Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): a medical marvel but a conservation dilemma?

Citation

Thomas PW, Elkhateeb WA & Daba GM (2020) Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): a medical marvel but a conservation dilemma?. Sydowia, 72, pp. 123-130. https://doi.org/10.12905/0380.sydowia72-2020-0123

Abstract
Fungi have a rich history of medicinal use within many cultures. In most cases it is the fruiting body that is harvested and appreciated. Historical use of the species Inonotus obliquus is different, in that it is a conk-like structure of sterile mycelial mass formed in a pre-sporulation phase, that is utilized. Analysis of 7,516 occurrence records shows a largely circumboreal distribution and further investigation reveals an affinity for tree hosts in the Betula genus. The medicinal benefits of this sterile-mass, known as ‘Chaga’ have recently been proven with potent anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity having been reported. However, the academic interest in this species has fuelled a boom in the commercial exploitation of a product that is almost exclusively harvested from the wild. The huge harvesting of this organism in its pre-reproductive (pre-sporulation) phase rises significant issues. The medicinal properties of this species are discussed along with the conservational concern. Possible alternatives, such as cultivation are discussed along with a call for urgent educational and legislative approaches to protect a species with a rich pattern of use by cultures both contemporary and historically.

Keywords
medicinal mushrooms; traditional medicine; secondary metabolites; conservation; cultivation

Journal
Sydowia: Volume 72