34301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 06/23/2025 - 01:53
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Turkey Tail

  • Botanical Name

    Trametes versicolor

  • Part Used

    Fruiting Body

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    35 to 80mL weekly

Turkey tail is so named because of its bright and intricately patterned crowns that are formed in the process while the mushroom grows, providing it with its distinctive turkey tail-like appearance. A revered tonic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), turkey tail has gained recognition in modern times for its remarkable ability to balance the immune system by both enhancing a weakened response and regulating an overactive one. Its most significant application has been in the field of oncology, where it is valued for its immunomodulating properties

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Turkey Tail and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Traditional Chinese Medicine has utilised extracts of the whole turkey tail fruiting body for centuries, primarily as a tonic for strengthening the lungs, spleen and liver, for dispelling ‘dampness’ and ‘phlegm’, for anorexia, fatigue, lack of strength, influenza, the common cold and stomach issues. The Japanese have incorporated it into their traditional medicine system for supporting immune function and overall vitality.

  • Actions

    Immunomodulator, antioxidant, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, adaptogen, hepatoprotective

  • Indications

    •    Immune support in individuals with compromised immunity, autoimmune or allergic conditions and during and after cancer treatment.
    •    Adjunctive cancer therapy: Used alongside conventional treatments to reduce side effects and improve outcomes in cancers such as gastric, colorectal and breast cancer
    •    Recurrent and chronic infections: Chronic viral infections, recurrent respiratory infections.
    •    Chronic fatigue and post-viral syndromes.
    •    Inflammatory bowel conditions including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
    •    Hepatic support: For toxic exposure or recovery from hepatitis.

  • Energetics

    Neutral to slightly warm, with some cooling properties depending on its application.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Insufficient reliable information available so avoid using.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Orally, turkey tail and its PSK component are generally well tolerated. There have been reports of gastrointestinal side effects, haematological abnormalities, liver dysfunction and palpitations, but these are in patients who received PSK in addition to standard chemotherapy. It is not known if these are due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with antidiabetic medications. Theoretically, taking turkey tail with antidiabetic drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Caution with immunosuppressants. Theoretically, the PSP component of turkey tail might increase exposure to cyclophosphamide. Caution with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Theoretically, the PSP component of turkey tail might interfere with the absorption of tamoxifen.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Reishi, Astragalus, Echinacea, Baical Scullcap, Calendula, Schizandra, Olive Leaves