John Miller
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are multicolored fungi that grow on decomposing wood in forests worldwide. They are known for their distinctive fan shape and vibrant appearance, resembling the feathers of a turkey's tail. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are now gaining popularity in the naturopathic wellness world for their potential health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-cancer, and hormonal balance properties. Some studies suggest that the bioactive compounds in turkey tail mushrooms may influence estrogen levels, making them a promising natural tool for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause. However, more research is needed to fully understand their specific roles and mechanisms of action.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Estrogen increase | Turkey tail mushrooms may influence estrogen levels due to their bioactive compounds. They contain small amounts of phytoestrogens, which can provide mild estrogenic effects. |
| Cancer treatment | Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as a complementary treatment for cancer, including breast, lung, gastric, pancreatic, and liver cancer. They may help boost the efficacy of chemotherapy and have anti-tumor properties. |
| Immune system | Turkey tail mushrooms have immune-boosting properties and act as nonspecific immune modulators, stimulating or suppressing immune function. |
| Gut health | Turkey tail mushrooms may promote healthy gut bacteria and have antibacterial properties against common pathogens. |
| Liver health | Turkey tail mushrooms contain triterpenoids, which support liver health and aid in detoxification. |
| Blood sugar | Turkey tail mushrooms may lower blood sugar levels, which could be important for those taking diabetes medications. |
| Side effects | Turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most people when taken by mouth. However, they may cause side effects when used vaginally, such as itching and irritation. |
| Allergies | Anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should avoid turkey tail mushrooms as they may cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms are a functional fungus
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are multicolored fungi that grow on decaying wood in forests worldwide. They are named for their colourful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. These mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where they are used as a tonic and to treat lung conditions.
Turkey tail mushrooms are functional fungi with a range of health benefits. They contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK) or Krestin in Japan. These compounds may stimulate the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments. Turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to have immune-boosting properties and act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they either stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. The effect of the mushrooms is to bolster immune function, and they have been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also a source of polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, which are known for their immune-modulating effects. Beta-glucans appear to have a balancing effect on the immune system, which can indirectly influence hormonal health. Turkey tail mushrooms also contain small amounts of phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that resemble estrogen. These phytoestrogens may support estrogen balance by interacting with the body's endocrine system, which can be beneficial during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as menopause.
Turkey tail mushrooms are available as a powder or tea, but it is important to note that anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should not consume them. Turkey tail extract could cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. It is also important to purchase purified supplements or dried mushrooms from a reputable source, as mushrooms can accumulate metals from their environment, which can be dangerous.
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They may influence estrogen levels
Turkey tail mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor) are a type of functional fungus that grows on decaying wood in forests worldwide. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and to treat lung conditions. They are also used as a complementary treatment for cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK) or Krestin in Japan. PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment in Japan. Turkey tail mushrooms are also known to have immune-boosting and prebiotic properties.
Turkey tail mushrooms are a source of polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which are known for their immune-modulating effects. They also contain triterpenes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The scientific community is interested in the therapeutic potential of medicinal mushrooms, including their roles in immune support, cancer therapy, hormonal balance, and cognitive health.
Some studies suggest that certain mushrooms may influence estrogen levels in the body due to their bioactive compounds. Turkey tail mushrooms contain small amounts of phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that resemble estrogen in structure. Phytoestrogens can provide mild estrogenic effects, potentially easing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats. They may also support adrenal health, helping the body cope with stress and balancing cortisol levels.
While the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the bioactive compounds in turkey tail mushrooms may interact with estrogen receptors and support hormone balance. This makes turkey tail mushrooms a promising natural tool for those looking to support hormonal health, especially during periods of hormonal fluctuation such as menopause. However, more research is needed to fully understand the specific roles of these mushrooms in hormonal health.
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They have immune-boosting properties
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are multicoloured fungi that grow on decomposing wood in forests worldwide. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where they are used as a tonic and to treat lung conditions. Turkey tail mushrooms are also known as Yun Zhi in China and kawaratake in Japan.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK or Krestin in Japan). These compounds have been found to stimulate the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments. PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment in Japan, according to the National Cancer Institute. Turkey tail mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, which are known for their immune-modulating effects. These compounds help strengthen the body's defence mechanisms, making it more efficient at fighting off infections and diseases.
Modern research confirms that compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms have an effect on the immune system. They act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they either stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. In turkey tail mushrooms, the effect is to bolster immune function. 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 the mushrooms appeared to boost the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also promote healthy gut bacteria and have antibacterial properties against several common pathogens. A 2017 review notes that previous studies have found that this mushroom can alter a person’s microbiome, which may cause the body to regulate its own microbiome. Having a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut is essential for overall health.
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Turkey tail mushrooms are used as a complementary treatment for cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor) are known for their immune-boosting properties and have been used as a complementary treatment for cancer. They contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushrooms might help slow cancer growth, boost the immune system, and improve response to cancer medicines and radiation.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, where they are known as Yun Zhi and used as a tonic and to treat lung conditions. In Japan, PSK, also known as krestin, is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as a complementary treatment for various types of cancer, including liver, lung, breast, gastric, pancreatic, colon, and liver cancer.
Modern research confirms that compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms have an impact on the immune system. They act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they either stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. Turkey tail mushrooms have been found to bolster immune function, with one clinical trial showing 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 turkey tail extract contributed to increased levels of cancer-fighting cells in the immune system.
While turkey tail mushrooms have shown potential as a complementary treatment for cancer, it is important to note that they should not be used as a sole treatment. They may be a useful addition to a medical treatment plan under a doctor's supervision and with their approval. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of turkey tail mushrooms on cancer treatment.
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They may cause side effects
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption for most people, even for extended periods. However, side effects may still occur for some individuals.
Some people who are receiving chemotherapy and taking a substance extracted from turkey tail mushrooms called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. However, it is unclear if these side effects are due to chemotherapy or PSK. When used vaginally, there isn't enough information to determine its safety. Vaginal use of turkey tail mushrooms may cause side effects like itching and irritation.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also lower blood sugar levels. Consuming turkey tail mushrooms along with diabetes medications may cause a further drop in blood sugar levels. It is recommended to monitor blood sugar levels closely if taking turkey tail mushrooms with diabetes medications.
Additionally, the PSP in turkey tail mushrooms can alter how quickly cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy medication, is removed from the body. This may affect its effectiveness and cause more side effects. Turkey tail mushrooms may also have blood-thinning properties and slow down blood clotting in people with bleeding disorders.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking turkey tail mushrooms, especially if you have an allergy to mushrooms or mould, as adverse reactions may occur.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on decomposing wood in forests worldwide. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and to treat lung conditions.
Turkey tail mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting and prebiotic properties. They contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which may stimulate the immune system. Turkey tail mushrooms are also being studied for their potential in treating cancer.
Recent studies suggest that mushrooms, including Turkey Tail, may influence estrogen levels due to their bioactive compounds. These compounds interact with estrogen receptors, potentially supporting hormone balance. Turkey tail mushrooms contain small amounts of phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that resemble estrogen and may help the body balance hormones naturally.
Turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most healthy adults when taken by mouth. However, there is limited information on their safety when used in the vagina, and they may cause side effects like itching and irritation. Turkey tail mushrooms should not be used by anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy as they could cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking any new supplement.
