One of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms is Trametes versicolor, more commonly referred to as turkey tail because of the fascinating colours. 

Because of its use in traditional medicine, turkey tail attracted scientists all over the world and has become one of the most researched and well-documented medicinal mushrooms. 

The most notable aspect of turkey tail is its immune-boosting properties. Research suggests taking turkey tail mushroom supplements can help people undergoing cancer therapy or to help lower inflammation as well as oxidative stress. Other reports cite the mushroom’s benefits supporting healthy ageing and ramping up energy levels.

The 5 Main Health Benefits of Turkey Tail

1. Holds potential in improving cancer therapy treatments

Turkey Tail has been mostly studied for its anti-cancer effects, with more than 40 clinical trials comprising over 180,000 patient volunteers with stomach, colorectal, oesophageal, and breast cancers.

• General anti-cancer benefits

Results have mostly demonstrated the mushroom’s anti-cancer benefits, including by means of immune status improvement in those who take turkey tail alongside chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy-only patients. [5] 

Furthermore, the patients taking turkey tail with chemotherapy also reported better quality of life, even in advanced cancers, and showed signs of reduced cancer therapy symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and decreased appetite. 

A 2011 study found that women who consumed turkey tail daily had fewer signs of abnormal cell division than those who did not consume it. [6] 

The study indicates that some compounds in turkey tail mushrooms could provide some protection against abnormal cell division, which can lead to cancer.

• Helps protect healthy cells from cancer therapy

Turkey tail extracts might also help with protecting the body's healthy cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

2. Strengthens immune health

Studies reveal both PSK and PSP have a broad spectrum of multifunctional immunological effects, some of which may be triggered through contact with immune tissue in the digestive tract. 

The mushroom cell wall components like beta d glucans and chitin have complex interactions with our body's immune sensors, such as toll-like receptors (an “immune protein”), in the small intestine as the turkey tail cell walls are processed and pass through our body. [7]

Once the body recognizes fungal beta d glucans, a complex immune response takes place that can suppress cancer and tumour cell growth. It can also lead to a greater immunity surveillance and antibody production that identify and target potentially pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

3. Supports energy levels

An eight-week-long, placebo-controlled trial found that people suffering from fatigue reported increased energy levels after taking turkey tail supplements just after two weeks. [8]

The researchers discovered that compounds found in turkey tail have a positive effect on certain immune system cells that play a major role in producing energy and neurotransmitters that affect mood, while reducing other types of cells which can cause fatigue.

4. Helps with blood sugar management

When taken in conjunction with blood sugar medication and treatment, turkey tail has been shown to help diabetic patients manage their blood sugar levels. [9]

The mushroom helps by supporting healthy blood glucose metabolism, which can improve insulin sensitivity. A study found that individuals taking insulin experienced an average decrease in fasting blood glucose when taking a supplement containing turkey tail extract.

5. Promotes Healthy Ageing

Research shows that turkey tails are rich in antioxidants, including ergothioneine and glutathione, which aid the body's natural detoxification processes. [10]

When combined with regular exercise, scientists found turkey tail can lower oxidative stress in older adults, boost energy levels, and support healthy ageing.

How to use Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail can be consumed via a capsule or in powdered form. The recommended dose is 3-5g or 6-10 capsules daily.

With our mushroom products, there is no difference in terms of health properties between the capsule or the powdered extract. The only difference is the preferred method of use. Find our more about the difference between powders and powdered extracts here

If you want to give the powdered extract a try, one of the main ways people love incorporating turkey tail into their daily routine is by adding it into their morning coffee, smoothie and/or porridge.

 

What to look out for when choosing a mushroom supplement?

Choosing a good quality mushroom supplement can be a daunting task, as there are many options available in the market. However, there are a few key things to consider when selecting a high-quality mushroom supplement.

Find Out More

 

References:

1) Fisher M, Yang LX. Anticancer effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide-K (PSK): implications of cancer immunotherapy. Anticancer Res. 2002 May-Jun;22(3):1737-54. PMID: 12168863.

2) Kowalczewska M, Piotrowski J, Jędrzejewski T, Kozak W. Polysaccharide peptides from Coriolus versicolor exert differential immunomodulatory effects on blood lymphocytes and breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in vitro. Immunol Lett. 2016 Jun;174:37-44. doi: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.010. Epub 2016 Apr 14. PMID: 27091479.

3) Sekhon BK, Sze DM, Chan WK, Fan K, Li GQ, Moore DE, Roubin RH. PSP activates monocytes in resting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: immunomodulatory implications for cancer treatment. Food Chem. 2013 Jun 15;138(4):2201-9. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.11.009. Epub 2012 Nov 15. PMID: 23497877.

4) Huang Z, Zhang M, Wang Y, Zhang S, Jiang X. Extracellular and Intracellular Polysaccharide Extracts of Trametes versicolor Improve Lipid Profiles Via Serum Regulation of Lipid-Regulating Enzymes in Hyperlipidemic Mice. Curr Microbiol. 2020 Nov;77(11):3526-3537. doi: 10.1007/s00284-020-02156-3. Epub 2020 Aug 11. PMID: 32780205.

5) Stamets P. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) and the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Glob Adv Health Med. 2012;1(5):20. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.007

6) Torkelson CJ, Sweet E, Martzen MR, et al. Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer. ISRN Oncol. 2012;2012:251632. doi:10.5402/2012/251632

7) Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V, Doldo P. Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jun;21(2 Suppl):102-107. PMID: 28724171.

8) Venturella G, Ferraro V, Cirlincione F, Gargano ML. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(2):634. Published 2021 Jan 10. doi:10.3390/ijms22020634

9) Lo HC, Hsu TH, Lee CH. Extracellular Polysaccharopeptides from Fermented Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom, Trametes versicolor (Agaricomycetes), Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2020;22(5):417-429. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2020034560. PMID: 32749097.

10) Kıvrak I, Kivrak S, Karababa E. Assessment of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom Trametes versicolor (Agaricomycetes). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2020;22(6):559-571. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2020035027. PMID: 32865897.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your healthcare plan.