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Dietary supplement

Organic Chaga Mushroom Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Organic Chaga Mushroom is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola 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 Mushroom Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Organic Chaga Mushroom by Dr. Mercola

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

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Polysaccharides” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (40 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Chaga Mushroom Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Chaga, Powder” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Dr. Mercola's Organic Chaga Mushroom is a tablet with 3 active ingredients: polysaccharides, polyphenols, and beta-glucan, plus a chaga mushroom blend and chaga extract.

The product also contains several inactive ingredients—gum acacia, tapioca dextrose, sunflower lecithin, insulin, tapioca maltodextrin, palm oil, guar gum, and carnauba wax—which serve as binders, thickeners, and capsule materials.

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 its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients 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 ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Likely Effective" (Beta-glucans) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Dyslipidemia — rated "Likely Effective" (Beta-glucans) (Natural Medicines).

Beta-glucans in this product are rated Likely Effective for reducing cholesterol levels (dyslipidemia) and supporting heart health in coronary heart disease (CHD). Chaga extract, however, has insufficient evidence in our data: we don't yet know whether it works reliably for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or COVID-19.

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • 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, but concentrated supplements lack long-term safety data, so caution is advised. Adverse effects from oral beta-glucans are rare; one trial reported mild, temporary liver enzyme elevations in one child out of 44 treated with a high dose.

Chaga is used traditionally in foods and teas but has limited human safety data. Two cases of kidney failure and one case of kidney damage have been reported with excessive chaga use, linked to its high oxalate content.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, chaga safety data are insufficient—the product advises against it during both. Beta-glucans also lack adequate research during breastfeeding, so caution is advised.

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Beta-glucans, 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: 494 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 with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), diabetes drugs (antidiabetes medications), or immunosuppressants before starting this product—all carry Moderate-severity interactions with its ingredients.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may be worth considering if you're interested in heart and cholesterol support via beta-glucans, and if you don't take blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, or immune-suppressing drugs. If you take any of those, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 25, 2025.

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 Organic Chaga Mushroom, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Mercola
Barcode (UPC) 810487032636
Net contents 30 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2025
DSLD ID 327190
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
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 Organic Chaga Mushroom by Dr. Mercola, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
810487032636
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Polysaccharides40 mg--
Polyphenols25 mg--
Beta-Glucan25 mg--
Chaga Mushroom Blend500 mg--
Chaga Extract0 NP--
Chaga, Powder0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gum Acacia, Tapioca Dextrose, Sunflower Lecithin, Insulin, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Palm Oil, Guar Gum, Carnauba Wax

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take one (1) tablet daily before a meal.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

If you are nursing, pregnant, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before taking this product.

General Statements

Dr. Mercola has been providing quality products since 2001.

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Formulation

USDA Organic

Certified Organic by: QCS

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Organic Chaga Mushroom by Dr. Mercola label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Organic Chaga Mushroom by Dr. Mercola

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Chaga Mushroom Blend

Interacts with
327 drugs
500 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 Mushroom Blend monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gum Acacia, Tapioca Dextrose, Sunflower Lecithin, Insulin, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Palm Oil, Guar Gum, Carnauba Wax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Organic Chaga Mushroom by Dr. Mercola Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Organic Chaga Mushroom?

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 Organic Chaga Mushroom 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 Mushroom Blend3 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 Organic Chaga Mushroom, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola

See all Dr. Mercola products
Name
NHP
Street Address
125 SW 3rd Place
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
ZipCode
33991
Phone Number
(877) 985-2696
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Organic Chaga Mushroom by Dr. Mercola: Common Questions

Does Organic Chaga Mushroom by Dr. Mercola interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Organic Chaga Mushroom 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?
Organic Chaga Mushroom 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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against chaga extract during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Beta-glucans also lack enough research during breastfeeding, so caution is advised. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What does chaga extract do in this product?
Chaga extract is included for its potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, though we don't yet have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works for those purposes. It's traditionally used in foods and teas.
What are beta-glucans for?
Beta-glucans are included for heart and cholesterol support. Research shows they're likely effective for reducing cholesterol levels and supporting heart health in coronary heart disease.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Beta-glucans are generally well tolerated from food sources; one trial reported a mild, temporary liver enzyme elevation in one child at a very high dose. Chaga has rarely been linked to kidney problems with excessive use.
Why does the product list insulin as an inactive ingredient?
Insulin is listed as an inactive ingredient—it's used in manufacturing but is not the active medicine here. The active ingredients are the chaga extract, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides.

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

Not sure if Organic Chaga Mushroom 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.

Organic Chaga Mushroom label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Organic Chaga Mushroom’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Organic Chaga Mushroom'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.

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 →

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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