Coriolus versicolor (also known as Turkey tail) is a mushroom species. Medicines are made from substances derived from the coriolus mushroom. Polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin are two of these compounds (PSK).
To enhance response to cancer medications and radiation, people take the Coriolus mushroom, PSP, or PSK by mouth. However, there is little scientific evidence to back up these or other claims. Polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK) are found in the Coriolus mushroom (PSK). These may aid in the slowing of cancer development and the strengthening of the immune system.
Trametes versicolor, sometimes known as turkey tail because of its vibrant colours, has been used to cure a variety of ailments for ages all throughout the world. The potential of the turkey tail mushroom to improve the health of your immune system is maybe its most amazing feature.
Source of Antioxidants
The antioxidant level of turkey tail is excellent, with phenols and flavonoids among them.
one research discovered over 35 distinct phenolic components, as well as the flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein, in a sample of turkey tail mushroom extract.
Antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids help the immune system by decreasing inflammation and encouraging the production of protective chemicals. Quercetin in turkey tail has been found to stimulate the production of immuno-protective proteins like interferon-y while suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes including cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase.
May Help People With Certain Cancers Improve Their Immune Function
Turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to have anticancer activities, which are considered to be connected to their immune-boosting characteristics.
PSK, a polysaccharo-peptide found in turkey tail mushrooms, was proven to suppress the development and spread of human colon cancer cells in a test tube research
Furthermore, Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG), a carbohydrate found in turkey tail mushrooms, may inhibit some cancers.
The most compelling proof for turkey tail mushroom’s anticancer effects comes when it’s taken in conjunction with more standard cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation.
Turkey tail is often used in conjunction with standard therapies like chemotherapy as a natural strategy to combat specific malignancies due to the numerous helpful chemicals it contains.
Patients given 1–3.6 grams of turkey tail mushroom per day along with standard therapy had a substantial survival benefit, according to an analysis of 13 trials.
People with breast cancer, stomach cancer, or colorectal cancer who received turkey tail and chemotherapy had a 9% reduction in 5-year mortality than those who had chemotherapy alone, according to the research.
Following radiation therapy, 11 women with breast cancer who were given 6–9 grams of turkey tail powder per day had an increase in cancer-fighting cells in the immune system, such as natural killer cells and lymphocytes, according to a research.
Role in Gut health
Prebiotics, found in turkey tail, aid in the nourishment of these beneficial bacteria.
A study of 24 healthy adults revealed that taking 3,600 mg of PSP derived from turkey tail mushrooms per day resulted in favorable alterations in gut flora and inhibited the growth of potentially harmful E. coli and Shigella bacteria during an 8-week period.
According to a test-tube study, turkey tail extract changed the makeup of gut bacteria by boosting populations of helpful bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while decreasing populations of potentially dangerous bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria have been associated to improved intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, a stronger immune system, lower cholesterol levels, a lower risk of some malignancies, and better digestion.
Some other properties of Turkey Tail
Turkey tails are high in antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenols, which may help to decrease inflammation. Chronic illnesses including diabetes and cancer have been related to inflammation.
Turkey tail extract dramatically lowered blood sugar levels and improved insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes, according to a research.
It also has anti-bacterial properties and is used in wound healing in the form of creams and ointments/
