Gut Health
Protects and improves the immune system
Can be helpful for the immune system while fighting cancer
Like many other medicinal mushrooms, the usage of Turkey Tail started with Eastern traditional medicine, although this type of fungus can be found all around the world. In China it is typically known by the name of Tun Zhi and it is used as a natural immune booster, as well as for fighting inflammation in the body. Its descriptive name comes from the form and bright colors of this mushroom species, which cause it to resemble an actual turkey tail in appearance. It is typically colored in brown, orange, red, tan and white.
Turkey Tail mushrooms have a wide range of naturally occurring compounds that help improve endurance and maintain intestinal health, which in turn can correlate with a healthier immune system.
It is packed with antioxidants which fight oxidative stress that can damage the cells and cause chronic inflammations. Turkey Tail contains an impressive array of antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids. One of the other important elements found in the extract of Turkey Tail mushrooms are Polysaccharopeptides. These protein-bound polysaccharides possess powerful immune-boosting properties. They promote immune response by either activating or inhibiting specific types of immune cells and by suppressing inflammation.
According to some research, the Turkey Tail can have antitumor properties. Scientists believe this is related to the immune boosting effects of the mushroom.
The Turkey Tail mushroom offers a long list of healing properties and health benefits, but is primarily praised as a natural source of the anti-cancer polysaccharide PSK.
PSK is thought to fight cancer and stop tumors by stopping the growth of cancer cells and “stimulating the patient’s response.” PSK also stimulates the body’s “natural killer cells” so that they strengthen and trigger the immune system. PSK is often combined with chemotherapy to increase cancer survival.
One of the most famous mycologists nowadays, Paul Stamets, shared a personal story in one of his TED Talks about his mother fighting breast cancer. He described how Turkey Tail helped her beat the illness. He devoted his career to researching fungi and exploring all of the benefits they provide.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turkey-tail-mushroom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXHDoROh2hA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trametes_versicolor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicinal_fungi
https://mushroomhealth.org/2021/02/24/turkey-tail-the-beautiful-one/