Mushroom Index
Turkey Tail
With the artistry of a painter's palette and the potency of a pharmaceutical drug, Turkey Tail is a living testament to nature's ability to both delight the mind and heal the body.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
Overview
The Turkey Tail mushroom, aptly named for its fan-like form and vibrant, concentric rings in hues of russet, amber and chocolate (mirroring its namesake’s plume), makes its home on decaying logs across a diverse range of climates. Its scientific name, Trametes versicolor is a nod to its variable colors ('versicolor') and thin structure ('trametes').
This common woodland fungus, though not as heralded as some of its medicinal kin, is an immune-boosting powerhouse and over the years has quietly become one of the world’s most highly researched fungus species. Its potential as a supportive agent in cancer treatment and its ability to enhance gut health makes it a significant contributor to the medicinal mushroom family.
Other Names:
- Yun Zhi - “Cloud Mushroom” in China)
- Kawaratake - “Riverbank Mushroom” in Japan)
- Coriolus versicolor - scientific synonym
Benefits
Encourages immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the production of protective compounds.
Encourages a healthy microbiome by nourishing helpful gut bacteria.
When used regularly, Turkey Tail extract can inhibit cancerous cell growth in susceptible body cells.
Reduces cholesterol and is capable of blood-glucose regulation.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
History of Use
Turkey Tail’s use in traditional healing systems spans centuries and continents. Historical Chinese texts have referenced it since at least the Ming Dynasty for boosting Wei Qi (defensive energy).
Meanwhile, in ancient Japan, Turkey Tail blended with green tea formed a traditional elixir for living long and well. Further west in Mexico, Turkey Tail, referred to as "cola de pavo", is embedded in both folk medicine and spiritual practices.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
Optimal Cultivation Process
Cultivating the fruiting body of Turkey Tail is optimal for obtaining the highest proportion of desired bioactive compounds, such as Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharide-P (PSP). The fruiting body contains higher concentrations of these bioactive compounds compared to the mycelium.
Growing conditions and substrate:
Turkey Tail prefers hardwood sawdust, often supplemented with wheat bran, as a substrate. It requires high humidity(85-90%) and temperatures between 60-75°F(15-24°C). Adequate air exchange is essential for healthy growth and preventing contamination.
Measures to avoid unwanted or poor-quality produce:
Ensuring proper sterilization of the substrate and maintaining a clean growing environment are crucial to prevent contamination from bacteria, mold, or other fungi. Regularly monitoring humidity, temperature, and air exchange helps ensure optimal growth conditions and high-quality produce.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
Optimal Extraction Process
Turkey Tail's main bio-active compounds, Polysaccharide-K(PSK) and Polysaccharide-P(PSP), as well as beta-glucans, are water-soluble polysaccharides. Therefore, hot water extraction is the optimal method for obtaining the highest quantity of these compounds.
In the hot water extraction process, the mushroom is simmered in water to break down the cell walls and release the water-soluble compounds. This method ensures that the essential polysaccharides and beta-glucans in Turkey Tail are effectively extracted for maximum therapeutic benefits.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
Key Active Compounds
Key Active Compounds
PSK
PSK, also known as Krestin, is one of the most thoroughly researched mushroom compounds to date. It exhibits strong immunomodulatory activity, primarily by stimulating the body's own immune system to fight disease.
PSK works by activating various types of immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which play a key role in immune defense. Moreover, it stimulates the production of cytokines, the body's chemical messengers that control immune responses.
This stimulation helps the body to mount a more effective defense against cancer cells.
Key Active Compounds
PSP
PSP, isolated more recently in the 1980s, is structurally similar to PSK but has been found to possess its own unique health benefits. Like PSK, PSP is also an immunomodulator, but it has been particularly noted for its potential anticancer activity.
PSP appears to inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells, including those in breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Research is still ongoing to fully elucidate PSP's mechanisms of action, but initial studies suggest that it may work by triggering apoptosis(programmed cell death) in cancer cells, thereby limiting their growth and spread.
Moreover, PSP appears to have prebiotic abilities that play a significant role in regulating gut bacteria, thereby promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which is intricately connected with overall immunity and health.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
Selected Clinical Studies
