Turkey Tail mushroom’s fascinating name provides us with a hint about its look. It resembles the colourful fan of a turkey’s tail feathers with a bit of imagination. They can be found throughout the world, including in the United States. These mushrooms are disc-shaped and come in a variety of hues. Their appearance is similar to that of a turkey’s tail.

These mushrooms, also known as Coriolus or Trametes Versicolor, have been utilised as a health supplement for generations. Turkey tail extract is used to treat respiratory difficulties in traditional Chinese medicine.

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K are two substances found in turkey tail mushrooms (PSK). Cancer cells appear to be inhibited by PSP and PSK.

According to some studies, PSP has the ability to improve the immunity system, especially when paired with other anticancer treatments.

Researchers have isolated the PSK chemical. According to the National Cancer Institute, PSK is a cancer adjuvant treatment that has been approved in Japan. 

The product has not been authorised for this purpose in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Potential Anticancer Properties

Turkey tail mushrooms have been proven to enhance the immune system.

According to 2014 research, its extract may help fight certain types of cancer.

The researchers looked at five different species of mushrooms, including turkey tail, that has been used as cancer treatments in the past. “They conclude that “the evidence base for using mushrooms in cancer treatment has grown.”

However, none of these trials suggests using mushroom extract as a stand-alone treatment. Instead, the researchers discovered that those who utilise these extracts in conjunction with therapies like chemotherapy might benefit.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is widespread in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 100,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer by 2020.

According to specific research, PSP from turkey tail extract may prevent colon cancer cell growth. According to the study’s authors, PSP may also inhibit colon cancer cells from moving into healthy cells and invading them.

However, this was laboratory-based research. The study was not carried out on humans. A meta-analysis and systematic review of PSK from turkey tail is an effective and safe supplement for persons with colorectal cancer or other types of intestinal cancer.

Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women in the United States, after skin cancer. Chemotherapy is the first line of treatment for breast cancer, but a small amount of study has looked into whether turkey tail benefits during or after this treatment.

Participants with phase 1, 2, or 3 breast cancer had standard chemotherapy and radiation therapies in a short trial. They next took 3, 6, or 9 grammes of turkey tail extract every day for six weeks in divided dosages.

The researchers found that the extract enhanced levels of cancer-fighting cells in the immune system after their investigations. 

Turkey tail mushrooms in Australia offer immune-boosting characteristics that can help people experiencing cancer therapy.