Aptly named, turkey tail (trametes versicolor) is traditionally known for its immunomodulatory effect due to its rich profile of immune-boosting compounds, such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP), polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and antioxidants (1)(2). Research has shown that PSP from turkey tail mushrooms significantly increases the production of monocytes (white blood cells) that protect the body from infection (3). Although the consumption of turkey tail extract is not a replacement for cancer treatment, it has been shown to significantly increase the antitumor effect of cancer therapy by improving the function of natural killer cells that are often impaired in cancer patients (4).
Referenced sources:
Blagodatski, A, Yatsunskaya, M, et al. (2018) Medicinal mushrooms as an attractive new source of natural compounds for future cancer therapy.
Knežević, A ,Živković, L. (2015) Antigenotoxic Effect of Trametes spp. Extracts against DNA Damage on Human Peripheral White Blood Cells.
Sekhon, B.K, Man-Yuen Sze, D, et al,. (2013) PSP activates monocytes in resting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: immunomodulatory implications for cancer treatment.
Lu, H, Yang, Yi. (2011) TLR2 agonist PSK activates human NK cells and enhances the antitumor effect of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy.