Orthomolecular - Mycotherapy - Turkey Tail (CoriolusVersicolor)

Question 1

Turkey Tail (CoriolusVersicolor)

Answer 1

Turkey tail is a mushroom that is found in most parts of the world and tends to grow on dead logs. The English name of the species is derived from its coloured patterns, which look similar to the tail of a turkey.
* Turkey tail is probably the most-studied medicinal mushroom and its extracts are commonly used in Japan as part of official cancer treatment protocols.
* Two polysaccharide extracts from turkey tail —polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) were approved as drugs in cancer patients. In 1990, PSK accounted for 25% of drugs in cancer treatment in Japan.

Question 2

Cancer

Answer 2

Therapeutic uses:
* Anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic properties. It can induce apoptosis of cancer cells.
* The anti-cancer properties are due to the action of PSK and PSP. Improves survival in some cancer cases when combined with conventional therapies and minimises side effects. It protects against mutations caused by radiotherapy.
* It is especially indicated in hormonally-driven cancers such as breast, prostate and ovarian, although it has also been used in a number of other cancer types such as oesophageal, gastric, lung, hepatic and colorectal.

Question 3

Immune-modulatory

Answer 3

Therapeutic uses:
* Increases the activity of macrophages, T-lymphocytes and NK cells.
* Has an anti-viral action against viruses such as HIV, EBV, HPV and the hepatitis B virus.
* Normalises an overactive immune system, which is especially useful in autoimmunity.
* Studies have shown that whilst it can upregulate the immune response in immunocompromised individuals, it has no effect in those considered ‘healthy’.

Question 4

Dosage

Answer 4

• Turkey tail dosage range: 1–9 g / day.

Question 5

Turkey tail side effects

Answer 5

• Turkey tail side effects: Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhoea.