Turkey tail mushrooms, so named for their tiered disklike ridges that display colorful stripes similar to that of wild North American turkey, have been used in traditional Asain, Native American, and holistic medicine for thousands of years. Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as trametes versicolor, are an abundant fungus found in mixed hardwood deciduous forests. Cultures from across the globe have traditionally used turkey tail mushrooms in teas to support the lungs, spleen, and fatigue amongst other things.

With generations of indigenous knowledge and medicinal practices informing modern medicines approach to turkey tail, it’s no wonder that in 2012 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a federally funded clinical trial between Bastyr University and the University of Washington on the effects of turkey tail extract on strengthening the immune system in cancer patients. 

While FDA-funded clinical trials are still ongoing, in hopes of creating new therapeutics based on turkey tails’ immune-boosting properties, let’s go over some of the turkey tail benefits we know so far.  

Turkey Tail is Great for Improving Gut Health

We all know by now that gastrointestinal health is essential, and one of the best ways to ensure a healthy gut is by maintaining good bacteria. You’ve likely heard plenty about probiotics how they help balance the bacteria in your intestines. You may even have looked into different probiotic supplements, many of which have to be refrigerated or kept stable with chemicals.

Turkey tail mushrooms are filled with naturally occurring bioactive compounds called polysaccharide peptides (PSP). PSP acts as a powerful probiotic that helps to nourish and grow gut-friendly good bacteria.

Studies have shown that that PSP increases the levels of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp and Lactobacillus spp. The PSPs in turkey tail mushrooms may also work to reduce harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium and Staphylococcus. 

Turkey Tail is Filled with Antioxidants

Free radicals are unstable atoms that react with and destabilize other atoms creating damage to our mitochondrial cells. When these free radicals increase in number it causes oxidative stress which exasperates the effects of aging and age-related illness.

Antioxidants are molecules that work within our bodies to help prevent the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Turkey tail mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, that will help prevent the damage and signs of aging caused by free-radicals.

Turkey Tail Can Aid in Decreasing Inflammation

The very same antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress can also help reduce inflammation in the body. Turkey tail mushrooms contain over 35 different phenols along with flavonoids, quercetin, and baicalein.

These antioxidants are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation in the body can be linked to heart disease, arthritis, and bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Reducing inflammation in the body can lead to overall health benefits. 

Turkey Tail May Help Reduce Fatigue

Turkey tail tea has traditionally been used to combat post-viral fatigue. Helping people to recover and regain stamina after an illness. New studies believe these properties may also extend to those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. 

A study conducted in 2017 purported that turkey tail may also be useful for athlete recovery. Initial data showed increased stamina and decreased post-exercise fatigue in lab animals. 

Turkey Tail Has Immune Boosting Properties 

Turkey tail mushrooms are possibly best known for their ability to improve our body’s immune system response. Another function of those polysaccharide peptides (PSP) that aid in gut health is activating the body’s natural immune system response. 

One of the ways turkey tail does this is by stimulating white blood cell production. PSP helps increase the number of white blood cells in our bodies available to fight infection. 

Krestin (PSK) another immune-boosting peptide works to regulate our immune system and helps activate macrophages to protect against harmful bacteria. 

PSP and PSK are the two main compounds scientists are studying with regards to using turkey tail in combination with chemotherapy/radiation and other immunosuppressing therapeutics. 

The benefits of turkey tail mushrooms have been evident to eastern medicine and indigenous cultures for centuries, and initial clinical studies look promising as well. Given all of the potential benefits, it’s clear that adding turkey tail extract to your health care routine is a good call.