Every Friday, I break down the latest scientific findings on mushrooms and fungi in our weekly newsletter. Here, I’ve compiled all of the latest research on turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), starting with our most recent findings.
Epilepsy breakthrough 💜 A 10-year-old girl with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy experienced a 99% reduction in seizures after starting daily supplementation with Naturealm Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder, containing chaga (Inonotus obliquus), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), maitake (Grifola frondosa), reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor). Once having up to 50 seizures a day, she now experiences a drastic reduction, no adverse effects, and remarkable cognitive progress. (Newsletter published: 1/31/25)
Diabetes help 🧪 Extracellular polysaccharopeptides (ePSP) from turkey tail were found to significantly reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic rats by improving liver function and altering liver enzymes. The highest dose of ePSP also substantially decreased liver fat and cholesterol and could be a natural option for managing type 2 diabetes, working effectively without relying on traditional diabetes medications. (Newsletter published: 1/31/25)
Bioactives vs. cancer 🧬 Compounds in reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) induce apoptosis in cancer cells and halt tumor growth, with reishi reducing colorectal cancer cell growth by over 40% and turkey tail enhancing immune cell activity to fight tumors effectively. (Newsletter published: 1/24/25)
Flame retardant cleanup 🧯 White-rot fungi like turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) and reishi effectively degraded up to 100% of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) such as TBEP and 76.7% of TCPP. (Newsletter published: 1/10/25)
Breast cancer & immune support 🔬 Researchers discovered that turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) extract can “reprogram” immune cells called macrophages to fight cancer instead of helping tumors grow. The extract also reduced the movement of harmful macrophages by up to 75%, cut down on damaging molecules (ROS), and boosted the immune system’s ability to attack cancer. (Newsletter published: 12/20/24)
Promising colon cancer results 🐁 A mixture of shiitake, reishi, maitake, turkey tail, brazilian, giant polypore, oyster, tinder, meshima, and matsutake mushrooms, known as Agarikon Plus, offers new hope for colorectcal cancer patients when combined with conventional chemotherapy. This 10-mushroom extract was combined with the chemotherapy drug 5-fluoroauracil and achieved a remarkable 87.5% survival rate in lab mice, particularly promising given that untreated control groups had a 0% survival rate. Source note: Two of the study authors work for Myko San. (Newsletter published: 11/8/24)
Wastewater treatment ☣️ The effectiveness of five white-rot fungi species in removing the cytostatic drugs bleomycin and vincristine from wastewater was evaluated in a jaw-dropping study. These drugs often end up in wastewater through patient excretion after cancer treatments because conventional wastewater treatments are typically ineffective at breaking down these potent, chemically stable compounds, which then enter aquatic systems. Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) and Hypholoma fasciculare were the most efficient, eliminating over 90% of vincristine in just two days, and reducing bleomycin by 55% and 83% after nine days. (Newsletter published: 9/27/24)
Can fungi help our gut woes?
Over 40% of the world’s population has some form of a gastrointestinal disorder, but it’s still hard to find effective treatments. Holistic practitioners often turn patients to medicinal mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, and turkey tail, and in the last ten years, more clinical research applying medicinal mushrooms to GI disorders has been published.
Recently, researchers in Romania conducted an in-depth literature review on the topic of medicinal mushrooms and gastric conditions. Such reviews are crucial for emerging fields, sifting through numerous studies to identify key trends and guide research funding and efforts. This review refined its focus from 61 to 7 studies that specifically explored the relationship between medicinal mushrooms and gastric conditions.
- 😁 All sevens studies showed positive effects of mushrooms on GI disorders. The catch is that the seven studies focused on animals, not humans. This isn’t uncommon in the world of medicine as clinical research, especially, is at the hands of time.
- 🛡️ Medicinal mushrooms have high levels of gastroprotective effects due to their bioactive compounds like polysachharides and beta-glucans, which, in turn, create high levels of anxtioxidants that bolster and regulate our digestive tract.
- 📈 Higher doses of mushroom extracts led to significant improvements in gastric ulcers. This suggests that dosage is important for achieving the best therapeutic outcomes, something for future studies to explore in research on human subjects.
👉️ Read more. (Newsletter published: 1/3/24)
The guide to medicinal mushrooms and canine cancer
Turkey tail for you, turkey tail for them. In the face of the concerning prevalence of cancer in dogs, especially those aged ten and above, many pet owners are seeking gentler, holistic approaches to complement traditional veterinary treatments. Recent research suggests a promising avenue: the incorporation of medicinal mushrooms into your pup’s regimen. These mushrooms, known for their remarkable health benefits including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, could potentially act as a potent ally in your dog’s fight against cancer.
Read more about medicinal mushrooms and dogs. (Newsletter published: 9/6/23)
The Washington Post dove into forest fires and mushrooms with “Can mushrooms prevent megafires?” Turkey tail fungus shows the most promise as an antidote to prescribed burning because it accelerates the decomposition of the wood we purposefully thin out from forests. This decomposing wood, or “slash,” becomes organic matter at the hands of turkey tail much, much faster. Mycoremediation for the win. (Newsletter published: 7/22/23)
What are turkey tail mushrooms?
Turkey tail mushrooms, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor, are one of the most common mushrooms found on dead logs worldwide. Their name derives from the striking colors on their fan-shaped caps, which resemble the multicolored tail of a wild turkey. These mushrooms are not just known for their beauty but also for their medicinal properties.
Turkey tail has been utilized in traditional medicine across various cultures, particularly in Asia, for its immune-boosting effects. It is rich in compounds like polysaccharopeptides, including PSP and PSK, which have been studied for their potential to support the immune system and improve the outcomes for patients undergoing cancer treatments.
In addition to its potential in oncology, turkey tail is also being explored for its benefits in gut health due to its high content of prebiotic fibers, which help nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Turkey tail is commonly consumed in the form of teas or extracts, making it a versatile supplement for those looking to enhance their overall health and well-being.
