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Chemical Content and Cytotoxic Activity on Various Cancer Cell Lines of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Growing on Betula pendula and Betula pubescens

Summary

This study examined chaga mushroom, a traditional medicine used against cancer, grown on two types of birch trees. Researchers tested chaga extracts on 31 different cancer cell types and found they were moderately effective at inhibiting cancer cell growth, particularly against liver and thyroid cancers. The chaga from silver birch (B. pendula) worked slightly better than that from downy birch (B. pubescens) due to higher levels of a compound called inotodiol.

Background

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a pathogenic fungus that grows on birch species and has been traditionally used as an anticancer medicine in folk remedies. The fungus contains various bioactive compounds including triterpenes, polysaccharides, and phenolic acids with reported therapeutic properties.

Objective

To compare the chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of chaga extracts from two Betula species (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens) against 31 human cancer cell lines. This study is the first investigation of chaga parasitizing on B. pubescens and its anticancer potential.

Results

Chaga extracts demonstrated moderate cytotoxic activity against all cancer cell lines tested, with strongest inhibitions against HepG2 (IC50 37.71 µg/mL for B. pendula and 49.99 µg/mL for B. pubescens) and CAL-62 (IC50 43.30 µg/mL for B. pendula). B. pendula extracts showed stronger effects than B. pubescens, attributed to higher inotodiol content.

Conclusion

Chaga extracts show selective moderate anticancer activity, particularly against liver and thyroid cancer cell lines. The bioactive compound profile differs significantly between the two host species, highlighting the importance of fungal origin. Results support chaga as a promising source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential requiring further investigation.
  • Published in:Pharmaceuticals (Basel),
  • Study Type:In vitro Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39204121
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