Sarah Brown
Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on decomposing tree trunks and stumps. They are named for their colorful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, where they are used as a tonic and to treat lung conditions. Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help treat certain types of cancer. While the mushrooms are likely safe for most people, there is limited research on their effectiveness in treating parasites. However, one study found that turkey tail mushroom extract exhibited anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity in vitro.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parasites killed | Toxoplasma gondii |
| Type of study | In vitro |
| IC50 | 5.98 ± 1.22 µg/mL |
| CC50 | ≥ 100 µg/mL |
| Side effects | Nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell count, liver problems |
| Precautions | Not safe for people with mushroom or mold allergies; may cause life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis; may accumulate metals from the environment; insufficient information on safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding |
| Other benefits | Boosted immunity, improved cognitive function, increased exercise performance, improved gut health, reduced inflammation, lower blood sugar, antiviral properties, antifungal properties |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms are used to treat toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a common parasite that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals. It is transmitted in various ways, including consuming contaminated food or water, contact with infected cat faeces, or from mother to child during pregnancy. While toxoplasmosis may not cause noticeable symptoms in healthy individuals, it can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems and for the foetus if a pregnant woman becomes infected.
Turkey tail mushrooms, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor, have been studied for their potential anti-parasitic properties against Toxoplasma gondii. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that extracts from these mushrooms exhibit anti-T. gondii activity, inhibiting the growth and replication of the parasite. The methanol extracts of Turkey tail mushrooms were specifically tested against T. gondii tachyzoites growth, and they were found to have a 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5.98 ± 1.22 µg/mL and a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of ≥100 µg/mL. This indicates that the extract effectively inhibited the growth of the parasite without causing significant toxicity.
The mechanism behind the anti-Toxoplasma activity of Turkey tail mushroom extract involves causing an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the parasite's mitochondria, leading to oxidative stress. This disrupts the parasite's cellular structure and function, ultimately inhibiting its growth and replication. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that T. gondii tachyzoites treated with the extract exhibited cellular disintegration, membrane disruption, and perforations, indicating damage to the parasite's cell structure.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain various compounds, including phytosterols, ergostanes, lanostane, peptides, fatty acids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, lipids, and vitamins. While the specific compound responsible for the anti-Toxoplasma activity has not been definitively identified, the presence of these compounds contributes to the overall therapeutic potential of the mushroom extract. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of using Turkey tail mushrooms for treating toxoplasmosis.
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Turkey tail mushrooms have anti-parasitic properties
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are multicolored fungi that grow on dead trees, logs, stumps, and branches in wooded areas worldwide. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where they are known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, they are called kawaratake or "cloud mushrooms."
These mushrooms have a wide range of potential health benefits, including immune-boosting, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-tumor properties. They contain compounds such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which are used as medicine. PSK has been studied in patients with several types of cancer and has been safely used as an adjuvant cancer treatment in Japan with few reported side effects. It helps repair immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy and strengthens the immune system. PSP may also have the ability to stimulate the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments.
Turkey tail mushroom extracts have been found to have anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity in vitro. The extract inhibited tachyzoites growth with a 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) and a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50). Additionally, the mushroom extract caused tachyzoites mitochondria superoxide production, which could be significant in managing zoonotic parasites, especially in developing countries where these parasites are prevalent.
While the anti-parasitic properties of turkey tail mushrooms specifically against Toxoplasma gondii look promising, more research is needed to fully understand the scope of their anti-parasitic effects. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before consuming turkey tail mushrooms or extracts, especially for those with underlying health conditions or allergies, as side effects may occur.
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Turkey tail mushrooms are safe for human consumption
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are generally considered safe for human consumption and are well-tolerated by most healthy adults. They have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Asia, and are known as Yun Zhi in China and Kawaratake or Kawaritake in Japan.
These mushrooms are typically consumed in powder form or brewed into tea due to their tough texture. They contain compounds such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP), polysaccharide-K (PSK), and β-glucan polysaccharides, which are believed to provide various health benefits. These compounds have been associated with immune-boosting, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties.
While generally safe, there are some precautions to consider when consuming turkey tail mushrooms. People with mushroom or mold allergies should avoid them as they can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Additionally, those receiving chemotherapy have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems when consuming a substance extracted from turkey tail mushrooms called polysaccharide krestin (PSK). However, it is unclear if these side effects are solely due to the chemotherapy or PSK.
Furthermore, there is limited information on the safety of using turkey tail mushrooms vaginally or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so caution is advised in these cases. Turkey tail mushrooms may also interact with certain medications, such as cyclophosphamide and diabetes medications, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating them into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Overall, turkey tail mushrooms are considered safe for human consumption when used appropriately and purchased from reputable sources. They have a rich history of medicinal use and are currently valued for their potential immune-boosting and anticancer properties, among other health benefits.
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Turkey tail mushrooms are used to treat cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor, are colourful fungi that grow on dead logs and tree stumps worldwide. They get their name from their concentric rings of brown and tan, which resemble the tail feathers of a turkey. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years to treat pulmonary diseases and cancer.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which are used as medicine. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushrooms might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. Turkey tail mushrooms are considered safe for most people and are well-tolerated by healthy adults. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking them, especially for those with underlying health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Several studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms may have beneficial effects when used alongside conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For example, a 2012 study found that a daily oral preparation containing Trametes versicolor powder improved immune status after standard treatment for breast cancer. Another study showed that extracts derived from turkey tail mushrooms showed promise in treating colon cancer cells and enhancing the effectiveness of a drug used to treat colorectal cancers. A 2019 study also found that a fermented substrate of the turkey tail mushroom had unique beneficial components compared to other parts of the mushroom.
While the research is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand the effects of turkey tail mushrooms on cancer. It is important to note that not all dietary supplement products are safe, and mushrooms can accumulate metals from their environment, which can be dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase purified supplements or dried mushrooms from reputable sources.
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Turkey tail mushrooms boost the immune system
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) are multicolored fungi that grow on tree trunks, stumps, and decomposing wood. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, where they are known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, they are called kawaratake or "cloud mushrooms".
These mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which are used as medicine. Turkey tail mushrooms have a high concentration of these two polysaccharides, which have immune-boosting properties. PSPs stimulate immune cell production, helping to fight and protect against infection by promoting the growth of white blood cells. PSK helps support the immune system by activating the body's natural killer cells to fight off infection and disease. It also modulates the body's immune response by suppressing inflammation, which may protect against inflammatory diseases.
Research has shown that PSK helps repair immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy and strengthens the immune system. In Japan, PSK is used to help patients undergoing chemotherapy restore their immune status. Turkey tail extracts have been used in Japan for decades as an adjuvant (additional) therapy for cancer treatments. 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 faster than those who didn’t take the capsules. Another study found that the mushrooms boosted the efficacy of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most people when taken by mouth and are well-tolerated. However, some people receiving chemotherapy who took PSK reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. It is important to consult a doctor before taking these mushrooms and only purchase purified versions from reputable sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on dead trees, branches, stumps, and fallen logs in woodland environments worldwide. They are named for their resemblance to the colorful, striped tail feathers of a turkey.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. They are believed to have immune-boosting, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer treatments.
Turkey tail mushroom extract has been shown to have anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity in vitro and in vivo. It inhibited tachyzoites growth and caused higher production of reactive oxygen species in tachyzoites compared to the negative control.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be taken by mouth as a supplement or tea. They are likely safe and well-tolerated for most healthy adults. However, those with mushroom or mold allergies should avoid them as they may cause a life-threatening reaction.
Some people who are receiving chemotherapy and taking polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a substance extracted from turkey tail mushrooms, have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. However, it is unclear if these side effects are due to the chemotherapy or PSK. More research is needed to understand the full range of side effects.
