Coriolus is a medicinal mushroom with incredible potential.
Otherwise known as the Turkey Tail mushroom, this colorful fungi grows on fallen trees and tree trunks in wooded areas. Coriolus mushrooms are plentiful around the world. However, this medicinal mushroom isn’t as well-known in the Western world as it could be.
For centuries, people used Coriolus Versicolor as a health supplement, particularly in traditional Eastern medicine. The Coriolus extract is often a treatment for respiratory condition and offers a variety of other benefits. Perhaps even more appealing, this mushroom is known for its safety profile and its antiviral activity.
The Benefits of Coriolus
Given the woody and unappetising consistency of the Coriolus, it’s not generally regarded as good food or diet addition. However, this substance can be a powerful addition to a full wellness strategy when used as an extract or infusion.
The nutritional composition of the Coriolus mushroom has gained a lot of interest from scientists and medical professionals. Perhaps most interestingly, the glycoproteins (PSK) have been widely studied for the development of various drugs and health remedies. Scientists have also begun to discover that Coriolus may be suitable as a prebiotic too. Additional benefits include:
- Combatting Human papillomavirus (HPV) : A study of 61 people with HPV discovered that 88% of people treated with Coriolus experienced positive outcomes, such as reduction of HPV, compared to only 5% of the control group.
- Reduced Inflammation: Turkey tail is packed full of antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids suitable for reducing inflammation. Inflammation is commonly associated with diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
- Antibacterial activity: Studies indicate the extract from Coriolus can inhibit the growth of various forms of bacteria responsible for infection.
How Does Coriolus Support Health?
Coriolus mushrooms, like many mushrooms, are rich in antioxidants. In the modern world, issues with oxidative stress are growing, because of our growing exposure to free radicals.
Excessive oxidative stress is also linked to various forms of heart disease and chronic illness. However, eating foods rich in antioxidants, or supplementing with the right compounds can reduce the risk of inflammation, and lower the problems caused by oxidative stress.
Coriolus contains plenty of antioxidants, including flavonoids, phenols. One study found more than 35 phenolic compounds in a sample of turkey tail mushroom extract.
Perhaps the biggest benefits of Coriolus are therefore linked to the immune system, and its antiviral activity. The variety of polysaccharides in the Coriolus supports improved immune system response. Coriolus is perhaps the best natural defence against viruses, and the most studied fungus where PSK compounds have been found.
Since the 1980s, experts have been using Coriolus for the treatment of cancer and other conditions. Several clinical trials have even shown that PSK extract from the Coriolus can increase patient survival when combined with chemotherapy.
Coriolus for the Immune System
Coriolus has a unique nutritional structure that makes it incredibly valuable to human health. From Polysaccharides to proteoglycans and sterols, the full mixture of substances in this mushroom delivers incredible human responses. For instance, Coriolus’ combination of Krestin (PSK), and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) both contain amazing immune boosting properties.
These substances promote immune response by inhibiting and activating specific kinds of immune cells. For instance, PSP can increase the monocytes responsible for fighting infection.
Alternatively, PSK stimulates dendritic cells responsible for promoting immunity against toxins. What’s more, PSK activates the macrophages that protect the body against certain bacteria. Due to the ability they have to naturally strengthen the immune system, PSK and PSP are both commonly used as anti-cancer agents throughout the Eastern world.
Coriolus’ Prebiotic Effect
Research confirms that having the right colonies of bacteria in the gut is powerful for preventing disease and supporting immunity. Turkey tail could be helpful in balancing this bacterium, reducing peripheral neuropathies such as numbness, insensitivity, weakness, and pain.
One piece of research discovered that the PSP of Coriolus has prebiotic abilities that help the gut to regulate bacteria balance. What’s more, further evidence indicates that PSP is helpful for regulating the gut microbiome and balancing the bacteria in the intestines.
Furthermore, the Protein-bound beta-glucan (PBG) in Coriolus may also have an impact on the prevention of issues like excessive weight gain and obesity. (PBG) in Coriolus can help to prevent weight gain in people with a high-fat diet, while balancing bacteria in the gut.
Including Coriolus in Wellbeing
Coriolus contains a wide selection of beta-glucans, proteoglycans, sterols, and bactericide, which can transform a patient’s health. Even better, there are virtually no negative side effects to taking Coriolus. People can use this extract from all walks of life. However, it is usually better given in supplemental form than as a raw diet ingredient.
