Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey tail mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor) have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal properties and antioxidant activity. They are a part of the Polyporaceae family of fungi. In Chinese medicine, they have been used to enhance immune function, detoxify the body, and treat certain infections.

Turkey tail mushrooms are typically consumed as a tea, supplement, extract, or powder. Specific polysaccharides in turkey tail mushrooms may improve immune health and fight HPV infections.

Enhances Cancer Treatment

A number of observational studies support turkey tail mushrooms as a cancer treatment alongside chemotherapy or radiation. Other medicinal mushrooms like Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) have been studied as well in treatment for cancer. The key component is the high amounts of polysaccharide K (PSK) in turkey tail mushrooms.

Polysaccharide K (PSK) in turkey tail mushrooms does not strengthen the immune system against every type of cancer. Studies focused on the effect of PSK primarily on gastric, lung, breast, and colorectal cancer.

The polysaccharide stimulates the immune system to prevent tumor growth and cancer from spreading to the lymph nodes. Breast cancer studies saw improvements in T-cell counts for participants consuming turkey tail mushrooms.

Supports Immune Health

Turkey tail mushrooms contain PSK and PSP—two polysaccharides that can strengthen your immune system. They inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria by activating the body’s general and specialized immune defense responses.

They also contain prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. Your gut microbiome contains 70–80% of your body’s immune cells. 

Promotes Gut Health

A study found that turkey tail mushroom extract promotes the growth of healthy bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. It also reduces harmful bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus, which can lead to viral infections. This also prevents diarrhea and other gastrointestinal concerns.

Turkey tail mushrooms contain a specific type of fiber called beta-glucan, which supports gut health and helps lower cholesterol levels.

Protects Against HPV

Some studies have found that turkey tail mushroom extract can protect against HPV infection. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus.

Most people don't know that they carry the virus. While some people may not experience symptoms, others may notice warts on their genitals, anus, or mouth area. HPV is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancer cases.

One study examined the effects of a mixture of turkey tail and reishi mushroom extracts on people with HPV. After two months, 88% of participants who took the mushroom extracts no longer had HPV, compared to only 5% of those who did not take the mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms like these may also improve the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.

Although rare, turkey tail-based vaginal gel is available and has been used in some studies for HPV treatment. Still, there isn’t enough research available yet on the safety of this method.

Nutrition

Turkey tail mushrooms are used more for their medicinal properties than their nutritional value. Still, mushrooms are generally a good source of fiber, proteins, and an abundance of micronutrients and antioxidants.

Since turkey tail mushroom is most often consumed as a powder or extract, there isn’t comprehensive information on its nutritional value. A study evaluating the nutrition composition of turkey tail mushrooms revealed that 100 grams of dried turkey tail mushrooms have the following nutrition profile:

• Fat: 1.35 grams (g)
• Protein: 11g
• Niacin: 39mg, or 243% of the daily value (DV)

Turkey tail mushrooms are especially rich in niacin and vitamin B, which help convert food to energy and produce enzymes for cellular function. Phenolic compounds in turkey tail mushrooms can reduce inflammation and may help prevent hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. 

Turkey Tail Mushroom as a Supplement

When shopping for turkey tail mushrooms, you’re more likely to see them available as a supplement than a whole food. These supplements typically come in capsule, liquid, or powder form. 

There is no standard dosage for turkey tail mushrooms. Whole turkey tail mushroom has been safely used in a dose of up to 2.4 grams daily for up to 12 weeks. Most turkey tail supplement manufacturers recommend taking 1–2 grams daily.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements. It is best to purchase supplements that have been third-party tested to ensure the information on the label is as accurate as possible. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking turkey tail mushroom supplements.

Risks

Turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe to consume orally. If you are allergic to certain fungi, it may be best to avoid consuming turkey tail mushrooms entirely.

There isn’t enough research to determine if it's safe to use turkey tail mushrooms as a topical treatment for your skin. Some studies suggest antioxidants in turkey tail mushroom extract may promote anti-aging effects for your skin. Furthermore, you should not consume turkey tail mushrooms if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you take medication, speak with a healthcare provider before taking turkey tail mushrooms due to potential drug interactions. These medications include antidiabetes drugs, cyclophosphamide, cytochrome P450 2C9 substrates, and tamoxifen. 

Be careful about taking turkey tail mushrooms if you take other herbs or supplements that can lower your blood sugar. Examples include cinnamon, bitter melon, ginseng, and berberine supplements. 

Foraging

If you are considering picking natural mushrooms yourself, be cautious of mushroom poisoning. Mild cases can cause gastrointestinal upset, but bad cases can lead to liver failure, kidney failure, seizures, and more, depending on the mushroom and dosage.

Some soil around turkey tail mushrooms in the wild may also be contaminated. Identifying turkey tail mushrooms in the wild can be tricky as they resemble many other types of inedible mushrooms. 

Tips for Consumption

You probably won’t find turkey tail mushrooms at most standard grocery stores. Turkey tail mushrooms are known for the bands of color on their caps, with the lightest color found on the margin.

Turkey tail mushrooms are most often available as a supplement, powder, or extract. The powder can be mixed into a hot beverage with other ingredients or into foods like homemade hummus.

Other Uses

Some animal studies have explored the use of turkey tail mushrooms to reduce pain, manage type 2 diabetes, and enhance athletic performance. More research is necessary to determine whether turkey tail mushrooms are effective for these purposes.

A Quick Review

Turkey tail mushrooms are best known for their ability to strengthen your immune system. This helps support your gut health, protect against HPV, and maintain healthy bacteria. You can consume it in powder form or as a supplement. Consult your healthcare provider before adding this supplement to your daily routine.