John Miller
Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) is a fungus that grows on dead logs, stumps, and branches in deciduous forests in Asia, Europe, and North America. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat various health conditions. The mushroom contains compounds such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which are believed to have medicinal properties. Some of the potential health benefits of turkey tail mushroom include boosting the immune system, improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood sugar levels. It is also believed to have protective effects against liver damage and improving athletic performance. While generally safe for most people, there are some potential side effects and precautions to consider when consuming turkey tail mushroom, especially for those with diabetes, mushroom allergies, or undergoing chemotherapy. So, does turkey tail mushroom lower cortisol?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cortisol levels | Turkey tail mushrooms are adaptogens, which help the body adapt to various types of stressors. They interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stabilize cortisol levels under stress and assist the body in reaching balance. |
| Safety | Turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most people when taken by mouth. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking them as a supplement, especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have allergies to mushrooms or molds. |
| Dosage | There is no standard dosage for turkey tail mushrooms. Dosages vary widely in studies exploring the benefits of extracts and supplements. |
| Side effects | Turkey tail mushrooms have few reported side effects. Some people may experience digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and dark stools. In vaginal use, it might cause itching and irritation. |
| Drug interactions | Turkey tail mushrooms may lower blood sugar levels and cause them to drop too low when taken with diabetes medications. They may also change how quickly the liver breaks down certain medications, altering their effects and side effects. |
| Benefits | The potential benefits of turkey tail mushrooms include immune-boosting, anti-cancer, improved nervous system function, improved cognitive function, enhanced athletic performance, improved gut health, reduced inflammation, and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms are adaptogens
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) are medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years to treat various health conditions. They are safe for most people when consumed orally, but caution is advised for those with mushroom or mold allergies. They are known as Yun Zhi in China and Kawaratake in Japan, where they have been used in traditional medicine.
These mushrooms contain polysaccharopeptides, including polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are believed to be responsible for their medicinal properties. Turkey tail mushrooms have been studied for their potential benefits in cancer treatment, boosting the immune system, improving nervous system function, and protecting the liver.
Research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may positively impact gut health by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful species. They have also been found to improve athletic performance, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar levels, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. While turkey tail mushrooms offer a range of potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand their effects, especially in human subjects.
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They may lower blood sugar
Turkey tail mushroom is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used to treat various health conditions for hundreds of years. One of its potential benefits is its ability to lower blood sugar levels, which can be particularly useful for people with type 2 diabetes.
In a study on rats with type 2 diabetes, turkey tail extract was found to significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. Similarly, a mouse study showed that treated mice experienced lower blood sugar levels both at rest and after exercise. These findings suggest that turkey tail mushroom may help manage blood sugar levels in certain individuals.
However, it is important to note that combining turkey tail mushroom with diabetes medications may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor blood sugar levels when taking turkey tail mushroom alongside diabetes medications. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the supplement and dosage are appropriate for individual needs.
Turkey tail mushroom contains a chemical called polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which may contribute to its blood sugar-lowering effects. PSP has been found to improve insulin resistance and enhance the body's response to glucose metabolism. By influencing these key aspects of blood sugar regulation, PSP in turkey tail mushroom may play a significant role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
While the potential blood sugar-lowering properties of turkey tail mushroom offer promising health benefits, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and optimal dosage. As with any supplement, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating turkey tail mushroom into your routine, especially if you are taking medications or have underlying health conditions.
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They may improve athletic performance
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used medicinally for hundreds of years, particularly in Asian countries such as China and Japan. They are considered safe for most people to consume and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits. One of these potential advantages is improved athletic performance.
Turkey tail mushrooms are believed to enhance exercise performance by reducing physical fatigue. In one study, mice treated with turkey tail mushroom extract were able to exercise for longer without getting tired. The extract also reduced their blood sugar levels at rest and after exercise. These findings suggest that turkey tail mushrooms may boost stamina and endurance, though more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
The key to improved athletic performance may lie in the mushroom's ability to enhance oxygen utilization. Turkey tail mushrooms are thought to increase ATP production, which in turn improves cellular oxygen absorption. This leads to higher energy levels, enabling athletes to train for longer periods at high intensity.
Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds called PSP and PSK, which have been shown to boost immune-modulating cells such as T- and B-cells, natural killer cells, and cytokines. By improving immune function, turkey tail mushrooms may help athletes stay healthy and perform at their best.
While the research on the athletic benefits of turkey tail mushrooms is still emerging, the evidence suggests that this functional mushroom may offer a range of advantages for those looking to enhance their physical performance.
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They can be used to treat HPV
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for hundreds of years to treat various health conditions. It is packed with antioxidants and other health-boosting compounds. Turkey tail mushrooms are safe to eat and grow abundantly in North America, though it is important to be confident about the mushroom before consuming it.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been found to be effective in treating HPV. A study of 91 women with an HPV infection found that 84.9% of those treated with a turkey tail-based vaginal gel had a normal pap smear and colposcopy 6 months after treatment. This compared to 64.5% of those who didn’t use the gel. In addition, 59.6% of women treated were completely cleared of the virus compared to 41.9% of those who weren’t. Another randomized, single-blind study evaluated the ability of a medicinal mushroom combination of T. versicolor plus G. lucidum to treat oral HPV. After 2 months of treatment, HPV was cleared in 87.8% of those receiving the T. versicolor/G. lucidum combination compared with 5% in the control group. Turkey tail may also be able to boost the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.
The therapeutic effects of turkey tail mushrooms are attributed to molecules called polysaccharide peptides, specifically PSP and PSK. These molecules have been found to boost the activity of several immune cell types, which are essential for fighting off infection. Turkey tail mushrooms also positively impact gut bacterial balance by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful species. This may further contribute to their effectiveness in treating HPV.
It is important to note that while turkey tail mushrooms have shown promising results in treating HPV, more research is needed to fully understand their direct impact on human health. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.
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They may help fight cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms are full of antioxidants and other compounds that have been linked to improved health. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat lung diseases and have been studied extensively for their potential health benefits.
The mushrooms contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushrooms may help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. Turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to improve the response to chemotherapy in some people with certain types of 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 into breast cancer patients found that the mushrooms appeared to boost the efficacy of chemotherapy. A Vietnam War veteran with stage 4 liver cancer wrote to UCLA Health, reporting that all but one of his tumors had shrunk after undergoing immunotherapy and taking turkey tail mushroom extract.
In Japan, turkey tail mushrooms are often used alongside standard cancer treatment. PSK, a compound found in turkey tail mushrooms, is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan. A preparation made from the turkey tail mushroom, known as krestin, has been used as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment for breast, lung, gastric, pancreatic, and liver cancer in Japan for decades.
While turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to have potential benefits in fighting cancer, it is important to note that the FDA has not approved the use of turkey tail or its active compound PSK as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail mushrooms are often used to boost the immune system, fight cancer, improve nervous system function, improve gut health, and lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most people when taken by mouth. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have allergies.
Yes, turkey tail mushrooms are adaptogens, which help stabilize cortisol levels under stress and assist the body in reaching balance.
