Did you know...Turkey Tail Mushroom Has Been Extensively Studied in Cancer Support?

Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) has been widely studied for its ability to support and enhance conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Research shows it can help accelerate the recovery of immune cells, which are heavily depleted during treatment. Studies have also shown it may significantly increase survival rates, reduce treatment side effects, and inhibit tumour growth when used alongside standard cancer therapies.

The Active Compounds

Turkey tail contains two primary protein-bound carbohydrates responsible for its medicinal properties.

Polysaccharide-K (PSK / Krestin)

PSK has been extensively studied and has been approved as a pharmaceutical-grade prescription drug for cancer treatment in Japan since the 1970s.

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP)

PSP is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help support immune defences and assist the body's natural detoxification processes.

Together, these compounds allow turkey tail mushroom to be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments to help support the immune system, improve survival rates, and reduce treatment side effects.

How Does It Work?

Scientific research shows that PSK and PSP stimulate several important immune cells, including:

• Natural Killer (NK) cells
• T-cells
• Macrophages

These immune cells actively seek out and destroy abnormal cancer cells.

Reference: https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/turkey-tail-chemo-adjunct-therapy-doc-use-57-guide51q6

Turkey tail has also been shown to help cancer patients recover their natural immune defences more quickly following the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Reference: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/turkey-tail-mushrooms-act-as-nonspecific-immune-modulators

What Does the Research Show?

Large-scale data analyses have found that people with gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers who take PSK alongside standard chemotherapy or radiation treatment live longer than those receiving conventional treatment alone. Evidence also suggests that turkey tail extracts, when used alongside conventional treatment, may improve survival and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Reference: https://cancerchoices.org/therapy/turkey-tail-mushroom/

Laboratory and animal studies indicate that turkey tail extracts may help slow disease progression by preventing cancer cells from migrating and stopping tumours from developing new blood vessels.

Reference: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/turkey-tail-mushroom

Clinical evidence also suggests that incorporating turkey tail may help alleviate chemotherapy-induced fatigue, pain, and loss of appetite.

Research further indicates it helps maintain crucial white blood cell counts during chemotherapy, helping reduce the risk of severe infections.

Reference: https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/diet-nutrition/dietary-supplements/tukey-tail-mushrooms

A Recognised Therapy in Japan

In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment and has been prescribed alongside conventional cancer therapies for decades.