Coriolus versicolor, or “Turkey Tail” mushroom, benefits have been evident in Eastern medicine for decades. Over the centuries, many traditional medical treatments involved the use of mycomedicine and medicinal mushrooms like Coriolus Versicolor.
While there are various mushrooms available with valuable medical properties, the Turkey Tail mushroom is particularly sought-after due to its impact on the immune system. This substance has been proven to deliver compounds and nutritional tools that enhance the performance of the body’s various systems, while reducing inflammation.
The 5 health benefits of Turkey Tail mushroom
Coriolus Versicolor is an immune-boosting medicinal mushroom capable of fighting against several diseases. In a systematic review and metaanalysis study, this mushroom was found to improve the survival rate of cancer patients by up to 9%. Turkey tail mushroom benefits are far-reaching. Some of the most significant advantages include:
Antiviral Potential
Turkey Tail mushroom has been proven as a powerful antiviral substance, and a tool for anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1, or HIV-1. Studies indicate that this mushroom is effective at protecting against various viral conditions, including COVID-19. Regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV), one study into 61 people found that supplementation with turkey tail mushrooms encouraged positive results, such as the reduction of HPV. In fact, 88% of people saw positive results.
The Natural killer cells promoted when ingesting turkey tail targets virally-infected cells, helping to protect against various dangerous substances. The turkey tail mycelium also excretes particularly strong antiviral compounds which can protect against various forms of cancer.
Cancer Protection
Research demonstrates that turkey tail mushroom may be able to reduce tumours via inhibition of oncogenic potential, cell migration and invasion in colon cancer cells. In this study it has also demonstrated that in combination with one the most clinical used agents for cancer, 5-fluorouracil, increases cell cytotoxicity. PSK (K polysaccharopeptide) content in turkey tail mushrooms is proposed as one of the main responsibles for fighting cancer. What’s more, Coriolus Versicolor is proven to be a safe food supplement with no dangerous side effects.
Researchers believe that these mushrooms are valuable because of their significant immune system response. Studies reveal that daily treatment with the right turkey tail extracts can significantly slow the spread of cancer cells and improve survival rates. Indeed, many clinicians are increasingly showing that the best results for cancer survival come from a combined treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation together with a supplementation protocol based on medicinal mushrooms.
Gut Health
The benefits of turkey tail mushrooms are significantly important to a healthy microbiota. In fact, the right balance of bacteria in the gut is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. Gut bacteria interact with the immune cells in your organism and have a direct impact on your ability to fight off disease.
Turkey tail is considered a prebiotic which nourishes essential bacteria, and studies find that consuming the PSP from turkey tail mushrooms leads to a beneficial range of changes in gut bacteria, while suppressing the growth of certain bacteria, like E-Coli.
Turkey tail mushroom modifies the gut bacteria composition in people by increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria in the stomach, and reducing potentially harmful products like Staphylococcus and Clostridium.
Antioxidant
Antioxidant compounds in turkey tail mushrooms assist to reduce or inhibit damage caused by exposure to free radicals – increasingly common in the modern world. Oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation and certain health conditions like heart disease.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain a wide selection of phenols and flavonoids (types of antioxidant). Studies have detected more than 35 phenolic compounds in a sample of this mushroom, alongside flavonoids like baicalein and quercetin. These substances improve immune system health by stimulating the release of protective compounds and reducing inflammation.
Rich in special polysaccharopeptides
Polysaccharopeptides are protein-bound substances found within mushroom extract from the turkey tail. PSK and the Polysaccharide peptide, PSP, are two kinds of polysaccharopeptides present in turkey tail, and both have powerful properties to support the immune system.
These substances activate certain immune system cells like dendritic cells, that support immunity against toxins. The PSK also suppresses inflammation, enhances macrophages in the body which protect against harmful bacteria. What’s more, PSK increases monocytes, which are the white blood cells responsible for fighting infection.
Further Turkey Tail Mushroom Benefits
Aside from the many turkey tail mushroom benefits listed above, this substance may also be helpful in a range of other health-promoting ways. For instance, turkey tail mushroom is also loaded with high numbers of powerful antioxidants effective at reducing inflammation. Professionals have linked inflammation to a range of chronic diseases, including various kinds of cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. Turkey tail even has antibacterial qualities and may be suitable for helping to protect the body against bacteria that cause infection and illness.
To get the most benefit from turkey tail mushrooms, it’s important for patients to access high-quality standardized pure extracts that are rich in PSK. Concentrated extracts that are preferably organic, with no chemical additives will improve outcomes, and ensure the safety of the supplements.
