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Dietary supplement

Chaga Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Host Defense Mushrooms

Chaga label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Chaga against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chaga is a dietary supplement by Host Defense Mushrooms with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for immune support, antioxidant support, general wellness/tonic.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chaga. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Oct 1, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Host Defense Mushrooms Chaga is a single-ingredient product: the chaga mushroom itself. Chaga is a fungus that grows on birch trees and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

The capsule also contains pullulan, an inactive ingredient used as a binder.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: antioxidant and DNA support with immune response.
  • We looked for evidence on: oxidative stress, free radical damage, immune function, DNA integrity.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence for chaga's effectiveness isn't established in our data. We hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or COVID-19.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means human studies large enough to draw firm conclusions haven't been done yet, or the data we have isn't strong enough to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chaga

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.

Chaga is generally well tolerated when used as a food or tea, but human safety data are limited. The main concern we know about is kidney risk: there have been two cases of kidney failure and one case of acute kidney injury tied to very high chaga consumption — chaga contains high amounts of oxalate, a compound that can build up in the kidneys.

There isn't enough safety information to recommend chaga during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, nursing, or planning either, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chaga

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 — Chaga.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 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.

If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), immunosuppressants, or diabetes medications, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding chaga. All three drug types interact theoretically, meaning the risks haven't been confirmed in humans yet — but animal and lab studies suggest real caution is warranted.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Chaga may be worth considering if you're interested in traditional mushroom supplements and don't take blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, or diabetes medications. If you do take any of those, or if you have a history of kidney problems, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

And because safety data in humans are limited, it's a good idea to discuss this one with your healthcare provider before you start.

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 20, 2024.

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 Host Defense Mushrooms
Barcode (UPC) 633422664149
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 20, 2024
DSLD ID 312248
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Host Defense Mushrooms, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
633422664149
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Chaga1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Pullulan

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.
Formula

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Antioxidant & DNA support Highly valued for health-supporting properties that include antioxidant and DNA support against daily free radical damage, Chaga also promotes an engaged yet balanced immune response.

Made with organic mushroom mycelium

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules once per day. Can be taken with food or on an empty stomach or as recommended by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Caution: If you have a medical condition, are taking medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

Non-GMO Gluten free & Vegan

Certified Organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture

Gluten free & Vegan

Seals/Symbols

Certified Organic Washington State Department of Agriculture organic program

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms label

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

Chaga label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Chaga

Interacts with
327 drugs
1 Gram(s) 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 monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms 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
327Drugs
327 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chaga 327

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Chaga interact with 327 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Chaga interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Chaga

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.

Chaga3 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
Chaga full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Host Defense Mushrooms

See all Host Defense Mushrooms products
Name
Fungi Perfecti, LLC
Street Address
PO Box 7634
City
Olympia
State
WA
ZipCode
98507
Phone Number
877-504-6926
Web Address
Hostdefense.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms: Common Questions

Does Chaga by Host Defense Mushrooms interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chaga has a known interaction with 327 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.
Can I take chaga if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Chaga may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — animal research shows it can slow blood clotting, though this hasn't been reported in people yet. Your prescriber needs to know before you add it.
Does chaga actually work for heart health or blood sugar?
The evidence isn't established in our data. We don't have enough reliable human studies to say whether chaga works for cardiovascular disease or diabetes. That's why we rate both as insufficient evidence — not proven, but not disproven either.
What are the side effects?
Chaga is generally well tolerated, but the main risk we know about is kidney damage — there have been a few cases of kidney failure and acute kidney injury tied to very high chaga intake, because chaga contains high levels of oxalate. If you have kidney problems or take a lot of it, that's worth knowing.
Is chaga safe during pregnancy?
There isn't enough safety information to recommend it during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or planning to be.
Can I take chaga with diabetes medication?
Check with your doctor first. Animal research suggests chaga might lower blood sugar, which could raise the risk of your blood sugar dropping too low if you're already on diabetes drugs — though this hasn't been reported in humans yet.
What is chaga?
Chaga is a fungus that grows on birch trees and has been used in traditional medicine. It's typically consumed as a tea or, in this case, a capsule extract.

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

Not sure if Chaga is safe with your meds?

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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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Chaga’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Chaga

Interacts with 327 drugs

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 its benefits is very limited, and it may...

Read the full Chaga monograph →
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 9 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 →

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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