Turkey Tail mushroom
Scientific names: Trametes versicolor
Other common names: Turkey Tails, Yun Zhi or Cloud Mushroom, Japanese Ladies Fan
TRADITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM
Immune Support, Energy support, Stress Support, Brain & Cognitive support, Heart & Vascular support, Men, Women
WHAT IS TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM USED FOR?
Polysaccharopeptides are protein-bound polysaccharides (carbohydrates) that are found in, for example, turkey tail mushroom extract.
Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) are two types of polysaccharopeptides found in turkey tails (1).
Both PSK and PSP possess powerful immune-boosting properties. They promote immune response by both activating and inhibiting specific types of immune cells and by suppressing inflammation.
For instance, test-tube studies have demonstrated that PSP increases monocytes, which are types of white blood cells that fight infection and boost immunity (2).
PSK stimulates dendritic cells that promote immunity to toxins and regulate the immune response. In addition, PSK activates specialized white blood cells called macrophages, which protect your body against harmful substances like certain bacteria (3).
Turkey tail also contains an impressive array of antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids (4).
In fact, one study detected over 35 different phenolic compounds in a sample of turkey tail mushroom extract, along with the flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein (5).
Phenol and flavonoid antioxidants promote immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds ().
View Important Precautions
Chemistry:
The principle chemical constituents consist of:
Polysaccharides – protein-bound PSP and β-1,3 and β-1,4 glucans, triterpenes
Parts Used
fruiting body, mycelium
Additional Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6044372/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23497877
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206987/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517545/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010034/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5084045/
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
