Turkey Tail Mushroom Capsules (Trametes versicolor)

Turkey Tail mushrooms grow on fallen logs and play an important role in recycling nutrients from dead wood back into the environment. They are safe to eat and grow abundantly in North America — however, before foraging and consuming wild mushrooms, always make sure you have correctly identified the species.

Also known by the scientific names Trametes versicolor and Coriolus versicolor, Turkey Tail has a long history as a medicinal mushroom, particularly in Asian countries such as China and Japan. In China, it is known as Yun Zhi and is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat lung conditions. In Japan, it is known as kawaratake and is commonly used to support immune function.

Extract

Turkey Tail — and specifically its extract — has been extensively studied. The therapeutic effects of these mushrooms are attributed to beneficial compounds called polysaccharide peptides. Turkey Tail contains several such compounds that are often isolated in pure form. The most commonly studied molecular extracts of Turkey Tail mushroom are known as PSP and PSK.

Health Benefits

Turkey Tail mushroom extracts have been studied across a wide range of conditions. In particular, these extracts appear to have a beneficial effect on many body systems and may help the body resist a number of diseases, including cancer.

Strengthens the Immune System
Turkey Tail mushroom and its extracts significantly improve immune system function. Research has shown that the PSP extract, in particular, increases the activity of several types of immune cells that are essential for fighting infections.

Helps Fight Cancer
Much of the research on Turkey Tail relates to its effects on various types of cancer — and its extracts have even been approved as adjunct cancer treatments in Japan and China. Likely due to its immune-boosting properties, Turkey Tail extracts can suppress the growth of certain types of cancer.

Beyond inhibiting tumor growth, Turkey Tail can also counteract the way tumors suppress the body’s immune response. Cancer tumors are partly able to grow because they suppress the immune system, preventing the body from reacting to and halting tumor growth. Turkey Tail extract appears to be able to counteract this immunosuppression.

It also helps strengthen the immune system of patients undergoing chemotherapy — a treatment that can cause significant immune suppression.

Several studies have examined the effects of Turkey Tail extracts on specific types of cancer. PSK appears to improve overall survival in gastric cancer patients. In lung cancer patients, PSK improves markers such as body weight and survival. Turkey Tail also helps improve symptoms and long-term outcomes in patients with other cancers, such as esophageal cancer. However, mushroom-based treatment appears to have less impact on some cancer types. Further research is needed to determine the best way to use Turkey Tail extracts for specific cancers.

Before consuming products containing Turkey Tail mushroom, please consult your physician.

Helps Fight Certain Viruses
There is evidence that Turkey Tail extracts — such as PSP and PSK — may be beneficial in treating viral infections. One study found that when applied to cells, Turkey Tail extracts were able to reduce the effect of HIV by inhibiting molecules the virus needs to function. Although human studies have not yet been conducted, Turkey Tail extracts may prove useful in the future as an antiviral agent against HIV.

Another study examined the effect of Turkey Tail capsules on human papillomavirus (HPV) — a sexually transmitted virus that causes genital warts and can lead to cancer. In many cases, HPV clears on its own. However, taking Turkey Tail in combination with another mushroom extract helped clear oral HPV faster than without treatment.

Supports Nervous System Health
Turkey Tail mushroom and its extracts may also benefit brain function. Cell damage caused by oxidative stress can contribute to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Boosting the immune system response — as Turkey Tail does — may help reduce this stress.

In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, Turkey Tail extract combined with antioxidants from ginkgo improved memory and reduced the amount of brain damage observed.

Protects the Liver
Several studies have shown that Turkey Tail extracts may benefit overall liver function, particularly in livers damaged by disease. Historically, Turkey Tail has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat liver conditions such as jaundice.

Recent research has shown that Turkey Tail extracts have a protective effect against liver damage — including that caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Turkey Tail appears to protect the liver by reducing fat accumulation and lowering alcohol-induced inflammation.

Improves Gut Health
There is evidence that Turkey Tail may also benefit gut health and overall metabolism. One study found that PSP combined with a prebiotic helped increase levels of beneficial bacteria in gut samples.

Supports Healthy Metabolism
Turkey Tail helps regulate various factors related to metabolism. One study found that in diabetic rats that consumed Turkey Tail, blood glucose and cholesterol levels were reduced.