1. Date: October 1st, 2014
Author: Richard Wang, MPH
Turkey Tail Mushroom and Immune Support
The popularity of medicinal mushrooms in the United States has increased significantly in the past
decade – mostly due to the renewed interest in natural and herbal remedies. This curiosity has
stimulated new research and scientific studies on medicinal herbs such as the turkey tail mushroom.
This article will explore the history, applications, and recent literature related to the turkey tail
mushroom, and help explain why it might be one of the best natural remedies for your immune system.
For hundreds of years mushrooms have been used as natural remedies for diseases and ailments. In
general, medicinal mushrooms are effective because they function as adaptogens1. This means that they
perform broad-based, nonspecific actions in the body and support the function of all its major systems.
Mushrooms build your body’s resistance to unhealthy environmental influences, pathogens, and
emotional stress. Adaptogens are known for their ability to build endurance and reduce fatigue2.
The turkey tail mushroom, also known as trametes versicolor, functions as an immunostimulant and has
anticancer properties against a variety of different cancers. Turkey tail has been used in Asia for
thousands of years for immune therapy, but has just recently become a topic of research in the Western
world. The active compounds in turkey tail mushrooms which provide immune system support are: PSK
(polysaccharide krestin), PSP, and VSP. As described by Shibata et al (2011) PSK is reported to reduce
toxicity of current treatments used in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer3. PSK is thought to
initiate a signaling cascade that involves T helper 1 cells and eventually activates natural killer cells4.
There are several different studies that have examined the effect of the turkey tail mushroom on the
immune system. For example, a study involving breast cancer patients found that a treatment of up to 9
grams/day of turkey tail mushroom is safe and may improve immune status5. Clinical trials suggest that
numerous dietary polysaccharides, especially glucans, appear to elicit immunomodulatory effects in
tissues, blood, and the gastrointestinal tract and spleen.
The glucan extracts from the turkey tail mushroom have been shown to improve survival and immune
function in human randomized clinical trials of cancer patients6. Even with the new interest in medicinal
mushrooms, more research is still needed. Lindequist et al (2014) suggests that more investigations
about struture-activity-relationships and possible toxicological risks of these mushrooms and their
products, along with clinical trials and suitable quality criteria for mushroom products are needed7.
The adaptogens, combined with the polysaccharides in turkey tail mushrooms make for an effective
remedy against toxins, bacteria, and viruses. It is clear that medicinal mushrooms such as the turkey tail
mushroom have valuable properties and benefits to those who have chronic weak immune systems. If
your immune system is compromised, consider adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet. One of the
most comprehensive reports on medicinal mushrooms can be found here
2. (http://www.mushroomsandhealth.com/files/Files/FINAL%20Mushrooms%20and%20Health%20Report
%202014%2003062014%20(1).pdf), and includes a variety of mushrooms and a description of the
nutrients they contain as well as the aliments they help cure.
To learn more about Turkey Tail or to order directly, please visit nulivlife.com
References:
1. Naz, S. (2014) A Review: “Health Benefits of Mushrooms”. Online Int. Inter. Re. J. 4: 285-291
2. Hobbs, C. (1997) Overcoming Chronic Fatigue (Traditional remedies for a
modern disease). Veggie Life, 5(5): 56-59
3. Shibata, M., et al. (2011) PSK Decreased FOLFOX4-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Bone Marrow
Suppression in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 38: 797-801.
4. Hetland, G., et al. (2011) The Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill Elicits Medicinal Effects on Tumor,
Infection, Allergy, and Inflammation through Its Modulation of Innate Immunity and Amelioration of
Th1/Th2 Imbalance and Inflammation.
Advances in Pharmacological Sciences. Article 157015
5. Torkelson, C. J., et al. (2012) Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast
Cancer. ISRN Oncology. 251632
6. Ramberg, J. E., et al. (2010) Immunomodulatory dietary polysaccharides: a systematic review of the
literature. Nutrition Journal. 9(54)
