Turkey Tail
Trametes versicolor (Coriolus)
Immune-supporting mushroom with the strongest evidence among medicinal mushrooms, used as cancer therapy adjunct in Asia.
Turkey Tail is a medicinal mushroom with colorful rings resembling a turkey's tail. It contains PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP, which have been extensively studied for immune support. Approved as a cancer adjunct therapy in Japan. Has the most clinical evidence of any medicinal mushroom for immune enhancement.
Mechanisms of Action
Beta-Glucan Immune Activation
Stimulates immune cells to be more active
Prebiotic Effects
Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
Recommended Dose
1-3g dried mushroom or equivalent extract
Optimal Timing
- With or without food
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Hot water extract capsules or powder
Alternatives: Dried mushroom powder, PSK extract (clinical grade)
Look for extracts standardized to beta-glucan content. PSK is the pharmaceutical-grade extract used in Asian oncology.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken any time. Some prefer with meals for potential gut benefits.
Personalized Dosage Calculator
Get a dosage recommendation tailored to your body weight, age, goals, and health profile.
Set up your health profile for personalized recommendations
Immune Enhancement
Stronger immune response
Gut Health Support
Improved gut microbiome diversity
Insufficient data; consult doctor
Often used as adjunct; consult oncologist
Who Should NOT Take This
- Autoimmune conditions (use with caution)
Drug Interactions
May counteract immunosuppressive effects
Possible interference with immunosuppression
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Start with lower dose
Tip: Normal with mushroom supplements
Warnings
- Quality varies — choose products tested for beta-glucan content
- Those with autoimmune conditions should consult doctor
Top studies from 38+ peer-reviewed papers
Gariboldi MB et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
“We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.”
Key Findings:
- In this article, we reviewed mushrooms showing antineoplastic activity again breast cancer cells, especially focusing on the possible bioactive compounds involved and their mechanisms of action.
- In particular, the following mushrooms have been considered: Agaricus bisporus, Antrodia cinnamomea, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus.
- We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
Pilkington K et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2022)
“Due to the very low certainty of evidence, we were uncertain about the effect of adjunctive Coriolus (in the form of an extract PSK) on adverse events resulting from conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.”
Key Findings:
- We found low-certainty evidence of a small effect of adjunctive Coriolus on improved survival at five years compared with no adjunctive care (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15; 1094 participants; 3 studies; number needed to benefit (NNTB) = 16 (95% Cl 9 to 70).
- Due to the very low certainty of evidence, we were uncertain about the effect of adjunctive Coriolus (in the form of an extract PSK) on adverse events resulting from conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.
- This includes effects on withdrawal of treatment due to adverse events and on specific adverse outcomes such as neutropenia and nausea.
- The uncertainty in the evidence also means that it was unclear whether any adverse events were due to the chemotherapy or to the extract itself.
Xu J et al. • Nutrients (2022)
“In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.”
Key Findings:
- Our review summarizes the research progress on the anticancer properties of edible and medicinal fungi and the underlying molecular mechanism, which may offer a better understanding of this field.
- Additionally, few studies have reported the safety and efficacy of extracts from edible and medicinal fungi, which may limit their clinical application.
- In summary, there is a need to continue to explore the use of those extracts and to further validate their safety and efficacy.
Dou H et al. • Progress in molecular biology and translational science (2019)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- The polysaccharide content in PSP is ~60% and the peptide content in PSP is ~10-30%.
- In recent years, immunotherapy has been widely used in cancer treatment.
- However, to use PSP as an immunotherapeutic at world stage, further chemical, biochemical and pharmacological studies of PSP are needed.© 2019 Elsevier Inc.
- All rights reserved.
Szelenberger R et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
“Presented evidence indicates that fungal polysaccharides possess considerable potential as multifunctional hepatoprotective agents, highlighting the need for further mechanistic insight and clinical validation.”
Key Findings:
- Fungal polysaccharides were also shown to improve hepatic function by lowering serum biomarkers of liver injury and ameliorating histopathological damage.
- Presented evidence indicates that fungal polysaccharides possess considerable potential as multifunctional hepatoprotective agents, highlighting the need for further mechanistic insight and clinical validation.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.