Laura Smith
Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on tree trunks and fallen logs. They are named for their colorful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. These mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where they are known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, where they are called kawaratake. Modern research has confirmed that compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms have an effect on the immune system, acting as nonspecific immune modulators. They contain polysaccharides, such as polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP), which are used in some countries as adjunct therapies for cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms may also promote healthy gut bacteria and have antiviral properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that fan out in layers, showcasing bands of deep browns, blues, greens, oranges, and creamy whites. |
| Scientific Name | Trametes versicolor |
| Other Names | Coriolus versicolor, Yun Zhi (China), kawaratake (Japan), Turkey Tail |
| Habitat | Turkey tail mushrooms grow on tree trunks, stumps, and decomposing wood. |
| Health Benefits | Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries and are known for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. They may also support gut health and help control Candida and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). |
| Cancer Treatment | Turkey tail mushrooms are used as complementary cancer treatments, especially for colorectal, lung, gastric, pancreatic, liver, and breast cancer. They may help improve the response to chemotherapy and radiation and reduce their side effects. |
| Safety | Turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most healthy adults when consumed orally. However, some people receiving chemotherapy and taking a substance extracted from the mushroom called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms and cancer treatment
Turkey tail mushrooms, or Trametes versicolor, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat pulmonary diseases. They are also known as Yun Zhi in China and Kawaratake (meaning roof tile fungus) in Japan. They get their name from their colourful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail.
Turkey tail mushrooms are one of the most well-researched medicinal mushrooms. They contain polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which have been shown to stimulate the immune system and have anti-tumour properties. A 2017 study found that turkey tail mushrooms contain 35 different phenolic compounds, as well as polysaccharopeptides, including krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which may help boost the body's immune system.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as a complementary treatment for cancer in conjunction with other therapies. They are generally considered safe and possibly even helpful for cancer patients. However, they cannot replace anticancer drugs, and patients should consult their doctor before taking them. In Japan, PSK, derived from turkey tail mushrooms, is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment. A 2015 review found that using PSK from turkey tail mushrooms helped lung cancer patients who underwent radiation treatment live longer, and improved their body weight, immune function, and quality of life. Another study found that turkey tail mushrooms may be effective in treating colon cancer cells.
Turkey tail mushrooms are available as a powder or tea, or can be chopped and steeped at home, or used in cooking. They have a chewy texture and a strong flavour.
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Immune-boosting properties
Turkey tail mushrooms are well-known for their medicinal properties, particularly their ability to boost immunity and fight disease. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat various health conditions. Modern research has confirmed that compounds in turkey tail mushrooms, such as polysaccharide-K (krestin, or PSK) and polysaccharide peptides (PSP), have an impact on the immune system. These compounds act as nonspecific immune modulators, stimulating or suppressing immune function in a general way.
Test-tube studies have shown that PSP increases monocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infection and boosts immunity. PSK, on the other hand, stimulates dendritic cells, which promote immunity to toxins and regulate the immune response. Additionally, PSK activates natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that protects against pathogens and cancerous tumors. The combination of PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushrooms may help slow cancer growth and improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also believed to improve gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut microbiome, including acidophilus and bifidobacterium. This can have a positive impact on immunity as well. Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms contain a variety of powerful antioxidants that may help boost the immune system and protect against inflammation and age-related diseases. Research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may be particularly effective in supporting the treatment of certain types of cancer, including lung, breast, gastric, and colorectal cancers.
Overall, turkey tail mushrooms have a wide range of immune-boosting properties that have been recognized in traditional medicine and are now being validated by modern scientific research. While generally considered safe, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before consuming turkey tail mushrooms or any other supplement, especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing medical treatment for specific conditions.
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Prebiotic benefits
Turkey tail mushrooms are multicoloured fungi that grow on dead trees, branches, stumps, and logs in woodland environments worldwide. They are named for their resemblance to the plume of feathers on turkeys. The mushrooms are also known as Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, Yun Zhi (in China), kawaratake (in Japan), and cloud mushrooms.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. They are known for their wide array of health benefits, especially regarding immune support and gut health. The prebiotic benefits of turkey tail mushrooms include:
- Support for digestive health: Turkey tail mushrooms act as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy balance of bacteria in the gut is critical for maintaining a strong immune system. A 2014 clinical trial found that Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) from Trametes Versicolor was an effective prebiotic, stimulating the growth of certain probiotic populations and suppressing pathogenic species.
- Improved gut health: Turkey tail mushrooms can help improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion. A 2014 study found that turkey tail extract increased the number of beneficial bacteria and suppressed the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
- Reduced symptoms of leaky gut: Turkey tail mushrooms can help control symptoms of leaky gut, a condition where bacteria and toxins are able to pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
- Help with controlling Candida and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): Turkey tail mushrooms have antifungal properties against Candida albicans.
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Antiviral properties
Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on tree trunks and dead logs in wooded areas worldwide. They are named for their fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and are also used in Japanese Kampo medicine.
Modern scientific research has revealed that turkey tail mushrooms possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, including antibacterial, antiviral, and weak antifungal properties. Specifically, turkey tail mushrooms exhibit antiviral activity against HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The antiviral properties of turkey tail mushrooms are attributed to the presence of polysaccharides, particularly polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptides (PSP), which are known to boost immunity.
The polysaccharides in turkey tail mushrooms prime immune cells to protect the body against viral infections. They promote the growth of white blood cells, enhance immune response, and increase the immune system's inherent antiviral signals, thereby strengthening the body's defences against viruses. In addition to their antiviral properties, turkey tail mushrooms have been found to support gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and aid in cancer treatment as an immune-enhancing therapy.
While turkey tail mushrooms have demonstrated promising antiviral effects in laboratory studies, it is important to note that not many studies have tested turkey tail extracts as solo treatments for viral infections in humans. Additionally, anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should exercise caution when considering the use of turkey tail mushrooms or extracts.
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Anti-inflammatory effects
Turkey tail mushrooms are medicinal mushrooms with a wide range of health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants and other compounds that can improve health and protect against inflammation and age-related diseases.
The mushrooms contain a variety of phenolic compounds, flavonoid antioxidants, and polysaccharides. These molecules help to reduce inflammation and activate immune cells. For example, the flavonoid antioxidant quercetin inhibits the release of the pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) while promoting the release of immunoprotective proteins like interferon-y.
Turkey tail mushrooms also contain polysaccharopeptides, which are protein-bound polysaccharides. Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) are two types of polysaccharopeptides found in turkey tails. These polysaccharopeptides have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. 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 PSK, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, improved survival rates in people with colorectal or intestinal cancer.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, turkey tail mushroom may also improve cognitive function, reduce fatigue, improve athletic performance, and protect against certain types of cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail mushrooms are believed to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. They are also thought to promote healthy gut bacteria.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). These compounds stimulate the release of protective compounds and immunoprotective proteins, enhancing immune system health.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which are believed to slow cancer growth. A 2019 laboratory study found that PSP from turkey tail extract may inhibit colon cancer cell growth and stop them from invading healthy cells.
