The Immune-Strengthening Power of Turkey Tail Mushrooms

 May 27, 2024 | Dr. Silvana Jakupovic, ND

Trametes versicolor, commonly known as Turkey Tail, has been the subject of extensive scientific study for its potent health benefits for many years. Yet, it remains less recognized than other medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Lion’s Mane. Turkey Tail is a powerhouse of antioxidants and compounds that support the immune system, boasting a rich array of polysaccharides known for their potential to enhance the immune response [1].  

Scientific Insights: How Turkey Tails Supports Immune Health

One of the primary active ingredients in Turkey Tail is Polysaccharide K (PSK), which has been approved for use in Japan as a supplemental cancer therapy [2]. PSK is valued for its ability to boost the immune system and increase survival rates among cancer patients [2]. Moreover, research indicates that Turkey Tail may enhance innate and adaptive immune functions, bolstering the body's primary and secondary defences against microbial invaders [3].

The Power of Polysaccharides: Key Compounds in Turkey Tail

Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharide-Peptide (PSP), two vital compounds found in the Turkey Tail mushroom, are rich in both alpha- and beta-glucans. These beta-glucans have demonstrated immune-boosting capabilities by activating nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production in macrophages when exposed to Turkey Tail [4]. This process enhances the macrophages' ability to engulf and destroy bacteria effectively. This research suggests that Turkey Tail may be a novel alternative to traditional antibiotics for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria [4].

The Turkey Tail mushroom has been discovered to promote the production of antibodies, particularly IgM and IgG [5]. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that the body produces after encountering foreign microorganisms aimed at neutralizing these threats. However, the effectiveness of antibody responses can wane over time. IgG antibodies represent around 75% of all serum antibodies in humans and are vital for managing immune responses to viruses, while IgM antibodies are produced in the early stages of infections.

Turkey Tail Antioxidants for Immune Support

Turkey Tail mushrooms are a powerhouse of antioxidants, crucial for safeguarding our cells against damage and inflammation. An imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals can undermine the immune system and heighten the risk of various diseases, including heart conditions. Rich in phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants, Turkey Tail mushrooms bolster the immune system by mitigating inflammation and safeguarding the integrity of cell and tissue structures [6,7].

Adaptogens: Strengthening Resilience to Stress with Turkey Tail

Chronic and intermittent stress is a common experience in today’s modern society, with its presence heightening our vulnerability to illnesses and the potential for developing more severe health conditions [8]. Turkey Tail, along with other functional mushrooms, boasts adaptogenic qualities that bolster our resilience to stress and mitigate our risk of disease [9]. Adaptogens achieve this by regulating our hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which often becomes dysregulated during extended periods of stress [9].

Boost Your Wellness: Integrating Turkey Tail into Your Life

Eversio Wellness offers a potent Turkey Tail mushroom supplement in a 12:1 extract ratio, DEFEND Now. Each serving of two medicinal mushroom extract capsules delivers 1000mg of Turkey Tail mushroom 12:1 extract, with a QCE of 12,000mg.

What is QCE?

Quantity Crude Equivalent (QCE) is the starting quantity of crude material that was used to create a smaller amount of concentrated extract product.

The strength of medicinal mushroom extracts is generally expressed as a ratio of dried mushroom material to final extract quantity, also known as the Quantity Crude Equivalent (QCE). It is expressed in the following format:

X : Y

X = weight of dried whole fruiting body medicinal mushrooms

Y = weight of concentrated powder produced after extraction (extract)

The concept here is that the medicinal compounds locked inside of the dried mushroom material (X) are found in the quantity of final extract (Y) and the majority of non-medicinal elements have been excluded.

Essentially, it's the amount of functional mushrooms we started with compared to the amount of finished concentrated product you receive in your therapeutic dose.

QCE is an important feature that must be listed on the label of a functional mushroom supplement if it is an extract produced in Canada.

High quality products list QCE in order to identify how concentrated they are. This is required for products that have an NPN licence from Health Canada.

Fundamental Practices

It's essential to remember that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to our health challenges. True wellness begins with fundamental practices: restorative sleep, a diet rich in nutrients, staying hydrated, and regular exercise that gets your heart rate up. Above all, prioritize your mental and physical well-being.

During your next outdoor adventure, keep an eye out for dead logs along your path. You might encounter the striking Turkey Tail mushroom, easily recognizable by its concentric brown circles that mimic its namesake's appearance. 

References:

[1] Hobbs, Christopher. (2004). Medicinal Value of Turkey Tail Fungus Trametes versicolor (L.:Fr.) Pilat (Aphyllophoromycetideae). A Literature Review. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms - INT J MED MUSHROOMS. 6. 195-218. 10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v6.i3.10. 

[2] PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®): Patient Version. 2022 Jul 29. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424937/ 

[3] Benson KF, Stamets P, Davis R, Nally R, Taylor A, Slater S, Jensen GS. The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Dec 2;19(1):342. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2681-7. PMID: 31791317; PMCID: PMC6889544. 

[4] Shao-Hua Shi, Wen-Tao Yang, Ke-Yan Huang, Yan-Long Jiang, Gui-Lian Yang, Chun-Feng Wang, Yu Li. β-glucans from Coriolus versicolor protect mice against S. typhimurium challenge by activation of macrophages.International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Volume 86, 2016, Pages 352-361. ISSN 0141-8130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.01.058.

[5] Habtemariam S. Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy. Biomedicines. 2020 May 25;8(5):135. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8050135. PMID: 32466253; PMCID: PMC7277906.

[6] Bendich A. Physiological role of antioxidants in the immune system. J Dairy Sci. 1993 Sep;76(9):2789-94. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(93)77617-1. PMID: 8227682.

[7] Rašeta M, Popović M, Knežević P, Šibul F, Kaišarević S, Karaman M. Bioactive Phenolic Compounds of Two Medicinal Mushroom Species Trametes versicolor and Stereum subtomentosum as Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Agents. Chem Biodivers. 2020 Dec;17(12):e2000683. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202000683. Epub 2020 Nov 17. PMID: 33058392.

[8] Segerstrom SC, Miller GE. Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychol Bull. 2004 Jul;130(4):601-30. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601. PMID: 15250815; PMCID: PMC1361287. 

[9] Wynn SG, Fougère BJ. Veterinary Herbal Medicine: A Systems-Based Approach. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. 2007:291–409. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-02998-8.50024-X. Epub 2009 May 15. PMCID: PMC7151902.