According to the literatures pertaining inonotus obliquus (commonly known as chaga) documented in Russia and the former Soviet Union, the research progress of inonotus obliquus since the 1950s in Russia and the former Soviet Union and latest research progress made over the last two decades in China, , the authors further elaborated potential effects and benefits of inonotus obliquus from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on prior understanding of Flavor Effect of Inonotus obliquus. It is believed that Inonotus obliquus can benefit the five internal organs, invigorating the circulation of qi, blood, and nutriment, and thus may improve the body's adaptability and self-protection when exposing to pathogenic factors. The mechanisms of the multiple effects of Inonotus obliquus have the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, multi-system, and multi-pathway. Inonotus obliquus can be considered to be used as both TCM medication and TCM dietary supplement.

Medicinal fungi; Inonotus obliquus; Traditional Chinese medicine; Function characteristics