Karolina Wróblewska, Maria Olszewska, Małgorzata Stańczyk-Dunaj, Daria Rejman, Maria Dąbkowska

Analysis of the antioxidant potential of dietary supplements with chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)

 

DOI: 10.32383/farmpol/224736

2026-07-14

Background. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders, which justifies the search for effective strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Particular importance is attributed to dietary supplements based on natural sources with antioxidant properties. Among these are preparations containing Inonotus obliquus, whose antioxidant activity has been widely documented in experimental studies.

Aim of the study. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity of commercially available preparations containing Inonotus obliquus in 2024, with particular emphasis on how formulation and extraction conditions affect their in vitro antioxidant potential.

Materials and methods. Six commercial products (powder, tea, tablets, capsules, drops, and tincture) were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was assessed using spectrophotometric methods, including the DPPH radical scavenging assay, determination of total polyphenolic content using the Folin-Ciocâlteu method, and cupric ion (Cu²⁺) reducing capacity using the CUPRAC assay, enabling a multiparametric evaluation of antioxidant potential.

Results. Significant variability in antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content was observed among the analyzed preparations. The highest total polyphenol content was recorded in samples derived from the powder and tincture. Aqueous extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than ethanol extracts; however, this effect depended on the analytical method used, indicating the complex nature of the studied systems.

Conclusion. All preparations exhibited antioxidant activity in vitro. The solvent used was a key factor influencing the obtained results, as it determined the efficiency of bioactive compound extraction. Preparations containing Inonotus obliquus may serve as a source of compounds with antioxidant properties; however, their actual potential depends on the product form, processing methods, and extraction conditions.

Keywords: Inonotus obliquus, antioxidants, dietary supplements, polyphenols, DPPH.

© Farm Pol, 2026, 82(1): 37–44