What is Turkey Tail good for?
Did you know that Turkey Tail mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that help to protect our cells from damage caused by something called oxidative stress. This stress can happen when there’s an imbalance between the antioxidants in our bodies and unstable molecules called free radicals. When stress occurs, it can lead to inflammation and damage to our cells, which is bad news for our health.
In fact, this kind of stress has been linked to an increased risk of developing diseases like cancer and heart disease.
- In a study led by Francisco Dasà from the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, titled “CVD and Oxidative Stress“, showed that there is an influence between oxidative stress and the creation of CVD (cardiovascular disease).
But don’t worry, there are things we can do to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in our bodies. One way is by eating foods that are high in antioxidants, like blueberries, dark chocolate, artichokes or Foresthug’s Turkey Tail mushroom extracts. These mushrooms are especially rich in substances called phenols and flavonoids, which are types of antioxidants. In fact, one study found over 35 different phenolic compounds in a sample of turkey tail mushroom extract, along with flavonoids like quercetin and baicalein.
So, what do these antioxidants do?
Well, they can help to promote the health of our immune system by reducing inflammation and encouraging the release of protective proteins. For example, quercetin has been shown to help release a protein called interferon-y, which is important for fighting off infections. It can also help to reduce the release of enzymes that promote inflammation in the body. Overall, these antioxidants in turkey tail mushrooms can be really beneficial for our health, helping to protect our cells and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
On a cautious note: In an article written by Dr. Gabriella M. D’Andrea, titled “Use of Antioxidants During Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Should Be Avoided” and publishced in the ‘Cancer Journal for Clinicians’, she concludes “There are reasons to believe that taking antioxidants concurrently with chemotherapy or radiotherapy might be harmful; therefore, patients should be advised against it.
Does turkey tail have side effects?
A study titled “A safety assessment of Coriolus versicolor biomass as a food supplement,” conducted by Ana B. Barros from the Global Health and Tropical Medicine Institute at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, aimed to investigate the safety of Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor – CV) biomass in its powder form.
The study involved administering CV biomass powder to male and female Charles River albino rats at daily doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g/kg live weight. The researchers then observed the rats for any adverse effects.
The results of the study showed that the daily administration of CV biomass did not cause any adverse or lethal effects in the rats. In addition, no abnormal findings were observed during necropsy and histopathological examination.
Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that Coriolus versicolor biomass in its powder form has a safe profile for human consumption.
How much Turkey Tail to take for cancer?
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
“Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer” is a study conducted by KW Tsang from the Department of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, but polysaccharide peptides (PSP) from the Coriolus versicolor fungus have been found to have anti-tumor effects. The study is a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial to evaluate the effects of 28-day administration of PSP on patients with advanced NSCLC who had completed conventional treatment.
- Study Design
This study is a phase II double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial on patients with advanced NSCLC. Patients were recruited from a university-based tertiary center, which has an established interest in the treatment of NSCLC. Eligible patients were randomised to receive three capsules of 340 mg each of extracted Turkey Tailor and a sample group received, and identical placebo 350 mg crystallised sucrose capsules each, three times daily for 4 weeks (28 days).
After treatment, patients who received PSP had significant improvements in blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts, serum IgG and IgM, and percent of body fat. Although PSP did not improve NSCLC-related symptoms, significantly fewer PSP patients were withdrawn due to disease progression compared to the control group. No adverse reactions were reported, indicating that PSP treatment may slow the progression of advanced NSCLC.
- Note: Our 50 ml bottle of Turkey Tail mushroom tincture, contains 10 gr of Turkey Tail extract. Following the advice of the study, you should take 1.7 ml of our Turkey Tail tincture to gain the benefits of 340 mg of Turkey Tail. One dropper contains 1 ml, half a dropper holds 0.5 ml and filling the dropper by a quarter holds 0.25ml.
Post-Treatment Breast Cancer
Title of study: Immunomodulatory activities of Yunzhi and Danshen in post-treatment breast cancer patients
Breast cancer patients often experience discomfort and fatigue due to anticancer treatments, which can suppress their immune system. In a study conducted by Chun-Kwok Wong at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, it was found that taking 50 mg of Turkey Tail/kg body weight and Red Sage (a type of herb) capsules for 6 months can help promote immune function in post-treatment breast cancer patients.
Turkey Tail and Red Sage have been shown to have immunomodulatory properties in previous studies. In this study, 82 breast cancer patients took Turkey Tail-Red Sage capsules every day for 6 months. Blood samples were collected every two months to investigate their immune function. The results showed that taking the capsules led to an increase in T-helper lymphocytes (cells that help activate other immune cells), B-lymphocytes (cells that produce antibodies), and a decrease in a protein called soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) that is associated with inflammation.
- In conclusion, the regular consumption of Turkey Tail and Red Sage capsules can be beneficial in promoting immune function in post-treatment breast cancer patients.
Note: Our Turkey Tail liquid tincture contains 10 gr of dried and extracted Turkey Tail of fruiting body in a 50 ml bottle. Following the above example, you can take 0.25 ml of our Turkey Tail tincture to get the benefits of 50 mg of Turkey Tail in a dose. One dropper contains 1 ml, half a dropper holds 0.5 ml and just a quarter of a dropper is exactly 0.25 ml.
Should I take Turkey Tails every day?
It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or medication. They can assess your individual health status and provide recommendations tailored to your needs. While turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, taking them in excessive amounts may cause unwanted side effects.
Is Turkey Tail OK to eat?
Turkey Tail is is not a gourmet mushroom and isn’t easily chewable. It is a so-called bracket fungus, which tends to grow on old woods and fallen trees. You will not be able to enjoy it as a meal, neither cooked or raw, but it is not posonous either when consumed. The answer to this question is an equivocal, no you cannot eat Turkey Tail.