Chaga mushroom - Chaga has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in many North American and North Eurasian cultures to treat illnesses such as diabetes, gastritis, ulcers, infections and tumors, and to prevent cardiac and hepatic disorders. Chaga has been reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and hepatoprotective effects. Modern research has identified active compounds in chaga that exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. For example, chaga has demonstrated strong antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects and has inhibited both hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses in vitro. Animal studies conducted on chaga have confirmed anti-inflammatory effects in experimental colitis; improvements in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism in mouse models of obesity; potent immunomodulatory activity in chemically immunosuppressed mice; and significant anti-fatigue effects during short-term intensive exercise.40-48