in the U.S. in capsules, powders, liquid extracts, and tea bags.

Over time, your skin begins to show signs of aging. It gets thinner and loses its elasticity. You may start to notice wrinkles or age spots.

Chaga’s superhero powers may help keep your skin young and supple. Chaga contains betulinic acid (BA), a beneficial compound for giving your skin protection against free radical damage and aging. It has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen, the protein responsible for giving your skin its youthful appearance. When you don’t have enough, your skin starts to sag. The BA in chaga has also been shown to cause cell death in melanoma and other malignant cancer cells.*