Turkey tail mushrooms (scientific name Trametes versicolor) are a beautiful polypore type mushroom that primarily grow on hard wood in forests all across the globe. These mushrooms have been known for their immune-boosting properties and have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Now new scientific research has highlighted compounds found in Turkey Tail mushrooms and their profound potential health impacts. Here’s a small summary of key health aspects based on the current scientific understanding:
Immune System Support
Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, particularly polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which are believed to enhance immune function. Research has shown that these compounds can stimulate the production of immune cells like T-cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. This makes turkey tail beneficial for boosting overall immunity, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with chronic infections.
A study published in Cancer Immunology, Imunnotherapy showed that PSK, derived from turkey tail mushrooms, improved immune function and enhanced the response of human NK (natural killer) cells and the immune systems T cells which leads to its immunomodulating anti-cancer effect.
Cancer Support
Turkey tail mushrooms have been investigated for their potential as complementary therapy in cancer treatment. The polysaccharides in Turkey Tail have been found to exhibit anti-tumor properties by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. Additionally, PSK and PSP have shown promise in reducing tumor growth and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
A randomized controlled study from the British Journal of Cancer involving colorectal cancer patients revealed that taking PSK helped to improve their prognosis, reduce the recurrence of cancer, and increase survival rates when used alongside conventional treatments.
Gut Health
The prebiotic fibers found in turkey tail mushrooms are beneficial for the microorganisms in your gut. They can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving the gut microbiome. This can have positive effects on digestion, metabolism, immune function, and overall mental and physical health.
Research published in Microorganisms demonstrated that the polysaccharides in turkey tail mushrooms promote and regulate the growth of beneficial microflora in the gut which in turn attenuated some of the metabolic downsides of eating a high-fat diet.
Antioxidant Properties
Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to aging and various diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage and supporting long-term health.
A study in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms confirmed that the phenolic compounds in turkey tail mushrooms exhibit significant antioxidant activity, which can reduce oxidative damage in cells and tissues.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the body, potentially offering therapeutic effects for individuals with inflammatory conditions as well as possibly decreasing the likelihood of developing such conditions in the first place.
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of turkey tail mushrooms, noting their potential in managing inflammatory responses and demonstrated their ability to inhibit the expression of the pro-tumorigenic factors associated with inflammation.
Liver Health
Turkey tail mushrooms may have protective effects on the liver. Some studies suggest that their polysaccharides and antioxidants could help protect against liver damage caused by toxins or diseases like hepatitis or alcoholism.
A study on the effects of Turkey Tail extracts on liver toxicity published in the Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences found that turkey tail extract had a significant protective effect on liver cells, reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in mice with alcohol-induced liver toxicity.
Mental Health Benefits
Some early-stage research has indicated that turkey tail mushrooms may support mental health through their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation in the brain may have implications for conditions such as depression and cognitive decline. For an interesting look at how this is being studied, a paper from the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences is a good place to start, although more research is needed in this area.
How to incorporate Turkey Tail into your Diet
Now that you’re familiar with some of the amazing aspects of Turkey Tail, how can you incorporate it into your daily routine?
Turkey Tail can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, whether you prefer liquid or powdered extracts. We provide several options for incorporating Turkey Tail into your diet and grow or sustainably forage all of the Turkey Tail we offer:
Not all Mushroom products are made the same
Lots of mushroom products available on the market are deceiving. Most products in North America that are mushroom powders, coffee or extracts come from two sources: USA grown mycelium on grain, or imported Chinese grown fruit body extracts that may not even have any beneficial compounds left in them after being gamma-ray treated and extracted with high heat.
Instead, ordering from a mushroom farm like ours you can ensure that all of your mushroom products are made from the highest quality ingredients possible, with a smaller carbon footprint and complete transparency.
Whole Dried Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder
Turkey tail is not a mushroom that we offer fresh, however we offer 100% whole Turkey Tail fruiting bodies as a milled dehydrated product consisting only of pure mushrooms. The powder can be mixed into smoothies, soups, oatmeal, or teas. For a more robust option, try adding it to your morning coffee (often marketed as “mushroom coffee”) for a natural brain-boosting start to the day.
Check out our products page to see our variety of mushroom powders available!
Tinctures and Teas
Another option is Turkey Tail tinctures or teas, which can be easily added to your daily routine. Mushroom tinctures are typically made by extracting the bioactive compounds from the mushrooms using alcohol and water, providing a potent dose of beneficial compounds in a convenient liquid form. These tinctures can be taken directly or added to water, tea, or smoothies. Check out our dual extract mushroom tinctures that are extracted using ultrasonic frequencies for premium quality and maximum potency. All of the products on our website are exactly what they say they are with no fillers or additives. You can be absolutely sure that when you purchase mushrooms from us they are the truest version of themselves.
If you're interested in adding Turkey Tail to your diet, consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or have any underlying health conditions to determine the best approach for your individual health.