November 6, 2024 | by Silvana Jakupovic, ND
The Turkey Tail mushroom, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor, has been harnessed for generations to bolster health and alleviate various conditions. This mushroom is esteemed for its abundant polysaccharide content, compounds that may fortify the immune system, combat inflammation, harmonize the gut flora, and support overall health and vitality.
What is Turkey Tail?
As one of many functional mushrooms, Turkey Tail serves as a supplementary or alternative remedy for various health issues. Its moniker derives from its distinctive multicoloured rings, reminiscent of a turkey's tail feathers [1].
Historically rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Turkey Tail was traditionally used to address respiratory illnesses and bolster immune function [1]. In contemporary practices, especially in Japan, it is integrated into conventional cancer treatment regimens to enhance immune response and potentially extend the survival of cancer patients [1].
What are the Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
The key to Turkey Tail mushrooms' immune-boosting capabilities lies in their rich content of polysaccharides. The compounds Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) and Polysaccharide K (PSK) stand out for their significant biological activity and health benefits [1]. PSK, in particular, is recognized in Japan for its role in enhancing immune strength and promoting longevity among cancer patients [1]. The mushroom's overall impact is believed to bolster innate and adaptive immune responses, providing a dual-layered defence mechanism against harmful pathogens [2].
Another compound of interest in Turkey Tail mushrooms is the polysaccharide-protein complex known as PSP, which contains significant amounts of beta-glucan. Studies have shown that these immune-boosting substances can trigger the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in macrophages treated with Turkey Tail, enhancing their ability to engulf and eliminate bacteria [3]. Macrophages, vital for pathogen detection and destruction, possess specific receptors for beta-glucans like dectin-1 and TLR-2 [4]. The activation of these receptors by beta-glucans is thought to initiate processes leading to the eradication of harmful microorganisms [4].
Turkey Tail for Gut Health
Research on Turkey Tail mushrooms indicates their function akin to prebiotics, which, unlike probiotics, do not contain living organisms but support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is critical for various bodily functions, including nutrient absorption, fat metabolism, fermentation, mucosal immunity, and immune system development.
An imbalance in the gut can lead to nutritional deficits, digestive issues, and bacterial imbalances. A specific study identified a polysaccharide in Turkey Tail mushrooms that promotes a healthy intestinal microbiome, highlighting its importance in gut health [5].
Turkey Tail as an Antioxidant Powerhouse
Turkey Tail mushrooms are also valued for their high antioxidant content, which helps mitigate oxidative stress. These functional mushrooms contain various phenolic and flavonoid compounds known for their antioxidant properties, which protect cells from damage and inflammation caused by oxidative stress [7].
Oxidative stress contributes to several health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and premature aging [8]. Turkey tail mushrooms, with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may also contribute to cardiovascular health.
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in heart-related conditions such as heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and heart failure [9]. Studies on antioxidant therapies, including those with green tea, flavonoids, and following a Mediterranean diet, have lower mortality rates in individuals with heart disease, suggesting the potential cardiovascular benefits of Turkey Tail mushrooms due to their powerful antioxidant components [10].
How Much Turkey Tail Should I Take?
While a definitive dosage guideline for Turkey Tail mushrooms has not been established, research indicates that a daily intake of up to 9 grams is safe and effective for women undergoing breast cancer treatment [11]. According to Health Canada's guidelines within their mushroom monograph, the upper limit is set at 27 grams per day. Yet, the therapeutic effects can be achieved with as little as 1 gram daily, mainly when using concentrated extracts that specify the content of active compounds such as beta-glucans and PSP.
The potency of these mushroom supplements can be significantly higher when derived exclusively from the mushroom's fruiting body rather than including grain or substrates used during the growing process. For more efficacious outcomes, selecting products labelled as genuine extracts rather than those merely labelled as micronized or ground mycelium on grain is recommended. Trusted brands often display third-party lab test results on their websites to attest to their product's quality and safety.
Eversio Wellness specializes in creating extracts from organic fruiting bodies. Their organic Turkey Tail mushroom extract, offered at a 12:1 concentration ratio, delivers 1000 mg of fruiting body extract per two capsules, equivalent to 12,000 mg of raw material.
How to Incorporate Turkey Tail Mushrooms into Your Routine
Adding Turkey Tail mushroom capsules into your routine is straightforward. Consuming two capsules daily with breakfast, lunch, or dinner is a simple way to start. For those curious about incorporating these extracts into their meals, Eversio Wellness offers a variety of recipes on its website.
Where to Buy Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Eversio Wellness stands out as a functional mushroom company using 100% fruiting body extracts, and its commitment to transparency is demonstrated through sharing Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each product. These COAs validate the presence and concentration of active compounds and ensure the product is free from harmful levels of heavy metals and microbes, guaranteeing safety and efficacy.
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