Mushrooms bring health reputation from Siberia

It's a freak of nature: Inonotus obliquus, commonly known as chaga mushroom, is a parasitic fungus found on birch and other trees in very cold habitats, having the appearance of burnt charcoal.

Despite their less than charming appearance, studies have shown that chaga mushrooms are able to boost the human body's immunity, and can mitigate a series of diseases, such as hypertension, high blood sugar, hyperlipidemia and cancer. That health potential has prompted makers of traditional medicines, food supplements and herbal teas to bring the fungus to consumers.

Now chaga mushrooms from Siberia have become an element of Russia's participation in China's One Belt One Road initiative. Government officials from both China and Russia recently met in Beijing to announce the introduction of chaga mushrooms from Siberia to China, at a media conference attended by senior healthcare association leaders.