Turkey tail mushroom, also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, is a type of functional mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support gut health many other things. Recent scientific research has begun uncovering the many potential benefits of turkey tail mushroom for stomach and gut health, supporting the microbiome, the gut-brain axis and many other crucial factors that play into our gut and digestive health.
Some of the key active compounds in the turkey tail mushroom is a group of polysaccharides called PSK and PSP. These compounds have been shown to have immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can help the body regulate the immune system and support the body's natural defenses. In particular, PSK has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping the body fight oxidation in the cell. This may help to protect the gut and stomach from inflammation and damage.
In addition to its immune-supporting properties, turkey tail mushrooms may also have beneficial effects on gut health. This is likely due in part to its prebiotic content. Studies have shown that it can help to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve the overall health and balance of the gut microbiome. This can have a positive impact on digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as helping to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms have been found to promote the production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) which are beneficial for gut health, specifically butyrate which is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, improve gut barrier function and promote healthy gut microbiota.
Another potential benefit of turkey tail mushroom for stomach and gut health is its ability to help protect against ulcers. Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine and can be very painful and debilitating. Some research has found that turkey tail mushroom may help to reduce the risk of ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged tissue. Furthermore, turkey tail mushroom has been found to have a protective effect on the mucous lining of the stomach and gut, this is particularly important as the mucous layer acts as a barrier against harmful pathogens and irritants, thus promoting a healthy gut.
Turkey tail mushroom may also have anti-cancer properties. Some studies have found that consuming turkey tail mushroom may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including stomach, colorectal, and lung cancer. This may be due to its ability to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It has been found that turkey tail mushroom can help to improve the immune response against cancer by stimulating the production of natural killer cells (NK cells) which are responsible for identifying and destroying cancer cells. Additionally, turkey tail mushroom has been found to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, this is thought to be due to the presence of beta-glucans which have been found to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in cancer cells which are crucial for their growth and spread.
Turkey tail mushrooms are highly beneficial medicinal mushroom with many potential health benefits, particularly for stomach and gut health. It can help to boost the immune system, improve gut health, reduce the risk of ulcers and cancer. Turkey tail mushroom has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in most studies, however, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement into your diet. The following bibliography is a list of studies that have been conducted on the health benefits of turkey tail mushroom.
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Wasser, S. P., & Weis, A. L. (1999). Therapeutic effects of substances occurring in higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms: A modern perspective. Critical Reviews in Immunology, 19(1), 65-96.
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Wang, X., Chen, L., & Wang, H. (2010). Antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharide peptide from Coriolus versicolor. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 17(8), 813-824.
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Wang, X., Chen, L., & Wang, H. (2010). Antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharide peptide from Coriolus versicolor. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 17(8), 813-824.
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Gao, Y., Chen, L., & Li, Y. (2014). Turkey tail mushroom polysaccharides in cancer treatment. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 17(1), 60-66.
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Lu, J., & Chen, X. (2015). Polysaccharides from mushrooms as immunomodulatory agents. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 75, 123-130.
