Chaga, a fungus found commonly in Siberia and Eurasian countries, may be helpful to those with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The fungus has been known to have many antiviral and antibiotic benefits, so it’s no surprise that it can help with immune system function.
Chaga mushrooms, scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus, are parasitic fungi that attach mostly to birch trees. The fungus has been used medicinally since the 16th century. The mushroom was used as a folk remedy for antiseptic purposes such as applying them to wounds for faster healing and protecting skin and wounds from further infection.
The chaga mushroom also contains other beneficial properties and to name a few are antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic. Also, the mushroom contains one of the highest levels of antioxidants in the world. And to top all that, it also contains a lot of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B, K D2, manganese, iron and calcium. Because of these components, the chaga mushroom is thought of by many to be a medicinal miracle.
Chaga mushrooms are known to help treat some digestion problems. Also, chaga mushrooms boost the immune system which makes a person more protected from certain pathogens and bacteria from entering the body and causing illnesses.
In recent years a study where three types of mushrooms were used by Vector Research Institute found in southwestern Siberia. The three of these mushrooms are known to have low toxicity and strong antiviral effects which are suspected to be effective in HIV fighting.
Among the three, the most effective was Chaga. Chaga was examined and turns out was very efficient in destroying free radicals and preventing them from destroying cellular DNA. The presence of a high concentration of betulinic acid in Chaga made possible the slower growth of tumor cells and cancer cells in our bodies including those associated with HIV.
Betulin is a very powerful substance and contains a lot of properties such as antioxidant, anti-tumorigenic, antiviral, immunomodulator, antibacterial, antipyretic and bile-expelling. Over the years, Betulin has been continuously enhanced and explored to become a treatment for skin cancer. And now, Betulin is being coined to prevent HIV and AIDS, RSV and also pneumonia.