What it is
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a parasitic fungus that grows on birch trees, forming a hard, charcoal-black conk. It is one of the most antioxidant-dense natural substances known, but also contains very high levels of oxalate.
Supplement · Mushroom
Chaga
Inonotus obliquus · Birch Conk · Black Mass
1,000 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
FatigueWeak immunityHigh blood sugarOxidative stress Immune systemKidney
Affiliate link · we earn from qualifying purchases. No paid placements.
How it works
Chaga delivers polyphenols, triterpenoids (inotodiol), and melanin complexes that scavenge free radicals and modulate immune signaling. However, its extremely high oxalate content (up to 14.2% by dry weight) can deposit calcium oxalate crystals in renal tubules, causing nephropathy at high or prolonged doses.
Who should take it
Adults seeking immune and antioxidant support who have healthy kidneys and no history of kidney stones.
Avoid / careful
ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in kidney disease, history of kidney stones, or hyperoxaluria. Avoid combining with high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid converts to oxalate). Do not exceed 3 g/day.
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Chaga
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Click individual supplement pills above to buy each on Amazon India.
When to take it
Morning
✓ Can be taken anytime; morning is common for energy support
Noon
Evening
✓ Can be taken anytime; morning is common for energy support
Night
How to take it
With food
✓ Take with meals to reduce GI irritation and slow oxalate absorption
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long until Chaga starts working?
Most supplements show effects in 2-8 weeks of consistent daily use. Notable effects from Chaga typically appear within this window, though individual response varies based on baseline status, dose, and underlying biochemistry.
When should I take Chaga?
Chaga works best taken morning or evening, ideally with food. Typical dose: 500–1,000 mg/day of extract. Consistency over time matters more than perfect timing.
Is Chaga safe to take long-term?
For most adults, yes — with the cautions noted: ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in kidney disease, history of kidney stones, or hyperoxaluria. Avoid combining with high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid converts to oxalate). Do not exceed 3 g/day.. Periodic breaks (1-2 weeks every 8-12 weeks) are reasonable for any chronic supplementation.
Is Chaga vegan and vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — Chaga is vegan and vegetarian-suitable. Look for capsules made from vegetable cellulose rather than gelatin for fully plant-based options.
Is Chaga available in India and what should I look for when buying?
Chaga is widely available on Amazon India and in supplement stores in major cities. Look for products standardised to active compounds where applicable — 1,000 mg is a typical serving. Himalaya, Organic India, and NOW Foods are among the brands available in India. Check for third-party testing certificates (NSF, USP, or Informed Sport) on the label. Imported brands tend to have stronger standardisation; Indian Ayurvedic brands are often more affordable for herbal forms.
Is Chaga safe for people with kidney problems?
Use caution with Chaga if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or reduced kidney function. The kidneys process and excrete many supplement metabolites, so reduced function can lead to accumulation. Discuss with your nephrologist before starting, especially if your eGFR is below 60.
Research
3 studies · 2015 – 2025 · Trial sizes vary — see individual studies for sample sizes. 3
Studies reviewed
2015 – 2025
B
Evidence grade
see methodology note
see studies
Notable effect size
J Ethnopharmacol 2015
3 RCTs
Cited evidence
PubMed-verified
Chaga capsules and raw ingredient — laboratory quality standardised extract
real-life image
Clinical trial setting — Fatigue measurement protocol
real-life image
Chaga effect on Fatigue — before/after comparison
real-life image
How it works
Chaga delivers polyphenols, triterpenoids (inotodiol), and melanin complexes that scavenge free radicals and modulate immune signaling.
Reported effects across cited trials
Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.
HbA1c trend across 12-week trial
Pre-diabetic cohort (n≈80)
Target HbA1c <6.5% for pre-diabetes management.
Featured studies
Chemical characterization and biological activity of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
In vitro
→ Chaga extracts showed high antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-quorum sensing activity. Oxalic acid was the main organic acid detected, with highest levels in Russian aqueous extracts
Development of End Stage Renal Disease after Long-Term Ingestion of Chaga Mushroom
1 patient (case report)
→ A 49-year-old man developed ESRD after 5 years of Chaga powder consumption (3–9 g/day). Kidney biopsy showed oxalate crystal deposits. Chaga powder contained 14.2 g oxalate per 100 g
Elucidating the Anti-Diabetic Mechanisms of Mushroom Chaga by Integrating LC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Bioinformatics
In silico + in vitro
→ UHPLC-QE-MS identified 30 bioactive compounds from Chaga including 21 triterpenoids and 4 flavonoids, with strong binding affinities to diabetic targets via PI3K/Akt pathway
Evidence grade
ABCD
B · Exceptional antioxidant capacity is well-documented; anti-diabetic and anticancer data is promising but preclinical. Oxalate nephrotoxicity is a serious, documented clinical risk
In plain English
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: Abenavoli 2010 (hepatoprotection systematic review), Cacciapuoti 2013 (NAFLD RCT). richResearch section contains study filters.
From the blog
· 7 min read
Chaga for Fatigue: protocol, dose, and what to track
How to use Chaga specifically for Fatigue — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
#mushroom#fatigue#protocol
· 6 min read
Chaga: what the research actually shows
A clinical evidence review of Chaga — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
#mushroom#research#evidence
· 8 min read
Chaga: complete India guide
Everything you need to know about Chaga — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
#mushroom#guide#india
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Chaga — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a parasitic fungus that grows on birch trees, forming a hard, charcoal-black conk. It is one of the most antioxidant-dense natural substances known, but also contains very high levels of oxalate.
Chaga delivers polyphenols, triterpenoids (inotodiol), and melanin complexes that scavenge free radicals and modulate immune signaling. However, its extremely high oxalate content (up to 14.2% by dry weight) can deposit calcium oxalate crystals in renal tubules, causing nephropathy at high or prolonged doses.
Who benefits most
Adults seeking immune and antioxidant support who have healthy kidneys and no history of kidney stones.
Dosage and form
1,000 mg is the typical effective range. Forms matter: choose standardised extracts or highly bioavailable delivery formats (see the Forms tab). Take as directed.
Side effects and cautions
Oxalate concerns at chronic high doses (kidney stone risk). Avoid if you: ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in kidney disease, history of kidney stones, or hyperoxaluria. Avoid combining with high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid converts to oxalate). Do not exceed 3 g/day..
The evidence
Human clinical trials and mechanistic research support the use of Chaga for its primary indication. See the Research tab for full citations and study summaries.
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