Immune System Benefits Of Turkey Tail Mushroom
The turkey tail mushroom has been investigated for its potential to stimulate immune system functions. Because of this, it is believed to be ideal for reducing the risk of disease. Do you want to know more about it?
The turkey tail mushroom, also called Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor , is valued for its medicinal properties. Although it is not considered a good edible due to its consistency, since ancient times it has been prepared in infusions and extracts as a supplement to take care of health.
In general, it grows on organic bases such as the trunks of trees, from which it obtains its food. In addition, it is characterized by its striking colors, ranging from dark brown parts to blackish and green areas. Why is it recommended for the immune system?
Properties of the turkey tail mushroom
In traditional Chinese medicine, the turkey tail mushroom is considered a powerful immunomodulator. Due to its interesting nutritional composition, supplements derived from this fungus are used as adjuvants against various chronic diseases, such as cancer.
A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies states that Trametes versicolor concentrates active substances such as β-glucans, proteoglycans and heteroglycans. In addition, it is a source of other pharmacological compounds, among which the following stand out:
- Proteins.
- Lecithins.
- Triterpenes.
- Phenols
- Sterols
- Fatty acids.
At present, although it is still the subject of research, it is a supplement to which anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral and anticancer properties are attributed . Let’s see its benefits below.
Benefits of turkey tail mushroom for the immune system
In eastern countries, the turkey tail mushroom is a popular remedy with a long history in natural medicine. Its content in bioactive molecules has been valued to stimulate the functions of the immune system and protect the body against infectious processes and chronic diseases.
To this day, it is one of the most investigated medicinal mushrooms, especially for its potential against pathologies such as cancer. And while it’s not a first-line treatment, the findings posit it as a promising ingredient for developing future therapies.
Turkey tail and the immune system
There are many investigations that have corroborated the immunomodulatory properties of the turkey tail mushroom. In a recent study, published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms , Trametes versicolor was found to be a source of bioactive products with pharmacological and food potential.
Specifically, it provides phenolic compounds, free amino acids, vitamins and fatty acids that are essential to modulate the immune response. These, in turn, help to inhibit the action of free radicals, molecules associated with aging and the appearance of diseases.
For its part, research by the biomedical journal Oncotarget details that this fungus concentrates polysaccharideptides, such as krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which stimulate the immune system by activating and inhibiting certain types of immune cells and by controlling of inflammation.
In test-tube studies, polysaccharide peptide (PSP) was useful to increase the presence of monocytes, a type of white blood cell that is essential to fight infections. For its part, krestin (PSK) helped activate macrophages, another form of white blood cells that are responsible for protecting the body against toxins and bacteria.
Cancer immunomodulator
Without a doubt, one of the main benefits of the turkey tail mushroom is its antitumor capacity. While it is true that it is not a cure for cancer, the research findings are relevant. These effects appear to be closely related to its immunomodulatory capacity.
In a test-tube study reported in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine , krestin (PSK) – one of the polysaccharpeptides in turkey tail – was found to help inhibit the growth and spread of colon cancer cells in humans.
In turn, a polysaccharide called Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG), which is also in this fungus, showed antitumor potential by reducing the size of a tumor in a study in mice. According to said research, this took place due to the enhanced immune response.
A meta-analysis in Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery concludes that the turkey tail mushroom has benefits in the survival of cancer patients, particularly with breast, colorectal and gastric carcinoma.
Meanwhile, another meta-analysis reported in Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, suggests that the antitumor ability of this mushroom is most useful when used in combination with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy.
Prebiotic effects that improve gut health
The balance of the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in optimizing the functions of the immune system. Bacteria housed in the intestine interact with immune cells and are key to responding to the presence of pathogens or toxins.
The turkey tail mushroom, by providing prebiotics, is useful to nourish these bacteria. In a study published in 2014, 24 people consumed 3,600 milligrams of PSP extracted from turkey tail mushroom per day for 8 weeks.
The researchers observed that this supplement improved the balance of gut bacteria and stopped the growth of bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella. In turn, another study found that the extracts of this fungus helped increase the presence of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Are there other benefits?
Beyond its immunomodulatory capacity, the turkey tail mushroom and its bioactive compounds provide other health benefits. For now, research in this regard is ongoing and it is estimated that, in the future, it may become a therapeutic option against diseases:
- In research revealed by the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Trametes versicolor gave positive results in the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- The antioxidants in this fungus, such as flavonoids and phenols, are helpful in controlling inflammation levels.
- In a test-tube study shared in Frontiers in Microbiology , turkey tail extract exhibited antibacterial properties by inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella.
How to consume turkey tail mushroom?
Today, turkey tail mushroom extracts are available as powder, capsules or pills. They are often consumed as an infusion or added to other beverages. By itself it is not considered edible, like other mushrooms, as it is tough.
In any case, the suggested dose is usually 3 grams a day for periods ranging from 28 days to 3 years. The latter should be determined by a professional, be it a doctor, pharmacist or herbalist.
Final Cautions and Tips
The turkey tail mushroom is considered safe, as few side effects have been reported. In some people it can cause digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating and dark stools. Meanwhile, when used concurrently with treatments such as chemotherapy, it tends to cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Still, it is unknown whether these side effects are linked to the consumption of this mushroom or to conventional cancer treatments. It is best to speak with your doctor before taking these types of supplements.
You need to remember that it is not a miracle cure for cancer or other diseases. Although the evidence supports many of its effects, it does not replace the conventional therapeutic options prescribed by the professional.
