Inonotus obliquus, also known as chaga, is a valued medicinal mushroom in both traditional and modern medicine. As shown in this thesis, the mushroom has a wide range of therapeutic properties. It has been used for therapeutic purposes since the 12th century, especially in folk medicine, where it was used to treat diseases such as gastrointestinal cancer, diabetes, bacterial infections and liver diseases. Modern research confirms the therapeutic effects of Inonotus obliquus extracts, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, liver-protective, kidney-protective, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fatigue properties. Bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols and lignin metabolites have been identified as responsible for these effects. It is also important to consider possible antagonistic or synergistic interactions between Inonotus obliquus and other compounds or drugs when used simultaneously. It is therefore essential to utilise state-of-the-art technologies and experimental methods to conduct large-scale studies that will further elucidate the potential of this mushroom as a therapeutic agent.
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