Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey (Trametes versicolor) tail mushroom is a type of medicinal mushroom commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a polypore mushroom that grows on dead or dying hardwood trees and is easily recognizable by its colorful and distinctive fan-like shape which resembles the feathers on a turkey’s tail. It’s a common mushroom and can be found almost anywhere trees are found.
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Turkey Tail is not a gourmet mushroom, but rather a functional mushroom. It has a tough texture and needs to be thoroughly extracted in hot water for the beneficial compounds to become bioavailable.
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​In terms of medicinal use, turkey tail mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that can stimulate the immune system, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Some studies have also suggested that turkey tail mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties and may help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
History
In the 15th century, the Chinese drank turkey tail infused tea, which was said to help strengthen bones and tendons. In modern day, turkey tails have been used to help fight cancerous tumors since the 1960s in China and Japan. Turkey Tail has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years to treat various health conditions and concerns. This scientific data has made turkey tails one of the most researched mushrooms in the world.
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​Turkey Tail was mentioned in the first written text on medicinal herbs from the Han Dynasty, Shennong Ben Cao Jing, around 200 BC. In this text, Turkey Tail is said to promote vitality, healthy liver function, and strong bones and muscles.
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The Western world has since caught on to Turkey Tail’s many benefits, which have been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials. It became even more popular in the past decade after a 2011 Ted Talk in which well-known mycologist Paul Stamets tells the story of his mother’s battle with cancer and how Turkey Tail played a role in her recovery. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the medicinal properties of turkey tail mushrooms, particularly their potential anti-cancer effects. This has led to a significant increase in research on turkey tail mushrooms, and several studies have been conducted to investigate their potential health benefits.
Compounds
Turkey Tail mushroom contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including:
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Polysaccharides: Turkey Tail Mushroom is rich in polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which are believed to have immune-boosting properties.
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Proteins: Turkey Tail Mushroom contains various proteins, including lectins, which may have anti-cancer and immune-boosting properties.
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Ergothioneine: A potent antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
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Phenols: Turkey Tail Mushroom contains phenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Minerals and Vitamins: Turkey Tail Mushroom is also rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
Health Benefits
Turkey tail mushrooms are considered to have several health benefits, including:
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Immune system support: Turkey tail mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that can stimulate the immune system and help the body to fight off infections and diseases. Turkey Tail is brimming with polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, polysaccharide K (PSK), and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), all of which support a healthy, balanced immune system.
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Anti-inflammatory effects: Turkey tail mushrooms contain antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It is packed with antioxidants, including more than 35 phenols and powerful flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin and baicalein. Phenol and flavonoid antioxidants promote health by reducing damage caused by oxidative stress.
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Anti-cancer effects: Some studies have suggested that turkey tail mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties and may help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. Some research also shows that Turkey Tail may enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. However, more research is needed in this area.
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Improved gut health: Turkey Tail contains prebiotics, which help nourish the healthy bacteria in your gut. This may positively impact the balance of bacteria in your gut by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Culinary Uses
Turkey tail mushrooms are not typically used as a culinary ingredient due to their slightly bitter and woody flavor. However, they can be dried and used to make teas or added to broths, soups, stews, sauces, and marinades to enhance the flavor of the dish. It is important to note that while turkey tail mushrooms have medicinal properties, they should not be consumed in large quantities as a food source, and more research is needed to fully understand their potential health benefits and side effects. As with any dietary supplement or new food product, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before consumption.