John Miller
Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom that grows on decaying wood. It is a fungus with leathery, thin brackets, whitish pores, and bands of colour that resemble the tail feathers of a turkey. Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom with a range of health benefits, including boosting the immune system and slowing cancer growth. It is available as a supplement in powder or tea form, or can be used in cooking. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the effectiveness and safety of turkey tail mushroom, and it should not be consumed in the wild or by those with allergies to mushrooms or mould.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coriolus versicolor, Trametes versicolor |
| Appearance | Clusters of leathery, thin brackets with multicolored zones above and whitish or whitish-yellow pores below |
| Habitat | Grows on stumps and logs of deciduous trees |
| Edibility | Likely safe for most people when taken by mouth; may cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite when used as a cancer treatment alongside chemotherapy |
| Medicinal Uses | May boost the immune system, improve insulin resistance, fight pathogenic bacteria, reduce inflammation, treat HPV, and boost exercise performance |
| Cancer Treatment | Contains polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK) or polysaccharide krestin, which may help slow cancer growth and improve response to cancer treatments |
| Gut Health | May promote healthy gut bacteria and improve intestinal symptoms like diarrhea |
| Precautions | Anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should not consume turkey tail mushroom due to the risk of anaphylaxis |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms are safe for consumption
Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor) is a mushroom that grows on decaying wood. It is also known as Yun Zhi in China and Kawaritake or Kawaratake in Japan. It is called Turkey Tail because of its multicolored rings that resemble a turkey's tail. It is usually consumed in powder form or brewed into a tea. It has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia, and is known for its medicinal properties.
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption for most healthy adults. They are well-tolerated when taken by mouth and have been linked to improved immune function and vitality. Turkey tail mushrooms may also promote healthy gut bacteria and are a source of fiber. They contain polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which are used as medicine. PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment in Japan, although it has not been approved by the FDA in the United States.
However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the effectiveness and safety of turkey tail mushrooms for certain applications. For example, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether it is safe for vaginal use, and it may cause side effects such as itching and irritation. Similarly, there is not enough information to determine its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid consumption during these periods. Additionally, people with mushroom or mold allergies should avoid consuming turkey tail mushrooms due to the risk of anaphylaxis. It is also important to consult a doctor before consuming turkey tail mushrooms, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are taking other medications, as it may interact with certain treatments.
When consuming turkey tail mushrooms, it is recommended to purchase purified supplements or dried mushrooms from reputable sources. Wild mushrooms should be avoided as they may be contaminated with pollutants or bacteria, and some types of mushrooms are poisonous. Turkey tail mushrooms can be found in the form of powder, tea, or capsules, and can also be used in cooking.
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They have medicinal properties
Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom that grows on the stumps and decomposing wood of deciduous trees. It has a semicircular to spoon-shaped cap with multicolored zones of black-green, grey-blue, grey-brown, and ochre-rust. The margin is always the lightest in color.
Medicinal Properties
Turkey tail mushrooms have been found to have a variety of medicinal properties, including potential anti-cancer and immune-boosting benefits. They contain polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which are powerful compounds that may help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, and research has shown that it may inhibit colon cancer cell growth and improve survival rates in people with colorectal or intestinal cancer when combined with chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can positively impact immunity. A 2024 review found that it has antibacterial properties against several common pathogens, and previous laboratory studies have suggested that it may have antiviral properties against HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and the herpes simplex virus.
Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms may improve insulin resistance, reduce inflammation, and boost exercise performance. They are considered safe for most healthy adults, but some people have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. It is important to consult a doctor before consuming turkey tail mushrooms, especially for those with underlying health conditions or allergies to mushrooms or mold.
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They can be identified by their distinct appearance
Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom that grows on stumps and decomposing wood of deciduous trees. It is also known as Trametes versicolor and Yun Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine. The name "turkey tail" refers to its concentric rings of brown and tan, which resemble the tail feathers of a turkey.
Turkey tail mushrooms have a distinct appearance that makes them relatively easy to identify. They grow in clusters of leathery, thin brackets with multicolored zones above and whitish or whitish-yellow pores below. The cap is semicircular to spoon-shaped, irregular, and thin, with zones of black-green, gray-blue, gray-brown, and ochre-rust. The margin is always the lightest in color. The texture is leathery, with alternately hairy and smooth zones, and the pores are angular and whitish or whitish-yellow. The stalk is absent, and the spore print is white. When magnified, the spores are cylindrical and smooth.
It is important to note that there are similar-looking mushrooms, such as Stereum ostrea (false turkey tail), Trametes betulina, T. hirsuta, T. ochracea, T. suaveolens, and several others. However, the false turkey tail has a smooth underside, while the true turkey tail has distinct bands of colors on the cap.
When purchasing turkey tail mushrooms, it is recommended to look for purified supplements or dried mushrooms from reputable sources. Third-party testing can help ensure the safety and purity of the product. Additionally, anyone with underlying health conditions or allergies to mushrooms or mold should exercise caution and consult a doctor before consuming turkey tail mushrooms or extracts.
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They are neither plants nor animals
Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom. It is also known as Trametes versicolor. It grows on stumps and logs of deciduous trees. It is a woody bracket polypore fungus that grows on dead logs worldwide. It is identified by its clusters of leathery, thin brackets with multicolored zones above and whitish or whitish-yellow pores below. The name turkey tail refers to its concentric rings of brown and tan, which resemble the tail feathers of a turkey.
Turkey tail is a fungus, and therefore, it is neither a plant nor an animal. Fungi, including mushrooms, yeasts, molds, smuts, and rusts, are in a different kingdom. They are similar to plants in that they are immobile and absorb nutrients from their surroundings. However, they lack chlorophyll, which is a key differentiator.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties, particularly as an adjuvant cancer treatment. They contain compounds such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP), polysaccharide-K (PSK), and CVG, which have been found to stimulate the immune system and suppress the growth of certain types of cancers. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, although it is not approved in the United States.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in various ways, including orally as a supplement or tea, or used in cooking. They are generally considered safe, but some side effects have been reported, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, especially when used alongside chemotherapy. It is important to consult a doctor before consuming turkey tail mushrooms, especially for those with underlying health conditions or allergies.
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They are used in traditional Chinese medicine
Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom that grows on the stumps and decomposing wood of deciduous trees. It is easily recognisable by its semicircular to spoon-shaped cap, multicoloured zones, and whitish (sometimes whitish-yellow) pores.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a long time. In TCM, it is known as Yun Zhi and is believed to help boost a person's Qi, strengthen the Lungs, clear the body of dampness, and support the Liver.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). These compounds have been found to have powerful immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. They may also help prevent and aid cancer recovery and survival, particularly in colon, stomach, and breast cancers. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also contribute to digestive health by modulating the gut microbiota and promoting a healthy microbial environment. Its prebiotic properties can enhance the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive function.
It is important to note that while turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most healthy adults, anyone with an underlying health condition should consult a doctor before trying any new supplement, including turkey tail extract.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) is a mushroom that grows on decaying wood. It is a fungus with leathery, thin brackets, and multicolored zones.
Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom with a range of potential health benefits. It is known to boost the immune system and may help fight certain cancers. It may also improve gut health and balance bacteria in the gut.
Turkey tail is considered safe for most healthy adults, but some people have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, especially when used alongside chemotherapy. It may also cause digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and dark stools.
Turkey tail extract is available as a powder or tea from reputable sources. It can also be purchased as dried mushrooms, which can be chopped and steeped at home or used in cooking.
