Turkey Tail Mushroom is a well known, long valued medicinal mushroom that grows in forests around the world. Traditionally it has been renowned for supporting general well-being. Clinical research today suggests that the consumption of Turkey Tail may boost both immune and gut health.
Turkey Tail Extract Benefits and Uses
Turkey Tail mushroom and its extracts are recognized primarily for their immune-boosting properties. Turkey Tail has been found to potentially enhance our immune systems through a variety of different mechanisms.
The two best studied beneficial constituents are mushroom β-Glucans with particular mushroom-specific branching patterns (our extract is standardized to contain ≥30% of these β-glucans), and most uniquely, two related protein-bound polysaccharides that have been the subject of great interest and study for their immune modulating properties.
Beta Glucans Benefits
Turkey Tail is unique in its content of two specific β-Glucans, Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharide peptide (PSP) which have been the subject of extensive research since the 1960s in both Japan and China for their unique immune-enhancing properties.
Like yeast β-Glucans, these fungal β-Glucans act as prebiotic fibers and support healthy digestion, promote favorable gut microflora. Turkey Tail has been used traditionally for thousands of years for its unique immune-supporting properties.
Turkey Tail extract contains a large array of antioxidants. Antioxidants may help support a healthy immune response. Beyond these health-enhancing functions, Turkey Tail may also further strengthen our immune systems by improving our gut health. There is currently a large body of evidence that supports the essential role of “good” gut bacteria in maintaining a healthy immune system. Research has demonstrated that Turkey Tail may increase the concentration of beneficial bacteria in our gut by acting as a prebiotic (a food source for the bacteria in our gut).
Turkey Tail is also known by a few different names, including:
- Trametes versicolor
- Coriolus versicolor
- Polyporus versicolor
- yun zhi
- 雲芝
- Kawaratake
Scientific Consensus
Turkey Tail extract is a natural supplement that may provide potent immune-boosting properties. As a supplement, Turkey Tail extract is considered likely safe. Side effects of Turkey Tail are not common but can include bloating, gas as well as darkened colored stool and nails.
