Among all functional mushrooms, Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is considered one of nature's most valuable sources of bioactive compounds. For centuries, it has been treasured throughout Northern Europe and Asia, and today its unique composition and properties continue to attract growing scientific interest.
At BOHEMYCO, we use only certified organic (BIO) Chaga sourced from the pristine birch forests of Northern Europe, including Finland. Growing slowly in the harsh northern climate and unspoiled natural environment, this exceptional mushroom develops an outstanding profile of naturally occurring bioactive compounds. The quality of the raw material is the foundation of a truly premium extract.
A Natural Complex of Bioactive Compounds
Chaga naturally contains a broad spectrum of valuable compounds, including:
- β-glucans
- High-molecular-weight polysaccharides
- Polyphenols
- Natural melanin
- Lanostane-type triterpenoids
- Betulin and its derivatives
- Minerals and trace elements
Because these compounds differ significantly in their chemical properties and solubility, no single extraction method can recover the entire spectrum efficiently.
Why We Use Triple Extraction
At BOHEMYCO, we employ a three-stage extraction process designed to maximize the recovery of Chaga's naturally occurring compounds while preserving their diversity.
Stage 1 – Water Extraction
The first stage uses hot water to extract water-soluble, high-molecular-weight compounds, including:
- β-glucans
- Polysaccharides
- A portion of water-soluble polyphenols
These compounds are among the most extensively studied constituents of functional mushrooms and are of significant scientific interest.
Stage 2 – Alcohol Extraction
Many important Chaga compounds are only sparingly soluble in water.
The alcohol extraction stage allows us to recover:
- Lanostane-type triterpenoids
- Betulin and its derivatives
- Additional phenolic compounds
- Other low-molecular-weight and moderately lipophilic constituents
This step significantly broadens the range of bioactive compounds present in the final extract.
Stage 3 – Glycerin Extraction
The final stage uses food-grade vegetable glycerin.
Glycerin is a gentle polar solvent that helps recover the remaining polar and moderately polar compounds not fully extracted during the previous stages. It also helps preserve sensitive constituents while improving the stability of the finished extract.
As a complementary final step, glycerin extraction enhances the overall efficiency of the extraction process and allows us to utilize the raw material as completely as possible, preserving the broadest possible spectrum of Chaga's naturally occurring compounds.
The Natural Benefits of Chaga
Chaga is especially valued for its exceptionally high concentration of natural antioxidants, polyphenols, and melanin. These naturally occurring compounds have been widely studied for their potential to:
- Support the body's natural antioxidant defenses
- Help protect cells from oxidative stress
- Support normal immune system function
- Promote healthy liver function and digestion
- Support the body's natural detoxification processes
- Contribute to overall vitality and resilience
- Help maintain a healthy balance of the gut microbiome
Organic Raw Material and Gentle Processing
The quality of a Chaga extract depends not only on how it is extracted, but also on where it is grown.
That is why BOHEMYCO uses only certified organic Chaga from Northern Europe. Combined with our carefully designed three-stage extraction technology, this premium raw material allows us to preserve the mushroom's naturally complex composition without compromising its integrity.
Chaga is the King of Functional Mushrooms, and our mission is to preserve everything that nature has created within it.
