Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on tree trunks. Their potential health benefits may include immune-boosting and prebiotic properties.
Turkey tail mushrooms are plentiful in various parts of the world, including the United States. Their shape resembles a turkey’s tail. In China, they are known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, kawaratake.
These mushrooms have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. Today, many use them as a complementary treatment for cancer.
However, a person should always consult a doctor before taking these mushrooms, and only purchase a purified version from a reputable source.
Learn more about the potential health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms in this article.
A number of studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms have immune-boosting properties. This may have benefits for people undergoing cancer treatment.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK).
In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, according to the
Below are some of the specific types of cancer that turkey tail mushroom may benefit.
Colon cancer
PSP from turkey tail extract may inhibit colon cancer cell growth, according to a
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Gastric cancer
The
PSK had the most effect in people with programmed death-1 ligand 1 negative (PD-L1) negative tumors. These tumors usually do not respond well to immunotherapy.
Breast cancer
There is limited research on whether turkey tail extract may help with breast cancer.
In one older and very small
After their analyses, the researchers found that the extract contributed to increased levels of cancer-fighting cells in the immune system.
However, this was a very low number of participants. More clinical trials involving larger numbers of participants are necessary to draw any conclusions.
The compounds in turkey tail may also benefit gut health. As with most mushrooms, turkey tail contains fiber, which helps maintain healthy digestion.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also promote healthy gut bacteria. A 2017 review notes that previous studies have found this mushroom can alter a person’s microbiome, and may cause the body to regulate its own microbiome.
Having a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut is essential for health, and
While turkey tail mushroom may promote healthy gut bacteria, a 2024 review also notes that it has antibacterial properties against several common pathogens, such as:
The review mentions previous laboratory studies that found turkey tail extract may have antiviral properties against HIV, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus. It may also have antifungal action against Candida albicans.
However, studies differ on how strong these effects may be, and not many have tested turkey tail extracts as solo treatments for these infections in humans.
People should not use dietary supplements as a replacement for medical treatment.
Generally, studies on PSK report
- upset stomach
- nausea
- bloating
- heartburn
Additionally, because turkey tail is a fungus, anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should not use it. Taking any mushroom extract could cause a life threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
It is also important to note that not all dietary supplement products are safe. Mushrooms can accumulate metals from the environment in which they grow, some of which can be dangerous.
For this reason, it is important to look for a purified supplement or for dried mushrooms from a reputable source when buying turkey tail mushrooms or extract. Ideally, the product should undergo testing by a third party to prove its safety.
Anyone with an underlying health condition should consult a doctor before trying any new supplement, including turkey tail extract.
If side effects occur, speak with a doctor, particularly if undergoing other medical treatments.
Turkey tail extract is available to purchase as a powder or tea. Alternatively, some people chop dried turkey tail mushrooms and steep them at home, or use them in cooking. The mushrooms have a chewy texture and a strong flavor.
People should not consume turkey tail mushrooms in the wild. The soil or the area around the mushroom could be contaminated with pollutants or bacteria. In addition, some types of mushrooms are poisonous. It can be difficult to know which ones are safe.
Follow the dosage instructions carefully. It is important not to take more than the label recommends.
Turkey tail mushrooms may have immune-boosting properties that support cancer treatment for some people. They also appear to feed gut bacteria and are a source of fiber.
However, turkey tail extract does not treat cancer on its own. Rather, it may be a useful addition to a medical treatment plan, under a doctor’s supervision and with their approval.
Always ask a doctor before taking any supplements. Some can have harmful side effects or interactions with other medications.
Turkey tail may be a promising natural complementary treatment in conjunction with other therapies, but confirming its benefits will require further research in humans.