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Dietary supplement

Chaga Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by HealthForce SuperFoods

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chaga is a dietary supplement by HealthForce SuperFoods with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for immune support, antioxidant support, general wellness/tonic.Based on those ingredients, 494 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chaga extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chaga by HealthForce SuperFoods

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “Chaga extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1,200 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This is a single-ingredient product: chaga extract. Chaga is a fungus that grows on birch trees, and this extract contains beta-glucans — compounds that may support heart and cholesterol health.

The capsule itself is made from VeganCaps, a plant-based capsule material.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Beta-glucans's overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports Beta-glucans for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Dyslipidemia — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The beta-glucans in this chaga extract are rated Likely Effective for two purposes: helping manage cholesterol levels (dyslipidemia) and supporting coronary heart disease. Keep in mind that chaga itself hasn't been tested for these outcomes in the same way — the evidence is for the beta-glucan component.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chaga Beta-glucans

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Beta-glucans from food sources are generally well tolerated. That said, concentrated supplements like this one lack extensive safety testing, so use caution if you're new to it.

Topically applied beta-glucans can occasionally cause skin reactions or contact dermatitis, though this is less relevant for a capsule. There isn't enough research on supplement doses during breastfeeding to know either way — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you if you're nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chaga Beta-glucans

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Beta-glucans.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 293 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check before taking this if you use blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs) or immunosuppressants — beta-glucans may amplify or interfere with how both work. Use the medication checker on this page to confirm your specific drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're interested in heart or cholesterol support and you don't take blood pressure or immune-suppressing medications, this product has solid evidence behind its active ingredient. However, if you do take either of those drug types, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Anyone new to supplements should also start cautiously, since concentrated chaga extract hasn't been studied as extensively as whole food sources.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 24, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Chaga, straight from the product label.

Brand HealthForce SuperFoods
Barcode (UPC) 650786003889
Net contents 90 VeganCap(s)(TM)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 228977
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Chaga by HealthForce SuperFoods, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Vegan Cap(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Vegan Cap(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
650786003889
IngredientAmount% DV
Chaga extract1200 mg--
1,3/1,6 Beta-D-Glucans0 NP7%

Other ingredients: VeganCaps

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

TruGanic Verified TruGanic Sourcing

Lab Verified

OTCO Certified Vegan Vegan.org GF Certified Gluten-free OU Pareve (Kosher)

Formulation

Eco Facility

Vegan Ethics

Hot water extracted (1:1)

Sustainably wildcrafted Lab tested for purity

Certified organic & gluten free No added fillers, starch, or grains No flow agents

Radiance & well-being

Certified organic by Oregon Tilth

General Statements

Ecofresh packaging

Integrity Extracts

Formula

8% 1, 1-3, 6 beta-glucans

OU Pareve (Kosher)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 3 VeganCaps per day, or as advised by a qualified health care professional. Consume with conscious, positive intent.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Chaga by HealthForce SuperFoods label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chaga by HealthForce SuperFoods

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Vegan Cap(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Chaga extract

Interacts with
327 drugs
1200 mg per serving

Chaga is a fungus that grows mostly on birch trees and is used as a tea or supplement, mainly for immune and antioxidant support. Human evidence for i...

Chaga extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: VeganCaps. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chaga by HealthForce SuperFoods Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chaga?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
494Drugs
494 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chaga with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chaga extract3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, chaga may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that chaga extract can inhibit platelet aggregation. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking chaga with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that chaga might decrease blood glucose levels and increase insulin levels. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, chaga might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research suggests that certain constituents of chaga stimulate immune function. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Chaga, from the product label.

HealthForce SuperFoods

See all HealthForce SuperFoods products
Name
Excelsior Alchemy
City
Tempe
State
AZ
ZipCode
85284
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chaga by HealthForce SuperFoods: Common Questions

Does Chaga by HealthForce SuperFoods interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chaga has a known interaction with 494 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chaga contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does chaga actually work for heart health?
The beta-glucans in this extract are rated Likely Effective for cholesterol management and coronary heart disease support based on clinical research. Chaga itself hasn't been studied as much, but the active compound has solid evidence.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough research on concentrated supplement doses during breastfeeding to know whether it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice about your situation.
What's chaga, exactly?
Chaga is a fungus that grows on birch trees. This product extracts it into a concentrated form so you get the active compounds — mainly beta-glucans — without having to chew on tree bark.
Are there any side effects?
Beta-glucans are generally well tolerated when taken orally. Very rarely, concentrated doses have caused mild, temporary liver enzyme elevations in a small number of trial participants, but this isn't common.
Will this lower my blood pressure?
Beta-glucans may reduce blood pressure in some people. If you already take blood pressure medication, that's why it's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist first — combining them could lower your pressure too much.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Chaga is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Chaga label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chaga's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 20 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chaga 9 references
  1. Sun JE, Ao ZH, Lu ZM, et al. Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of dry matter of culture broth of Inonotus obliquus in submerged culture on normal and alloxan-diabetes mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;118(1):7-13. PubMed
  2. Hyun KW, Jeong SC, Lee DH, et al. Isolation and characterization of a novel platelet aggregation inhibitory peptide from the medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus. Peptides 2006;27(6):1173-8. PubMed
  3. Kim YO, Han SB, Lee HW, et al. Immuno-stimulating effect of the endo-polysaccharide produced by submerged culture of Inonotus obliquus. Life Sci 2005;77(19):2438-56. PubMed
  4. Kikuchi Y, Seta K, Ogawa Y, et al. Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy. Clin Nephrol 2014;81(6):440-4. PubMed
  5. Lee S, Lee HY, Park Y, et al. Development of end stage renal disease after long-term ingestion of chaga mushroom: case report and review of literature. J Korean Med Sci. 2020;35(19):e122.
  6. Kwon O, Kim Y, Paek JH, et al. Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy that clinically manifested as nephrotic syndrome: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022;101(10):e28997. PubMed
  7. Su L, Xin C, Yang J, et al. A polysaccharide from Inonotus obliquus ameliorates intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Biol Macromol 2022;214:312-323. PubMed
  8. Chen S, Ma Y, Li H, et al. Anti-diabetic e?ects of Inonotus obliquus extract in high fat diet combined streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Nutr Hosp 2022;39(6):1256-1263. PubMed
  9. Ye X, Wu K, Xu L, et al. Methanol extract of Inonotus obliquus improves type 2 diabetes mellitus through modifying intestinal flora. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023;13:1103972. PubMed

See these in context on the Chaga monograph →

Beta-glucans 11 references
  1. Katz, D. L., Nawaz, H., Boukhalil, J., Giannamore, V., Chan, W., Ahmadi, R., and Sarrel, P. M. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2001;20(2):124-129. PubMed
  2. Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., and Turnquist, L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):369.
  3. Maki, K. C., Galant, R., Samuel, P., Tesser, J., Witchger, M. S., Ribaya-Mercado, J. D., Blumberg, J. B., and Geohas, J. Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress i
  4. Bergendiova, K., Tibenska, E., and Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(9):2033-2040.
  5. Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan on respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8(4):509-515.
  6. Feldman S, Schwartz HI Kalman DS Mayers A Kohrman HM Clemens R Krieger DR. Randomized phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP® for immune support during cold and flu season. The Journal of Applied Research 2009;9(1-2):30-42.
  7. McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10(3):171-83. PubMed
  8. Jesenak M, Urbancek S, Majtan J, Banovcin P, Hercogova J. ß-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2016;27(4):351-4.
  9. Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Beverage containing dispersible yeast ß-glucan decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise: a randomized controlled trial. J Diet Suppl 2020;17(2):200-10. PubMed
  10. Zhong K, Liu Z, Lu Y, Xu X. Effects of yeast ß-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2021. PubMed
  11. Cardenas FI, Mauguen A, Cheung IY, et al. Phase I trial of oral yeast-derived ß-glucan to enhance anti-GD2 immunotherapy of resistant high-risk neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021;13(24):6265. PubMed

See these in context on the Beta-glucans monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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