Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is a mushroom with exceptional immune-supporting properties. Used in natural medicine for thousands of years, modern science is now uncovering its potential in cancer therapy. Particularly intriguing are studies on Turkey Tail’s impact on patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Can an extract from this mushroom enhance treatment effectiveness and alleviate its side effects?
What is Turkey Tail?
Turkey Tail is a widely occurring mushroom found in forests worldwide. Its name comes from its characteristic concentric bands, resembling a turkey’s tail.
Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine, it is now the focus of extensive research for its immunomodulatory properties.
The key active compounds in Turkey Tail are polysaccharides PSK (Polysaccharide K) and PSP (Polysaccharide Peptide). In Japan, PSK is officially used as part of cancer therapy, while PSP has shown promising results in clinical trials conducted in China.
Research confirming Turkey Tail’s anti-cancer properties
One of the most important studies on the effects of Turkey Tail on cancer patients' immune systems was conducted in the USA in 2012. Researchers administered doses of 3, 6, and 9 grams of Turkey Tail extract daily for six weeks to breast cancer patients after completing radiotherapy.
The results showed that supplementation was well tolerated and at a dose of 6 grams per day, there was a significant increase in lymphocyte count and natural killer (NK) cell activity, which play a crucial role in eliminating cancer cells. This suggests that Turkey Tail may strengthen the body during the critical recovery phase after intensive cancer treatment.
In Japan, PSK has been used as official cancer therapy support for breast cancer for decades. Since the 1980s, the Japanese Ministry of Health has recommended PSK as a standard immune-boosting supplement for cancer patients. Studies conducted in Japanese clinics have shown that PSK supplementation alongside chemotherapy not only increased survival rates but also improved immunity and reduced the risk of cancer recurrence. PSK is routinely prescribed in Japan, highlighting its recognition in conventional medicine.
Beyond Japan, Turkey Tail's potential in cancer therapy is gaining global attention. A 2022 Cochrane Review analyzed seven clinical studies involving 1,569 colorectal cancer patients. The review concluded that PSK supplementation alongside standard cancer treatments improved patient survival rates and alleviated treatment side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. While the results are promising, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm PSK’s efficacy in colorectal cancer treatment.
Turkey Tail and chemotherapy side effects
Managing chemotherapy side effects is one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment. Studies from Hong Kong and Shanghai have shown that PSP (Polysaccharide Peptide), a key active compound in Turkey Tail, may help reduce symptoms such as chronic fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. Additionally, PSP supports body regeneration, protecting the immune system from suppression caused by intensive treatment.
Supporting the immune system in cancer therapy
While scientific literature suggests that Turkey Tail does not directly kill cancer cells, it is considered a non-toxic supplement, even when taken in high doses. It does not harm healthy cells such as monocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, hepatocytes, or fibroblasts.
However, its key polysaccharides, PSK and PSP, play a crucial role in modulating the immune system, which can help the body fight cancer, especially during intensive oncology therapy. For this reason, Turkey Tail remains a valuable support for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, aiding in recovery and boosting overall immunity. More research is still needed in this area.
If you're seeking high-quality, natural support for the immune system during cancer therapy, Ollywell’s Turkey Tail extract is the perfect choice. Help yourself or your loved ones on the road to recovery!
Why Choose Ollywell?
Ollywell is committed to top-quality and safe products. All adaptogens:
- Come from local farms – minimizing carbon footprint and supporting local producers.
- Are standardized – ensuring each serving contains a precise amount of scientifically proven active ingredients.
- Are produced using advanced technology – Ollywell extracts are made using ultrasonic extraction, preserving the full spectrum of bioactive compounds.
- Undergo rigorous testing – each batch is thoroughly analyzed to guarantee purity and effectiveness.
By choosing Ollywell adaptogens, you are investing in natural health support. Take care of yourself holistically and let nature assist you every day!