Emily Johnson
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are some of the most prolific mushrooms in North America. They are small, tough, bracket fungi that grow in tiered layers on dead wood, mainly hardwoods such as beech or oak. They are easily identifiable by their striking appearance, resembling the tail of a turkey with its rich brown colour and multicoloured stripes. They also have a dry, leathery texture and a white underside with tiny pores. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, with potential immune-boosting properties and gut health benefits. They are also believed to have anti-cancer properties, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Turkey Tail Mushrooms |
| Scientific Name | Trametes versicolor |
| Colour | Rich brown with multicoloured stripes |
| Underside Colour | White |
| Texture | Dry, leathery, velvety |
| Shape | Tiered layers, semi-circular caps |
| Size | Small |
| Habitat | Dead wood, especially hardwood like beech or oak |
| Health Benefits | May contain compounds that stimulate the immune system and fight cancer; may promote gut health and healthy gut bacteria; antibacterial properties |
| Preparation | Turkey Tail tea, powder |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms are used as medicine
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) are used as medicine. They have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in China and Japan. In China, they are known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, they are called kawaratake or "cloud mushrooms".
The mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which have immune-boosting properties. Turkey tail mushrooms may help improve the body's response to cancer medicines and radiation, and they have been studied for their potential to slow cancer growth. PSK has been found to repair immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms may help improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive functioning.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including powder, tea, tinctures, and capsules. They can also be added to soups or blended into smoothies. However, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming turkey tail mushrooms, as they may have side effects and interact with certain medications.
Turkey tail mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are believed to promote general health, strength, and longevity. Modern research supports many of the purported benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, particularly their positive impact on the immune system and their potential role in cancer treatment.
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They may help slow cancer growth
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are purported to have numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system to fight off cancer. They are high in antioxidants like phenols, which reduce or inhibit cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and reactive molecules called free radical molecules.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). PSP from turkey tail extract may inhibit colon cancer cell growth and may stop colon cancer cells from migrating and invading healthy cells. A 2019 study found that PSK from turkey tail mushrooms helped lung cancer patients who underwent radiation treatment live longer. Another study that looked at the use of extracts derived from two types of mushrooms, including turkey tail mushrooms, found promise in treating colon cancer cells.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. However, 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.
While turkey tail mushrooms may have immune-boosting properties that support cancer treatment for some people, they do not treat cancer on their own. They may be a useful addition to a medical treatment plan, under a doctor's supervision and with their approval.
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They have antibacterial properties
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are multicoloured fungi that grow on dead trees, logs, and fallen wood in forests around the world. They get their name from their fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. Turkey tail 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.
Today, they are one of the most popular consumer mushrooms on the market, known for their health-supporting compounds. One of their most impressive qualities is their antibacterial properties, which are as follows:
Antibacterial Properties
Turkey tail mushrooms have been found to exhibit antibacterial qualities. A test-tube study showed that turkey tail extract inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica, bacteria that can cause illness and infection.
The mushrooms also appear to promote healthy gut bacteria by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful species. This may also contribute to their antibacterial action.
Other Medicinal Properties
Turkey tail mushrooms have been studied for their potential use as a complementary treatment for cancer. They contain powerful polysaccharopeptides (PSPs) that may strengthen the immune system and have antitumor properties. One test-tube study found that PSK, a polysaccharopeptide found in turkey tail mushrooms, inhibited the growth and spread of human colon cancer cells.
Additionally, a certain type of polysaccharide called Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG) may suppress certain tumors. A study in tumor-bearing mice showed that treatment with CVG extracted from turkey tail mushrooms significantly reduced tumor size.
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been found to have antiviral properties. Laboratory studies have shown that turkey tail extract may be effective against HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus. Furthermore, they may have antifungal action against Candida albicans.
While turkey tail mushrooms have many potential health benefits, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming them, especially if you have a mushroom or mold allergy.
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They can be used as a supplement
Turkey tail mushrooms, with the scientific name Trametes versicolor, are a type of fungus that gets its name from its distinctive appearance, which resembles that of a turkey's tail. This mushroom has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asian cultures, and is now also being recognized for its potential health benefits in the form of supplements. Here's a detailed look at how turkey tail mushroom supplements are prepared and their potential health advantages:
Preparation of Supplements:
Turkey tail mushrooms are carefully selected and then subjected to a rigorous process to ensure their suitability for consumption. They are first dried to preserve their nutritional content and then ground into a fine powder. This powder can be encapsulated, turning it into convenient oral supplements. Alternatively, the powdered mushroom can also be used as an ingredient in functional foods and beverages, providing a simple way to incorporate the potential benefits of turkey tail into your diet.
Beta-glucans, protein, prebiotic fiber, and other essential elements are abundant in these mushrooms. These substances are thought to be responsible for the mushroom's possible health advantages. The supplement manufacturing process tries to maintain these active components' integrity to guarantee that users get the most benefit.
Potential Health Benefits:
The potential health benefits of turkey tail mushroom supplements are largely attributed to their positive impact on the immune system. Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, particularly a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), which has been extensively studied for its immune-boosting properties. PSK has been shown to stimulate the activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes, which are all crucial components of a healthy immune system. As a result, taking turkey tail mushroom supplements may help enhance your body's defenses against pathogens and support overall immune function.
In addition to immune support, turkey tail mushrooms have also shown potential in promoting gut health. The prebiotic fiber in these mushrooms acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, encouraging their growth and activity. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to numerous aspects of wellness, including improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and even positive effects on mental health and mood. Therefore, turkey tail mushroom supplements may offer a dual benefit of supporting both the immune and digestive systems.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also being investigated for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The presence of certain compounds, such as ergosterol and trametenolic acid, may contribute to these effects. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in various diseases, from cardiovascular issues to cognitive decline. The use of turkey tail mushroom supplements may help counteract these processes, potentially reducing the risk or severity of certain chronic conditions.
Safety and Precautions:
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort when first taking turkey tail supplements, but this usually subsides as the body adjusts. As with any dietary supplement, it's essential to purchase turkey tail products from reputable sources that ensure proper testing, quality, and purity.
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They have antiviral properties
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are multicoloured fungi that grow on dead trees and logs in the wild. They get their name from their fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and are now one of the most popular consumer mushrooms on the market.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been found to have antiviral properties. A 2024 review found that turkey tail extract may have antiviral properties against HIV, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus. The review also noted that turkey tail mushrooms have antibacterial properties against several common pathogens. Additionally, the mushrooms have been shown to have antifungal action against Candida albicans.
The mushrooms contain polysaccharopeptides (PSPs), which are powerful protein-bound polysaccharides that may strengthen the immune system. One type of PSP found in turkey tail mushrooms is polysaccharide peptide (PSK), which has been found to inhibit the growth and spread of human colon cancer cells in test-tube studies. Another type of polysaccharide found in turkey tail mushrooms is Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG), which has been found to suppress certain tumours.
While the mushrooms have been shown to have promising health benefits, it is important to note that not many studies have tested turkey tail extracts as solo treatments for infections in humans. People should not use dietary supplements as a replacement for medical treatment, and anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should avoid consuming turkey tail mushrooms due to the risk of anaphylaxis.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail mushrooms are small, tough, bracket fungi that grow in tiered layers on dead wood, mainly hardwoods such as beech or oak. They are very common and can be found all over the world, but they are especially prolific in North America.
Turkey tail mushrooms have a dry, leathery texture and are thin and flexible. They are brown with multicoloured stripes, and their caps are fuzzy, velvety, or finely hairy. The underside of the mushroom should be white with tiny pores.
Turkey tail mushrooms have many lookalikes, but there are no toxic imposters. To identify a true turkey tail mushroom, look for pores on the underside, fine hairs on the top side, concentric bands of different shades, and a thin, flexible texture.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as medicine for centuries. They contain compounds called polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which may stimulate the immune system and have been shown to have antiviral properties. They are also a source of fibre and may promote healthy gut bacteria.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed by making them into a tea or broth, but they should not be consumed raw from the wild as they may be contaminated with pollutants or bacteria. Turkey tail extract is also available as a powder, which can be added to hot water to make a tea.
