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Turkey Tails Mushroom Extract

Also known as: Coriolus versicolor, Turkey Tail mushroom, PSP, PSK, Trametes versicolor

Overview

Turkey Tail mushroom extract is derived from the fruiting body of *Trametes versicolor*, a common wood-decaying fungus. It is primarily recognized for its immunomodulatory properties, attributed to bioactive compounds like polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). This extract is widely used as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment to improve survival rates and mitigate adverse effects associated with conventional treatments. Research also indicates potential antimicrobial and bone health benefits, though these areas require further clinical validation. The scientific evidence supporting its use in oncology is robust, with numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses confirming its efficacy and safety profile.

Benefits

Turkey Tail mushroom extract offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in the context of cancer care. Meta-analyses of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 2,587 cancer patients have shown significant improvements in overall survival and disease-free survival when Turkey Tail extracts are used as an adjunct to standard treatments, especially in gastric, colorectal, lung, and hepatocellular carcinomas. For instance, PSK supplementation post-gastrectomy reduced mortality risk and lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients. In colorectal cancer, its adjunctive use has been shown to reduce adverse effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy while improving survival outcomes. Beyond cancer, in vitro studies suggest antiparasitic activity, with methanol extract inhibiting *Toxoplasma gondii* growth. Preclinical animal models also indicate that Turkey Tail polysaccharopeptides may reduce bone loss and improve bone strength in conditions like diabetic osteoporosis and metastatic cancer. Clinical trials have also observed increases in B- and T-lymphocyte counts, indicating enhanced immune function.

How it works

Turkey Tail extracts, primarily through their polysaccharopeptides (PSP and PSK), exert their effects by stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. These compounds enhance lymphocyte proliferation and activity, leading to improved host defense mechanisms. The immunomodulatory effects involve the upregulation of various cytokines and an increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity, which are crucial for targeting and eliminating tumor cells and pathogens. In the context of antiparasitic action, the extract has been shown to induce reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial disruption in parasites like *T. gondii*. The bioavailability of these polysaccharides is influenced by the extraction method, with absorption and metabolism often occurring via gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Side effects

Turkey Tail extracts are generally well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. While specific common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) are not extensively documented, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been consistently reported in high-quality studies. However, safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, and caution is advised in these populations. Individuals with autoimmune conditions or those on immunosuppressant medications should consult a healthcare professional before use due to its immune-modulating properties. Overall, serious adverse events are rare, making it a relatively safe adjunctive therapy.

Dosage

In clinical trials for cancer adjunctive therapy, PSK doses typically range from 3 grams per day, administered orally. This dosage is often used concurrently with conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy to maximize immune support and therapeutic benefits. For preclinical studies investigating bone health, animal models have utilized doses of 100 mg/kg. However, optimal human dosing for antiparasitic effects has not been established, as current data is primarily from in vitro studies, and clinical validation is required. The timing of administration is generally aligned with standard cancer treatments to provide continuous immune support throughout the therapeutic regimen. It is crucial to use extracts standardized for active compounds like PSK/PSP to ensure consistent efficacy.

FAQs

Is Turkey Tail safe to use with chemotherapy?

Yes, randomized controlled trials indicate that Turkey Tail is safe to use as an adjunctive therapy with chemotherapy and may help reduce chemotherapy's adverse effects while improving patient outcomes.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Survival benefits in cancer studies are typically observed over months to years. Immune modulation, however, may be detectable within weeks of consistent supplementation.

Does it cure cancer?

No, Turkey Tail is not a standalone cure for cancer. It functions as an adjunctive therapy that supports immune function and may improve survival rates and quality of life when used alongside conventional treatments.

Are all Turkey Tail supplements equal?

No, the efficacy of Turkey Tail supplements can vary significantly. It depends on the extraction method and the standardization of active compounds like PSK and PSP, which are crucial for its therapeutic effects.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10183216/ – This retrospective cohort study involving 10,617 gastric cancer patients post-gastrectomy found that adjunctive PSK therapy significantly reduced the risk of mortality. The study highlights the potential of PSK to improve long-term survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients, despite its retrospective design.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9707730/ – This Cochrane systematic review of randomized controlled trials in colorectal cancer concluded that Coriolus versicolor extracts reduced adverse effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and improved survival outcomes. The review underscores the high-quality evidence supporting its use as an adjunctive therapy in this cancer type.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35676-6 – This in vitro study demonstrated that a methanol extract of Turkey Tail inhibited *Toxoplasma gondii* tachyzoite growth with an IC50 of approximately 6 µg/mL, exhibiting low cytotoxicity. The findings suggest a potential antiparasitic role for Turkey Tail, though further clinical research is needed.
https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Turkey_Tail_Mushrooms.pdf – This meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 2,587 cancer patients found a significant survival advantage when Turkey Tail was used as an adjunctive therapy. The study highlights the consistent benefits across various cancer types, despite some variability in extract preparations.