

However, confirming these effects in humans will require further research. The study found that PBG may help balance certain bacteria in the gut, which can help prevent obesity. Limited research suggests that a component of turkey tail called protein-bound beta-glucan (PBG) could help prevent obesity.Ī study in mice, for example, found that PBG helped prevent weight gain in those that ate a high fat diet.
TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM PSP
In addition, other evidence indicates that PSP regulates the gut microbiome by balancing levels of healthy bacteria in the intestines. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that act as a food source for healthy bacteria in the gut. One study found that PSP from turkey tail has prebiotic abilities and helps the gut regulate its balance of bacteria. Turkey tail may be helpful in keeping a balance of gut bacteria, therefore improving overall health. Research has shown that having a healthy colony of bacteria in the gut can help prevent disease and support the immune system. These mushrooms may also provide other benefits, including: Healthy gut bacteria

Like most mushrooms, turkey tail contains fiber, which is an indigestible part of plant foods that helps maintain healthy digestion. The compounds in turkey tail may also offer benefits for gut health. The authors suggest that turkey tail extract was the natural therapy most commonly prescribed to people with breast cancer, and they describe the extract as “chemotherapy-compatible.” They then took 3, 6, or 9 grams of turkey tail extract in divided doses each day for 6 weeks.Īfter their analyses, the researchers concluded that the extract contributed to increased levels of cancer fighting cells in the immune system.Īnother study looked at natural supplements that doctors recommend in conjunction with chemotherapy. In one very small study, nine participants with stage 1, 2, or 3 breast cancer underwent standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The first line of treatment for breast cancer is chemotherapy, but a limited amount of research has examined whether or not turkey tail extract may be helpful during or after this treatment.
TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM SKIN
Breast cancerĪfter skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., according to the ACS. The authors of the review conclude that people who take PSK may have improved survival rates, and they recommend combining PSK with chemotherapy. The team did not conduct the study in humans.Ī systematic review and meta-analysis found that PSK from turkey tail is a safe and effective supplement for people with colorectal cancer or other forms of intestinal cancer. This was laboratory-based research, however. PSP may also stop the colon cancer cells from migrating and invading healthy cells, the study authors report. PSP from turkey tail extract may inhibit colon cancer cell growth, according to some research. In fact, the American Cancer Society (ACS) say that more than 100,000 people will receive a diagnosis of it in 2020. Colon cancerĬolon cancer is common in the U.S. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved the product for this use in the U.S. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute. Researchers have isolated the PSK compound. Some evidence suggests that PSP may also have the ability to stimulate the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments. PSP and PSK appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). Instead, the researchers have found that these extracts may have benefits for people who use them alongside treatments such as chemotherapy. However, none of these studies recommend any mushroom extract as a standalone treatment. They conclude, “The evidence base for using mushrooms in cancer treatment has greatly increased.”

The researchers looked at studies of five types of mushroom, including turkey tail, as complementary cancer treatments. Share on Pinterest Turkey tail mushrooms may help boost the immune system.Ī number of studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms have immune boosting properties.įor example, its extract may be useful in fighting certain types of cancer, according to one 2014 review.
