Description

Turkey tail mushroom  is a powerful medicinal mushroom named for its colorful, fan-shaped rings that resemble a turkey’s tail. It’s one of the most widely Turkey tail mushroom  is a powerful medicinal mushroom named for its colorful, fan-shaped rings that resemble a turkey’s tail

Benefits of Turkey Tail

Turkey tail has well-documented uses for supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments.

 

1. Immune Health Booster

Turkey tail contains a high concentration of two polysaccharides with immune-boosting properties: polysaccharide-K (krestin, or PSK) and polysaccharide peptides (polysaccharopeptides, or PSP). PSK and PSP are immunomodulators that stimulate and balance the immune system to help the body fight infection, cancer, and other diseases.2

2. Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer

Turkey tail extracts have been used in Japan for decades as an adjuvant (additional) therapy for cancer treatments. These extracts are often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to boost the efficacy of these treatments and improve outcomes.

 

Other studies have shown that turkey tail extracts not only inhibit the growth of some cancer cells but also improve immune function in people with certain cancers, which may reduce the risk of infection.

3. Gut Health Support

Turkey tail may improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion. Turkey tail acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the development of “good” bacteria in the gut microbiome. Having a healthy, balanced gut microbiome is linked to improved digestive health, a strong immune system, and a lower risk of gastrointestinal disorders and diseases.8

 

4. Improved Athletic Performance

Turkey tail may boost stamina and fight fatigue to enhance athletic performance. A study using animal models found that turkey tail extract increased endurance and strength in mice. Moreover, the extract reduced physical fatigue in the mice and lowered blood sugar levels at rest and after exercise.

5. Beneficial Effects of Antioxidants

Several of the compounds in turkey tail are powerful antioxidants, substances that help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is considered bad because it can lead to organ and tissue damage. Antioxidants counteract the free radicals that cause this damage.

The antioxidants present in turkey tail include polysaccharides, ergothioneine, krestin, sterols, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and melanin. These molecules help to protect the immune system by reducing inflammation and activating immune cells. They also help maintain healthy gut bacteria.

6. Protection Against HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. It is also a well-known cause of cervical cancer and is suspected to be involved in the development of vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, rectal, and oropharyngeal (back of the throat) cancer as well.13

The polysaccharides in turkey tail have beneficial effects on cancer caused by HPV. PSK and PSP in turkey tail can not only stop cancer cells from developing but also cause them to die.

 

7. Boost Cognitive Function

Turkey tail is rich in antioxidants, which may improve cognitive function (e.g., memory, problem-solving) and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

8. Support Healthy Aging

The antioxidants and immune-boosting properties of turkey tail may help support health and protect against inflammation and age-related diseases. Research suggests it might help protect against various types of cancer as bodies age, including gastric, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.

 

 

 

 

Prevent/combat cancer, immune support, antioxidant