Anti-Oxidant*

Chaga is unique among medicinal mushrooms. In addition to its potent immune stimulating properties Chaga is also a powerful antioxidant. The MushroomScience Chaga extract was tested for its anti-oxidant properties by Brunswick Labs. They performed a test that assigns supplements an “ORAC” score, allowing the comparison of anti-oxidant properties between different types of supplements. The ORAC value of the MushroomScience Chaga extract was higher than green or black tea extracts and was similar to that of blueberry extracts. These anti-oxidant properties are attributed to an active compound unique to Chaga mushrooms, a triterpene called “betulinic acid”. The Wikipedia entry for betulinic acid contains interesting information on this active compound.