Turkey Tail Mushroom Benefits

Medicinal mushrooms are unique types of fungi that contain bioactive compounds known to benefit health.

Although medicinal mushroom research is relatively new, these functional fungi have been providing therapeutic benefits to people for millennia, dating back to Eastern healing practices in the 5th century.

One such mushroom is turkey tail, a powerhouse of a fungi, known for supporting immune function, gut health, antioxidant activity, and much more.

In this article, learn all there is to know about turkey tail mushroom, including its top evidence-based health benefits, potential side effects to watch out for, and how to use it.

What Is Turkey Tail Mushroom?

Named for its resemblance in color and shape to the tail feathers of wild turkeys, turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) is a functional or medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American healing practices.

Sometimes referred to as Yun Zhi and previously known scientifically as Coriolus versicolor, turkey tail mushrooms grow abundantly on fallen and dead trees in the woodlands of Asia and Europe. 

Ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures held the turkey tail mushroom in high regard, viewing it as a symbol of longevity, good fortune, and spiritual vitality—and with the abundance of research now supporting the health benefits of turkey tail, they might not be too far off.

Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey tail mushroom is best known for modulating the immune response, but evidence also points to its relationship with gut health, exercise performance, blood sugar management, and anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral activity.

1. Immune System Support

Turkey tail mushroom supports the immune system primarily due to three compounds: a polysaccharide called beta-glucan (a type of prebiotic fiber that’s also found in oats) and protein-bound polysaccharides called polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK).¹

Turkey tail mushrooms have been found to boost the activity of beneficial immune cells that fight infection, including natural killer cells, helper T cells, and neutrophils.² 

These compounds in turkey tail act as non-specific immune modulators, meaning they can stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way.

Research has also shown that PSP extracts improve immune function by upregulating the activity of monocytes—a type of white blood cell that fights acute infections and inflammatory processes.² 

Turkey tail may be particularly useful in bolstering immunity in people with cancer. In a small clinical trial from 2012, breast cancer patients who took powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy faster than those using a placebo.³ 

The researchers of that trial concluded, “Research by our center continues to indicate that Trametes versicolor represents a novel immune therapy with significant applications in cancer treatment.”³

2. Reduces Oxidative Stress

Another reason why functional mushrooms like turkey tail are so beneficial is because of their antioxidant properties. 

Turkey tail contains over 35 different phenolic and flavonoid compounds that act as antioxidants, including gallic acid, quercetin, and baicalein.⁴ 

Antioxidants like these fight oxidative stress—a buildup of harmful compounds called reactive oxygen species or free radicals that damage our cells and contribute to aging and disease. 

Quercetin has been studied for its senolytic role in clearing senescent cells, while gallic acid has antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties.^5,6 Baicalein has also shown promise as an anti-cancer agent by suppressing malignant cell growth.⁷ 

3. Exhibits Anti-Cancer Properties

Turkey tail mushrooms and their various beneficial compounds have been well-studied for their anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties—and we even have human research to support this. 

Several compounds in turkey tail mushrooms, including gallic acid, baicalein, and the polysaccharide compounds PSP and PSK, likely contribute to their anti-cancer benefits—especially PSK.

In China and Japan, products with turkey tail extracts are currently approved as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy due to the growing evidence of its benefits in lab settings, animals, and human trials.² 

The best evidence so far comes from this meta-analysis of 23 trials totaling over 10,600 people. The researchers found that PSK from turkey tail significantly improved survival rates in people with colorectal or intestinal cancer, especially when combined with chemotherapy.⁸ 

They concluded, “Overall, compared with non-PSK arms, adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK was found to be both safe and efficacious.”

As detailed in this review of the literature, seven trials have found that PSK extracts from turkey tail increased the rates of survival in people with advanced-stage gastric, colon, and colorectal cancer.⁹ 

For example, one of the trials published in the British Journal of Cancer looked at the effects of adding PSK from turkey tail for two years as an adjuvant to the standard immunochemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer.¹⁰

The results were pretty remarkable: people who added PSK to their treatment had a 5-year disease-free survival rate of 73.0%, while those without PSK had a 58.8% rate. PSK also reduced cancer recurrence rates by 43.6% and mortality by 40.2%.¹⁰  

The people with stage III colorectal cancer had even better results, with those taking PSK having an overall survival rate of 74.6%, compared to 46.4% in the group without.¹⁰ Other research has shown that compounds from turkey tail improve aspects of hepatocellular (liver cell) carcinoma¹¹, non-small cell lung cancer¹², breast cancer³, and colon cancer.¹³

4. Supports Gut Health

Turkey tail contains the prebiotic fiber beta-glucan. Prebiotics act as fuel for your healthy gut bacteria to consume and thrive on, which benefits the gut microbiome. 

When gut microbes feed on prebiotics, metabolite byproducts called short-chain fatty acids are produced—including butyrate. 

Butyrate is an essential nutrient that helps our colonocytes (colon cells) grow and thrive. It also promotes normal colonocyte growth, supports healthy mucus production, and strengthens the intestinal barrier.

One lab-based study found that turkey tail extract led to a beneficial recomposition of gut bacteria, including boosting healthy microbes like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while reducing potentially pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus.¹⁴

5. May Improve Exercise Performance

Although the research here is much more limited, turkey tail extract may help to support exercise performance. 

This was seen in a study with mice, where animals that received varying doses of turkey tail extract had improvements in forelimb grip strength and reduced markers of fatigue, including lower lactate, creatine kinase, and ammonia after exercise.¹⁵ 

However, these results have not been replicated in humans. 

6. Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity

Turkey tail mushrooms provide antibacterial and antiviral activity against pathogens. 

One study of women with HPV found that almost 85% of those who used a turkey tail-based vaginal gel had normal pap smears and cervical exams six months later, compared to 65% in the non-treated group.¹⁶

At the 6-month visit, the virus was completely cleared in almost 60% of women in the turkey tail group, compared to 42% in the control group.¹⁶ 

Turkey tail also has antibacterial effects, as seen in this lab study where it inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica.¹⁷

7. May Support Blood Glucose Management

Lastly, turkey tail may help lower blood sugar levels and support metabolic health.

This was seen in a study with rats with type 2 diabetes, which found that the ones receiving turkey tail extract had significantly lower blood glucose levels and reduced insulin resistance.¹⁸

However, we don’t have studies on humans yet showing the same benefits.

Side Effects of Turkey Tail Mushroom

The majority of the studies mentioned in this article also examined potential side effects or toxicity of turkey tail mushrooms or their extracts, finding mild or minimal adverse effects. 

However, some side effects are possible when taking turkey tail, including:

• Digestive issues (bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea, constipation)
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Low white blood cell count
• Darkened nail color
• Heart palpitations
• Itching 
• Rashes

These side effects are more likely to occur at higher doses. 

As always, talk to your doctor about taking turkey tail mushrooms in any form if you have a chronic disease, take medications, or are unsure about your specific health condition. It’s not recommended to use turkey tail if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How To Use Turkey Tail Mushroom

There are several ways to consume turkey tail mushrooms, including: 

• Turkey tail tea: Steep 1 part of organic turkey tail mushrooms in 5 parts hot water. 
• Cooked mushrooms: Whole turkey tail mushrooms are edible despite their chewy texture, which most people don’t love. 
• Capsules: This is the easiest way to consume turkey tail mushrooms. Most turkey tail supplements recommend taking 1,000-3,000mg daily. 
• Powder: Turkey tail mushrooms can be ground up into powdered form, which can be added to coffee, smoothies, or other beverages. 
• Liquid extracts and tinctures: Extracts are more concentrated forms of turkey tail, meaning you don’t have to take as much to get the same benefits. Look for organic turkey tail mushroom extract or tinctures. 

Turkey Tail Mushroom FAQs