Friday Hope: Chaga: A Super-Fungus Which May Prevent the Spike Protein from Binding ACE2 and GRP78

This magnificent mushroom also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties as well as the ability to prevent DNA damage.

Pharmacological potentials of Chaga Mushroom. 

The search continues for natural therapeutics which can address the pathologies caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike Protein. I have found that effective natural therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike Protein either prevent the entry (binding) of the Spike to a host cell, or ameliorate the damage done/pathological processes initiated by the virus and its Spike Protein. In the Chaga mushroom, we find both abilities. 

Some four years on into the pandemic, I found that the Chaga mushroom exhibits at least two ways in which it may be able to prevent the Spike Protein from binding to host cells. The first is by interfering with its docking to ACE2. 

This study considered natural products that may inhibit the viral recognition of host-cell receptors aiming to reduce its virulence using medicinal mushrooms. I. obliquus mycochemicals have a long history of use as therapeutics for a wide variety of diseases, including viral diseases. In this study, I. obliquus terpenoid compounds showed some promising binding affinities to the RBD of the SARSCoV-2 spike protein. Moreover, betulinic acid and inonotusane C bound to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at a region close to the ACE2 recognition site, which may affect the binding of ACE2 to the virus spike protein and hence viral recognition of the host cell. 

Chaga Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Agaricomycetes) Terpenoids May Interfere with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Recognition of the Host Cell: A Molecular Docking Study 
https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,106de03537ad1f8b,0e5b540f7bca3fc1.html 

The other is its ability to prevent the Spike Protein from binding to GRP78. 

Terpenoids, found in the Chaga mushroom, have been reported to bind to the spike of SARS-CoV-2 with acceptable binding affinity. Furthermore, in the current study, we report the binding affinity of terpenoids to one of the host-cell entry routes of SARS-CoV-2, GRP78. 

Interference of Chaga mushroom terpenoids with the attachment of SARS-CoV-2; in silico perspective 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010482522002700#bib38 

Yet, beyond the ability of the Chaga mushroom to, perhaps, prevent the virus and its proteins from infecting cells, it also possesses a virtual symphony of properties that may ameliorate the damage done by and/or the pathological processes initiated by the virus and its proteins. 

Of course, inflammation is a, if not the, foundational cornerstone of Spike damage/disease processes. The Chaga mushroom is quite effective as an anti-inflammatory. 

The extracts, from Inonotus obliquus known for their inflammatory properties, have gained popularity in countries like China, Korea, Japan, Russia, and the Baltics. When it was initially discovered in the mid-20th century it was utilized in the treatment of malignancies and digestive issues with no effects (Szychowski et al., 2021). Research has indicated that Chaga extract possesses inflammatory properties. Macrophages can release substances such, as nitric oxide, prostaglandin mediators, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF α, IL 1 β IL 6) (Im et al., 2016). A study on the methanol and ethanol extracts of Chaga has shown that they inhibit macrophage activity by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitrogen oxides, prostaglandins (PGE2), and certain cytokines (Softa et al., 2019). According to a study conducted by Mishra et al. (2012), it was found that aqueous Chaga extracts have the potential to greatly alleviate effects caused by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). These effects include reducing edema and mucosal damage and minimizing crypt loss. Additionally, the study revealed that Chaga extracts can effectively suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines lower the levels of iNOS induced by DSS, and reduce the accumulation of myeloperoxidase in the colon (Mishra et al., 2012). The anti-inflammatory properties of Chaga associated with isolated ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide, and trametenolic acid were further confirmed by Kou et al. (2021). Ishfaq et al. (2022), demonstrated that aqueous extract of chaga possess anti-inflammatory chaacteristics. The study further demonstrated the ability of the extract to suppress expression of p53, caspace-3 and microcystin-LR known to cause inflammation and toxicity to the liver in mice (Ishfaq et al., 2022). In another study, Ishfaq et al. (2021), demonstrated that aqueous extract of chaga suppressed carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced damage in liver tissues in mice. The study also showed that ergosterol peroxide isolated from chaga has the ability to bind and inhibit activity of pro-inflammatory proteins (Ishfaq et al., 2021). 

Another deleterious activity of the virus and its Spike Protein is the causation of DNA damage. The Chaga mushroom demonstrates the ability to prevent this damage. Chaga mushroom polysaccharides were shown to reduce DNA damage after exposure to UVB radiation.  

It has been shown that Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides (IOPS) may boost the immune system and reduce oxidative stress throughout the growth process (Youn et al., 2008). However, more studies are required to understand the impact of IOP, on genotoxicity in model organisms. Liuping et al. (2012) conducted experiments where they exposed embryos (12 h post fertilization) to UVB radiation (12 J/m2/s, 310 nm) for 10 s and then administered IOP therapy (2.5 mg/L) after 24 h post fertilization continuing for a duration of, up to 7 days (Liuping et al., 2012). Crimson, orange staining, the alkaline comet test, and qRT-PCR screening of DNA repair genes were used to evaluate genotoxic effects. The IOP-treated zebrafish were exposed to UVB at 5 days post-fertilization and subsequently exhibited a substantial decrease in DNA damage and improvement of the distorted structures. The relative mRNA expressions of RAD51, P53, and GADD45 dramatically increased in IOP-treated UVB-exposed zebrafish. DNA repair genes were shown to be coordinated in their response to UVB exposure, indicating a communal response. Finally, the IOP therapy reduced UVB-induced genotoxic effects on zebrafish embryos, allowing them to grow normally. 

Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential 
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1273786/full 

Furthermore, the Chaga mushroom also possesses anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-thrombotic activity and many other benefits. I encourage all to read the article above, which I have referenced in this post.  

I am a big fan of mushroom teas all year long, however I particularly prefer them in the fall. 

Of course, please remember that, although the Chaga mushroom is extremely well tolerated, the above is a work of medical research and not medical advice. Please consult your Primary Care Provider before using any medication or supplement. 

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The past two days have all the glory of late summer/early fall in Vermont. Crystal clear skies, temps in the 70s and an inspiring breeze from the North.  I wish all a joyous, peaceful and restful Labor Day Weekend. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, readership and dialogue. I cannot express enough my gratitude as more readers become paid subscribers.