Turkey Tail Mushroom: 5 Benefits & Uses for Your Health

If you’re seeking an immune-supporting supplement with potential anticarcinogenic and gut-healing benefits, it might be time to check out Turkey Tail. Trametes versicolor (also called Coriolus versicolor), most commonly referred to as Turkey Tail, is a medicinal mushroom that has exploded in recent popularity in the wellness space. Turkey Tail mushrooms are found globally but usually pop up among dead logs in the forests of Asia, Europe, and North America. 

Treasured for centuries in China and Japan, Turkey Tail is often prescribed for various ailments, including fatigue, UTIs, liver disease, and even cancers of the breast, stomach, and lungs.^[1] Though many of the benefits of Turkey Tail are considered anecdotal, a growing body of research supports its clinical uses. In particular, there has been a significant evaluation of its effects as an immune stimulator and anticarcinogenic agent. Let’s take a look at why there’s so much interest in Turkey Tail and its five best known uses.

What Are the Top 5 Uses for Turkey Tail?

Natural health practitioners have prescribed Turkey Tail for thousands of years. Still, modern science has revealed that polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK) play a large part in its healing abilities.^[2] These compounds belong to a group of medications known as biological response modifiers. They can help to restore balance in the immune system without needing a specific target. PSP is also helpful in reducing inflammation, while PSK may regulate toxin immunity.^[3]

Immune System Support

Turkey Tail is a powerful tool for the immune system. In addition to PSP, Turkey Tail contains another polysaccharide known as beta-glucans (a macromolecule that acts as a cell wall in grains like oats and barley).^[4] Together, these components help to enhance the immune system by activating macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, supporting overall immune function and helping the body fight off infections more effectively.^[5]​ 

Adjunct Cancer Therapy

Turkey Tail may have added immune benefits for anyone immunocompromised while receiving cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. In Japan, PSK has been an approved adjunct cancer treatment since the 1970s (in the United States; however, the Food and Drug Administration does not approve PSK).^[6]

In a 2019 review of the therapeutic effects of medicinal mushrooms, researchers said, “Treatment [with Turkey Tail] could successfully improve the antitumor immune ability by modulating immune systems… ​​decrease chemotherapy-induced side effects (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting)... and help maintain immune function and quality of life in patients with certain cancers.”^[7]

Antibiotic Properties 

Turkey Tail’s impressive health benefits don’t stop there. In another recent study, researchers concluded that the mushroom extract was effective against common bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.^[8] Their findings detail the antibiotic effects of Turkey Tail (due to its rich content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids), making it a potential natural alternative to traditional antibiotics, especially in combating antibiotic-resistant strains.

Gut Microbiome Balance

The polysaccharides found in Turkey Tail serve as a building block in strengthening your gut wall. Which, in turn, reduces possible intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut)  and prevents inflammation.^[9] Another lesser-known benefit stems from the non-digestible fibers of beta-glucans found in Turkey Tail—prebiotic effects! These fibers help nourish beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, working harmoniously to promote a healthy gut microbiome. 

Antioxidant Action

Chances are you’ve heard of free radicals. These unbalanced molecules wreak havoc in your body by stealing essential electrons and altering the structure of the other molecules they prey on. Luckily, Turkey Tail contains high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, contributing to its potent antioxidant activity. 

Not only can Turkey Tail help to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, but research also shows that it exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by hindering the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines—making Turkey Tail a powerful ally in managing oxidative stress-related diseases and inflammatory conditions.^[10] It’s easy to see why traditional Chinese medicine has treasured Turkey Tail for so long!

Best Ways to Take Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail is consumed in various ways, but it is not recommended to be eaten raw. This is mainly because the mushrooms have a chewy, woody taste and texture and may cause digestive upset. The most popular methods of using Turkey Tail are powdered, in capsules, and extracted in liquid. 

Depending on your preferences and health goals, consider mixing Turkey Tail with tea or coffee to experience the total bioavailability of these fantastic fungi.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Turkey Tail?

Turkey Tail, when used in capsule or liquid form, is generally well-tolerated and perfectly suitable for everyday use. Some reported side effects with moderate to low risk include: 

• Digestive upset (like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or vomiting)
• Darkening of the urine or fingernails
• Low blood pressure and heart palpitations
• Low blood sugar 
• Rash, itching, and redness of the skin     

Consuming raw Turkey Tail may increase the chances of experiencing these side effects. 

Precautions & Medication Interactions 

Consider talking with your healthcare practitioner before using Turkey Tail if you:

• Are allergic to any kind of mushroom: If you have a known allergy to any form of fungus or mold, it may be best to avoid Turkey Tail use. 
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding: There isn’t currently enough research to understand whether Turkey Tail is safe for pregnant or lactating women.
• Have diabetes: Turkey Tail use in conjunction with a diabetes medication may cause too steep of a blood sugar drop. 
• Use blood thinners: Because Turkey Tail has anticoagulant properties, use may increase the risk of bleeding in people using blood-thinning medications.     

Points to Remember

Turkey Tail is a medicinal mushroom with centuries of use, but it has recently gained popularity for its immune-supporting, anticarcinogenic, antibiotic, antioxidant, and gut-healing properties. 

Rich in compounds like polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), Turkey Tail enhances immune function by activating macrophages and natural killer cells—but the benefits don’t stop there.

Standard consumption methods of Turkey Tail include powders, capsules, and extracts, which can be mixed into other foods and beverages, like tea and coffee.

Side effects of Turkey Tail are generally low, but you should consult your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or use blood thinners.

Ready to try a highly bioavailable form of Turkey Tail that is vegan-friendly and GMO-free? Get started with an organic supplement like Earth Harmony Turkey Tail. Take two capsules twice daily or as recommended by your physician. 

References (10) [+]

1. Bains, Aarti, and Prince Chawla. “In vitro bioactivity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory efficacy of modified solvent evaporation assisted Trametes versicolor extract.” 3 Biotech, vol. 10, no. 9, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7447717/.
2. Benson, Kathleen, et al. “The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro.” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, vol. 19, no. 342, 2019, https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-019-2681-7.
3. Camilleri, Emma, et al. “A comprehensive review on the health benefits, phytochemicals, and enzymatic constituents for potential therapeutic and industrial applications of Turkey tail mushrooms.” Discover Applied Sciences, vol. 6, 2024, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-024-05936-9.
4. Dan, Amit, et al. “Therapeutic Effects of Medicinal Mushrooms on Gastric, Breast, and Colorectal Cancer: A Scoping Review.” Cureus, vol. 15, no. 4, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10183216/#:~:text=Findings%20from%20this%20review%20suggest,ascertain%20the%20most%20efficacious%20dosages.
5. Drugs.com. “Turkey Tail Uses, Benefits & Dosage.” Drugs.com, 15 February 2024, https://www.drugs.com/npp/turkey-tail.html. Accessed 25 August 2024.
6. Jayachandran, Muthukumaran, et al. “A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota.” Int. J. Mol. Sci., vol. 18, no. 9, 2017, https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/9/1934.
7. Mirończuk-Chodakowska, Iwona, et al. “Beta-Glucans from Fungi: Biological and Health-Promoting Potential in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era.” Nutrients., vol. 13, no. 1, 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8623785/#:~:text=%CE%B2%2Dglucans%20are%20essential%20components,)%20%5B30%2C31%5D.
8. National Cancer institute. “Mushrooms (PDQ®) - NCI.” National Cancer Institute, 14 June 2024, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq. Accessed 25 August 2024.
9. Siu, Ka-Chai, et al. “Constituents actually responsible for the antioxidant activities of crude polysaccharides isolated from mushrooms.” Journal of Functional Foods, vol. 11, 2014, pp. 548-556, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002710.
10. WebMD. “Turkey Tail Mushroom: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD, 2024, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-648/turkey-tail-mushroom. Accessed 25 August 2024.