Turkey Tail Mushroom

Trametes versicolor is the source of PSK, commercially known as “Krestin,” responsible for several hundred million dollars of sales as an approved anticancer drug in Asia. In clinical studies of 224 patients (Sugimachi et al. 1997) and 262 patients (Nakazato et al. 1994) afflicted with gastric cancer and treated with chemotherapy, patients showed a decrease in recurrence and an increase in the disease-free survival rate when treatment was combined with a regimen of using the protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) from Trametes versicolor. By all measures, the treatment was clearly cost-effective. PSK reduces cancer metastasis (Kobayashi et al. 1995). PSK stimulated interleukin-1 production in human cells (Sakagami et al. 1993). PSK was also found to be a scavenger of free-radical oxidizing compounds (superoxide anions) through the production of manganese superoxide dismutases (Kobayashi et al. 1993; Kim et al. 1999). A highly water-soluble, low-cytotoxic polysaccharopeptide (PSP) isolated from this mushroom has been proposed as an antiviral agent inhibiting HIV replication based on an in vitro study (Collins and Ng 1997). PSP is a classic biological response modifier (BRM), inducing gamma interferon, interleukin-2, and T-cell proliferation, differing chemically from PSK in that it has rhamnose and arbinose while PSK does not but has fucose (Ng 1998). Dong et al. (1996, 1997) reported that a polysaccharide peptide (CVP) and its refined form (RPSP) has not only antitumor properties, but elicits an immunomodulating response by inhibiting the proliferation of human leukemia (HL-60) cells while not affecting the growth of normal human peripheral lymphocytes. Yang et al. (1992) also found that a smaller polypeptide (SPCV, 10,000 m.w.) significantly inhibited the growth of leukemia cells. Kariya et al. (1992) and Kobayashi et al. (1994) showed that the protein-bound polysaccharides of Trametes versicolor express superoxide dismutase (antioxidating) mimicking activity. Lin et al. (1996) showed that Coriolus versicolor polysaccharides (CVP) enhanced the recovery of spleen cells subsequent to gamma irradiation. Ghoneum et al. (1995, 1998) conducted two clinical studies in the United States using arabinoxylane, a product from fermenting Trametes versicolor, Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), and Schizophyllum commune, on rice that showed dramatic fivefold increase in NK activity within 2 months of treatment. PSK also has been found to be a strong antibiotic, effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albincans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and other microbes pathogenic to humans (Sakagami and Takeda, 1993; Mayer and Drews, 1980). Both PSK and PSP are present in the mycelium and can be extracted from fermented cultures.

Turkey Tail often known as the ‘multitasking mushroom’, is one of the hardest working medicinal mushrooms of the lot!

From boosting your immunity to protecting against free radicals, Turkey.T mushroom has a wide range of special benefits that are utilized by practitioners from many cultures around the world.

In this Comprehensive Guide to Turkey Tail Mushroom, we will explore everything there is to know about Turkey Tail mushroom and its incredible health potential!

The Medicinal History of Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey Tail mushrooms have been a component of traditional medicine in many parts of the world for centuries. They are native to North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, and their name is derived from their stripe ringed appearance – they quite literally look like the tail feathers of a turkey!

Today, Turkey Tail mushrooms are being studied more widely than ever before. Scientific research has revealed that Turkey Tail extract can be used as an effective tool in treating many

illnesses and ailments in humans. Studies have shown that Turkey.T functional mushrooms can help boost the immune system, improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and even enhance athletic performance.

The Science Behind Turkey.T Mushrooms

The active and crucial health components found in Turkey Tail functional mushrooms are called polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-P (PSP). PSP is also known as Polysaccharide peptide, an incredible compound that has been found to be effective in treating a variety of health conditions, including high cholesterol levels, bacterial infections, viral infections and more.

PSK is also known as polysaccharide-Kureha or “Krestin” and has been found to be effective at boosting good bacteria in the stomach leading to balanced gut health. Both have a molar mass of around 100 kDa, and they’ve both been linked to stimulating the immune system in research studies.

These two compounds work synergistically together to help the body in a multitude of ways – Turkey Tail is the multitasking shroom after all! These compounds can help to reduce inflammation, increase immune activity, prevent illness, and support healthy gut flora.

Studies also show that they may act as powerful antioxidants which protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Turkey Tail Mushroom for Coughs and Clearing the Chest

Turkey Tail mushroom is an amazing natural remedy for clearing the chest. It’s adaptogenic properties help to eliminate toxins, boost energy levels, and reduce excessive fluid in the body. Additionally, Turkey Tail mushroom can help to strengthen the organs responsible for immune system functioning, and support tasks of the liver, lungs and spleen to actively funnel more oxygen through body.

For those who suffer from coughs, breathing difficulties or lingering joint pain, Turkey Tail may be an effective solution! The enzymes contained in Turkey Tail mushrooms work to ease inflammation and swelling in the throat tissues, joints and muscles.

Turkey Tail Mushroom for Gut Health

Turkey Tail mushrooms are also known to be beneficial for gut health and helping to maintain healthy gut bacteria. They contain prebiotics that feed the bacteria in our intestines, which can help restore balance and promote regularity.

They are also packed with antioxidants and other nutritional compounds that can help promote a healthy gut microbiome. Studies suggest Turkey Tail mushrooms may be beneficial in supporting wholistic gut health, improving digestion, reducing bloating, and helping to restore balance of good gut bacteria and flora.

Turkey Tail for Improved Performance

In addition to providing the numerous other health benefits we’ve listed, Turkey.T functional mushrooms have also been found to enhance athletic performance and output, making them a great choice for athletes, gym junkies, dancers, yoga-lovers, acrobats, gymnasts or people who work on their feet all day!

Because Turkey Tail mushrooms are rich in antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and improve your immune system, they are able to help your body tap into these amazing benefits. They also contain quercetin, an antioxidant known to improve mental health, reduce the risk of infections, and improve physical performance. Studies have shown that daily use of Turkey Tail can help improve endurance, increase strength, and reduce recovery time after intense exercise.