Turkey tail mushrooms are colorful mushrooms that grow on tree trunks and fallen trees in woodlands.Turkey tail mushroom benefits include potential immune-boosting and prebiotic properties
These mushrooms are disc-shaped and come in a variety of colors. The overall appearance may resemble a turkey tail. There are many of these all over the world, including the United States.
For centuries, people have used this mushroom (also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) as a dietary supplement. Traditional Chinese medicine uses turkey tail extract (Yunzhi) as a treatment for respiratory diseases.
Turkey tail extract appears to cause few, if any, side effects. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking it and only buy purified products from reputable sources.
Learn more about the potential health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms in this article.
Numerous studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms have immune-boosting properties.
For example, one 2014 review found that its extracts may help fight certain types of cancer.
Researchers studied five types of mushrooms, including turkey tail, as a complementary treatment for cancer. They conclude that “the evidence for the use of mushrooms in cancer treatment has increased significantly.”
However, none of these studies recommend mushroom extracts as a sole treatment. Instead, researchers have found that these extracts may be beneficial for people who use them alongside treatments such as chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharide peptides (PSP) and polysaccharide K (PSK). PSP and PSK appear to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
Some evidence suggests that PSP may have the ability to stimulate the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments.
Researchers isolated PSK compounds. According to the National Cancer Center, PSK is approved as an adjuvant cancer therapy in Japan.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved this product for use in the United States.
colon cancer
Colon Cancer Is Common in the United States In fact, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says that more than 100,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020.
According to some studies, PSP extracted from turkey tail extract can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. PSP may also prevent colon cancer cells from migrating and invading healthy cells, the study authors report.
However, this was a laboratory-based study. The research team did not conduct any studies on humans.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that PSK from turkey tails is a safe and effective supplement for people with colorectal cancer and other forms of bowel cancer.
The review authors concluded that people taking PSK may have improved survival and recommended combining PSK with chemotherapy.
breast cancer
According to the ACS, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States after skin cancer.
The first line of treatment for breast cancer is chemotherapy, but limited research has investigated whether turkey tail extract can help during or after this treatment.
In one very small study, nine participants with stage 1, 2, or 3 breast cancer received standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They then took 3, 6, or 9 grams of turkey tail extract in divided doses every day for six weeks.
After analysis, researchers concluded that this extract contributed to increased levels of cancer-fighting cells in the immune system.
Another study looked at natural supplements that doctors recommend in conjunction with chemotherapy. The authors suggest that turkey tail extract is the most commonly prescribed natural therapy for breast cancer patients, and describe the extract as “compatible with chemotherapy.”
Compounds in turkey tail may also have benefits for your gut health.
Like most mushrooms, turkey tail contains fiber, the indigestible part of plant foods, which helps maintain healthy digestion.
These mushrooms also have other benefits, including:
healthy gut bacteria
Research shows that having a healthy colony of bacteria in your gut can help prevent disease and support your immune system. Turkey tail can help balance your gut bacteria, which may improve your overall health.
One study found that PSP taken from turkey tails has prebiotic abilities and can help regulate the balance of gut bacteria. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that act as a food source for healthy bacteria in your gut.
Additionally, other evidence indicates that PSP regulates the gut microbiome by balancing the levels of healthy bacteria in the gut.
obesity
Limited research suggests that a component of turkey tail called protein-bound beta-glucan (PBG) may help prevent obesity.
For example, a study in mice found that PBG helped prevent weight gain in mice that ate a high-fat diet.
This study found that PBG helps balance certain bacteria in the gut, which may help prevent obesity. However, further studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Turkey tail is a fungus and should not be used by people with mushroom or mold allergies. Ingesting mushroom extracts can cause life-threatening reactions in some people.
Researchers have not yet identified any serious side effects associated with turkey tail. However, some mild side effects may include:
People with underlying health conditions should consult their doctor before trying new supplements, such as turkey tail extract.
Wild turkey tail mushrooms should not be ingested. The soil and the area around mushrooms can be contaminated with pollutants and bacteria. Additionally, some types of mushrooms are poisonous, so it can be difficult to know which ones are safe.
The turkey tail is chewy and has a strong flavor. Some people like to chop and steep dried turkey tail mushrooms to make tea, while others use them in cooking.
Turkey tail extract is available in powder or tea form. Always follow dosage instructions carefully. It is important not to consume more than the label recommends.
Look for purified turkey tail supplements or turkey tail mushrooms from reliable sources.
Turkey tail mushrooms may have immune-boosting properties that may support cancer treatment in some people. It also seems to help maintain intestinal health.
However, turkey tail extract cannot treat cancer by itself. Rather, it may be useful to add it to your treatment plan under your doctor’s supervision and with your doctor’s approval.
Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Some medicines can cause harmful side effects or interactions with other medicines.
Turkey tail may be a promising natural therapy in combination with other treatments, but further research in humans is needed to confirm its benefits.
