Bioactivity, pharmacological research, and application of birch fungus

Birch fungus, known as birch brown porcupine fungus (Inonotus obliquus), is a rare medicinal fungus that grows in the Frigid Zone. This study reviews the bioactive components of birch mushrooms, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc., and discusses in detail their pharmacological effects in antitumor, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory aspects. This paper also outlines the application prospects of birch mushrooms in the fields of medicinal nutraceuticals and functional foods, aiming to provide reference for the in-depth research and development of birch mushrooms.