Turkey Tail Mushroom Benefits: Can It Really Help Fight Cancer?

The Turkey Tail mushroom has been gaining a lot of attention in wellness circles recently and for good reason. Also known as Yun Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine, this colourful fungus has a long history of use in holistic health practices. But can it really help in the treatment or prevention of cancer?

Turkey Tail’s scientific names are Trametes versicolor and Coriolus versicolor. It grows on decaying wood in forests across Europe, North America and Asia but it doesn’t look like your typical mushroom. It has beautiful fan-like layers with brown, blue, and cream stripes, resembling the feathers of a wild turkey – it’s no surprise that it has been catching the eye of researchers and foragers alike for centuries.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Turkey Tail is primarily used to strengthen the body’s immune system and enhance vitality. It is believed to help the body build resilience against various illnesses. TCM practitioners often incorporate Turkey Tail to address lung and respiratory health, liver function, and to promote general well-being and energy.

Turkey Tail is also believed to restore balance and vital energy within the body. It’s become a popular choice for supporting people recovering from illness, fatigue and stress. However, in recent years, there has been a great deal of interest and increased scientific research into how Turkey Tail may help to fight certain types of cancer.

What does the science say about Turkey Tail mushrooms and cancer?

Let’s get straight to the point: Turkey Tail mushrooms are not a cure for cancer, but scientific research is showing that it can be a powerful ally if you are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Turkey Tail is considered an “immunomodulator”. In non-scientific speak, this means that it can alter the immune system by either suppressing it or stimulating it. This could be particularly beneficial for cancer patients, as chemotherapy can reduce the number of white blood cells in the body, weakening the immune system and leaving the body vulnerable to infections and other complications. Numerous studies have gone on to show exactly how Turkey Tail plays a supportive role in cancer treatment when used in conjunction with conventional therapies like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. [1]

What are Turkey Tail’s Immune-boosting benefits?

Turkey Tail is rich in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which are known to stimulate the activity of various immune cells. Rather than directly attacking cancer cells, the polysaccharides found in Turkey Tail operate by activating and strengthening the body's own immune responses, essentially enhancing our natural defence systems against cancer.[2]

Two key compounds found in Turkey Tail (known as PSK and PSP) can help stimulate the immune system, potentially improving the body’s ability to fight cancer cells.[3] Each has been used to develop commercial medicinal products – one in China (known as PSP) and another in Japan (known as PSK or Krestin). Both have been approved as additional treatments for certain types of cancer in their respective countries.[4]

Research has shown that they have a number of ‘superpowers’. So what can they do?

Stimulate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells: These are crucial components of your immune system that help identify and destroy harmful cells, including cancer cells. Research suggests that Turkey Tail can increase the number and cytotoxic activity of NK cells.[5]
Enhance cytokine production: Cytokines are proteins that help coordinate the body’s immune response, making it more efficient at targeting and eliminating foreign invaders.
Act as anti-inflammatories: PSK’s ability to modulate the body's immune response by suppressing inflammation may help protect against other inflammatory diseases too.[6]
Act as antioxidants: Turkey Tail is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress, a factor that can contribute to cancer and other chronic diseases.

Essentially, the polysaccharides in Turkey Tail are thought to help strengthen immunity to toxins and regulate the body’s immune response. These immune-boosting properties aren’t just beneficial for cancer patients, they’re also valuable for anyone with a weakened immune system as they can improve overall health and wellbeing.

Does Turkey Tail have direct anti-tumour effects?

In addition to its immune-enhancing properties, research indicates that Turkey Tail may also be able to tackle tumours. Macrophages are large phagocytic cells (a type of white blood cell) in our bodies which can consume and destroy foreign invaders, including cancer cells. Turkey Tail appears to boost the phagocytic and tumour-killing abilities of macrophages.[7]

Several studies on both animal models and human cancer patients have suggested that Turkey Tail extract can slow the growth and spread of certain types of cancer[8], including breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.[9] They also indicate that it may be able to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.[10]

The exact mechanisms by which Turkey Tail exerts these anti-cancer effects are still being investigated – but the current evidence is promising. The results so far most certainly hint at the mushroom's potential as both a direct and complementary cancer therapy.

The bottom line on Turkey Tail and cancer

Turkey Tail is currently used as a complementary therapy, meaning it works alongside traditional cancer treatments – not as a replacement for them. While the research on Turkey Tail's anti-cancer properties is encouraging, more large-scale clinical trials are still needed to demonstrate its efficacy conclusively. The current evidence, however, suggests this mushroom can offer significant benefits for supporting the immune system and complementing conventional cancer treatments.

What other benefits does Turkey Tail offer?

Turkey Tail offers a variety of health benefits, from boosting immune function and reducing inflammation to supporting gut health. In fact, Turkey Tail is becoming a very popular digestive aid to promote overall wellness. A review of the health-promoting benefits of edible mushrooms through gut microbiota found that Turkey Tail can alter a person’s microbiome and may help to regulate it too.[11]

Having a healthy gut biome is essential for good health. The body’s microbiome is like a mini-ecosystem of trillions of tiny organisms that live mostly in our gut but also on our skin, in our mouths, even in our noses. These organisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes, and while they might sound a bit creepy, they’re actually incredibly helpful!

Think of your microbiome as a bustling city, where each microbe has its own job to keep things running smoothly. Some help break down food, others support the immune system, and some help protect against harmful germs. When the microbiome is in balance, it helps us feel healthy and strong. But, if it’s out of balance because of poor diet, illness, stress or antibiotics, it can make us feel ‘a bit off’.

Once again, it is the two polysaccharides PSP and PSK that are thought to exert their positive effects. A 2014 study set out to assess the prebiotic effects of PSP in Turkey Tail. The results showed clear changes in microbiome health with an increase in good bacteria.[12] This mirrored the results of another test tube study in 2013, which also found a reduction in harmful bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus.[13]

How can you safely incorporate Turkey Tail into your routine?

If you’re interested in adding Turkey Tail to your supplement routine, there are a few things to consider. It’s always best to consult with your doctor, especially if you have an existing health condition or are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Turkey Tail supplements are widely available in several forms, including tinctures, powders and capsules. Finding a supplement that’s trusted and safe can be tricky. For example, research has shown that some mushroom supplements may not contain much actual mushroom at all!

These tips will help you to choose a high quality and trusted supplement:

Check the ingredients list and avoid any containing bulking agents and fillers.
Choose an organically sourced supplement.
Make sure the information states ‘fruiting body’ or ‘full fruiting body’ – some products are made from mycelium rather than the mushroom itself where the nutrients are concentrated.
Look for products that are fully traceable and sustainably harvested.
To ensure maximum potency, choose products extracted by using Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE) You can read more about the benefits of UAE here.

You want to be sure that what’s inside the packaging is exactly what’s claimed on the label. At Medshrum we stand behind the quality and safety of our ingredients and we’re fully transparent about the provenance of all of our products, so you know what you’re getting! You can read more about the provenance of all our Medshrum supplements here.

If you’re choosing Turkey Tail for general immune support, consider starting with a low dose and gradually increase it as required. Turkey Tail is considered safe for most people, with few reported side effects but, as with any supplement, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and guidelines.

As well as being a complementary therapy for the treatment of cancer, Turkey Tail offers a variety of wider health benefits for gut health and as an anti-inflammatory. If you’re looking to boost your immune system, you may consider other functional mushroom supplements such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Shiitake too. Explore the benefits of the full Medshrum supplement range here.

So, are you ready to give Turkey Tail supplements a try? If you have any questions about Turkey Tail or any of our Medshrum supplements, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help!

References

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12436306/

[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00253-002-1076-7

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19087769/

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7277906/

[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270605171_Coriolus_versicolor_A_Medicinal_Mushroom_with_Promising_Immunotherapeutic_Values

[6] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00595-011-0075-7

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19087769/

[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0734975003000028

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16133112/

[10] https://academic.oup.com/bbb/article-abstract/76/5/1032/5954931?redirectedFrom=fulltext

[11] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/9/1934