Emily Johnson
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, but only recently have they caught the attention of modern researchers. The mushrooms are generally considered safe and may have important anti-cancer properties, but they are not a cure for cancer on their own. Instead, they may be a useful addition to a medical treatment plan, under a doctor's supervision. Research has shown that compounds in turkey tail mushrooms have an effect on the immune system, stimulating immune function and potentially reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. While the FDA has not approved the use of turkey tail mushrooms as a treatment for cancer, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded clinical trials to further investigate their potential benefits for cancer patients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe |
| Cancer-fighting properties | Turkey tail mushrooms may have important anticancer properties and support cancer treatment |
| Dosage | Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in powder form, made into capsules, or added to smoothies |
| Side effects | Turkey tail mushrooms may have side effects and should be taken only after consulting a doctor |
| FDA approval | The FDA has not approved the use of turkey tail mushrooms as a treatment for cancer |
| Research | Modern research confirms that compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms have an effect on the immune system |
| Traditional medicine | Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and to treat lung conditions |
| Ongoing research | The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded a $5.4 million collaboration to study the health potential of turkey tail mushrooms |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Turkey tail mushrooms may support cancer treatment
- They have been used as a complementary therapy for cancer patients
- Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine
- They are considered safe and may have anti-cancer properties
- Turkey tail mushrooms may improve immune function after radiation therapy
Turkey tail mushrooms may support cancer treatment
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe and may support cancer treatment. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and modern research has confirmed that compounds found in these mushrooms can stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way.
A 2012 clinical trial found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy faster than those who didn't. Another study found that a daily oral preparation containing Trametes versicolor powder improved immune status after standard treatment for breast cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms may also promote healthy gut bacteria, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion.
In Japan, Polysaccharide K (PSK), a compound derived from turkey tail mushrooms, is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. PSK can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. A 2023 review of past research found evidence that PSK may help reduce the side effects of an oral chemotherapy regimen for colorectal cancer. The review also showed that PSK may prolong overall survival times for people with gastric cancer, particularly for those with PD-L1-negative tumors, which usually do not respond well to immunotherapy.
While turkey tail mushrooms may support cancer treatment, they are not a cure for cancer on their own. It's important to consult with a doctor before taking any supplements, as they can have side effects or interact with other medications.
The Elusive Max Mushrooms: Nature's Rare Delights
You may want to see also
They have been used as a complementary therapy for cancer patients
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as a complementary therapy for cancer patients. In Asia, there are over 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer, including turkey tail mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor). Turkey tail mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are consumed as a tonic and to treat lung conditions. Turkey tail mushrooms are considered safe and may even have cancer-fighting properties.
A preparation made from the turkey tail mushroom, known as krestin, has been used as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment in Japan for decades. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. PSK can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. A 2023 review of past research also found evidence that PSK from turkey tail mushrooms may help reduce the side effects of oral chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been studied for their potential benefits in treating breast cancer. A clinical trial conducted in 2012 found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy more quickly than those who didn't take the capsules. Another study found that a daily oral preparation containing Trametes versicolor powder improved immune status after standard treatment for breast cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms may also be beneficial for patients with liver cancer. A Vietnam War veteran with stage 4 liver cancer reported that all except one of his tumors shrank after undergoing immunotherapy and consuming turkey tail mushroom extract.
While turkey tail mushrooms have been studied for their potential benefits in cancer treatment, it's important to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider before using them as a complementary therapy. The FDA has not approved the use of turkey tail mushrooms or PSK as a treatment for cancer, and they are not regulated as dietary supplements. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of turkey tail mushrooms on cancer and to determine the optimal dosage and form of administration.
Mushroom Colonization: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success
You may want to see also
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are a type of bracket fungus that grows on dead logs and fallen trees in wooded areas worldwide. They are easily identifiable by their colourful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. Besides their vivid colours, one of the most noticeable features is the bright green algae that often grow on them.
In modern times, turkey tail mushrooms have gained the interest of researchers worldwide due to their potential health benefits. They are considered safe for consumption and may provide immune-boosting properties that support cancer treatment. The compounds in turkey tail mushrooms have been found to act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. Specifically, they have been shown to bolster immune function, helping the body fight infections, illnesses, and diseases.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also known to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for maintaining overall health. They contain fibre, which aids in healthy digestion, and have antibacterial properties against common pathogens. Additionally, they have been found to possess antiviral properties against certain viruses, such as HIV, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus.
Hunting Bullets: Do Deer Cause Bullet Mushrooming?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are considered safe and may have anti-cancer properties
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe and may have anti-cancer properties. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as a tonic and to treat lung conditions. The mushrooms are also used as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment in Japan, where their active compound, Polysaccharide K (PSK), is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. PSK can be taken as a tea or in capsule form.
Research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may have important anticancer properties. A 2012 study found that a daily oral preparation containing Trametes versicolor powder improved immune status after standard treatment for breast cancer. The preparation was also well tolerated by the participants in the study. Another clinical trial conducted in 2012 found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy more quickly than those who didn’t take the capsules.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also help reduce the side effects of an oral chemotherapy regimen for colorectal cancer. A 2023 review of past research found that those taking a combination of uracil and tegafur with PSK reported a better quality of life than those taking uracil, tegafur, and leucovorin. The review also found that PSK may prolong overall survival times for people with gastric cancer, with improved outcomes for those with PD-L1-negative tumors.
While turkey tail mushrooms are considered safe, it is important to consult with a doctor before taking them as a supplement, as they are not regulated by the FDA and may have side effects or interactions with other medications. They should not be used as a standalone treatment for cancer but rather as a complementary therapy under medical supervision.
Mushroom Cultivation: Understanding the Growing Medium
You may want to see also
Turkey tail mushrooms may improve immune function after radiation therapy
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe and may have cancer-fighting properties. They have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for their numerous health benefits. In Japan, a preparation made from the turkey tail mushroom, known as krestin, has been used as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment for more than 30 years. This includes breast cancer, lung, gastric, pancreatic, and liver cancer.
The best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms is Polysaccharide K (PSK). PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan and can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. Laboratory and animal studies have tested the effects of PSK on the immune system, including immune cells called natural killer cells and T-cells. A 2023 review of past research also found evidence that PSK from turkey tail mushrooms may help reduce the side effects of an oral chemotherapy regimen for colorectal cancer.
Turkey tail mushrooms act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. A clinical trial conducted in 2012 found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy more quickly than those who didn’t take the capsules. This suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may improve immune function after radiation therapy.
While the potential benefits of turkey tail mushrooms are promising, it is important to consult with a doctor before taking them as a cancer treatment. The FDA does not regulate supplements like this, and they should be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other medical treatments. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms in cancer treatment.
The Magic of Mushroom Fruiting: Inducing Techniques
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on trees and fallen logs in forests around the world. They are named for their colourful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been found to act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. They contain Polysaccharide K (PSK), which is thought to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer.
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe and are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking them as they are not regulated by the FDA and may have side effects or interact with other medications.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in powder form, made into capsules or brewed into a tea. They can also be added to smoothies or used to make broth.
Turkey tail mushrooms are not a cure for cancer on their own but may be a useful addition to a medical treatment plan under a doctor's supervision. More research is needed to confirm their benefits.
