Turkey Tail Mushroom - NutraPedia

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Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor)

1) Conditions Studied

The Turkey Tail Mushroom has been studied for its potential benefits in treating and managing various conditions, including:

  • Cancer, particularly in augmenting the immune response during chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome, due to its potential immune-modulating effects.
  • Digestive health issues, such as leaky gut syndrome.
  • Common colds and respiratory infections, as an immune booster.

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

While research is ongoing, some studies have suggested that Turkey Tail Mushroom may be effective in supporting cancer treatment by enhancing the immune system. However, it is not a cure for cancer and should not replace conventional treatment. Its efficacy in other conditions is less clear and requires further research.

3) Health Benefits

Health benefits attributed to Turkey Tail Mushroom include:

  • Boosting the immune system.
  • Possessing antioxidant properties that may reduce inflammation.
  • Supporting gut health due to its prebiotic effects.

4) Potential Downsides

While generally considered safe for most people, Turkey Tail Mushroom can have downsides, such as:

  • Interactions with certain medications, particularly immunosuppressants.
  • Possible side effects like digestive upset or darkened stool.
  • Allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to fungi.

5) Genetic Variations and Effects

Currently, there is limited research on the interaction between Turkey Tail Mushroom and specific genetic variations. Some studies suggest that genetic factors can influence an individual's response to medicinal mushrooms, but more research is needed to make definitive claims on its benefits or harms related to specific genetic variations.

Overview of Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor) Research in Cancer

Phase 1 Clinical Trial Assessment

A clinical trial assessed the safety and potential immune benefits of Trametes versicolor (Tv) in breast cancer patients post-chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Participants were given daily doses of 3, 6, or 9 grams of Tv for six weeks. The study found Tv to be well-tolerated, with mild adverse events. Higher doses suggested increased immune cell activity, particularly in lymphocytes and NK cells.

Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Cancer Treatment

PSK, a derivative from Trametes versicolor, has been used in Asian cancer treatment for over 30 years. It shows potential as adjunct therapy for various cancers, possibly through enhancing immune response, blocking metastasis, and protecting tissues during other cancer treatments.

Medicinal Mushrooms in Western Medicine

The integration of medicinal mushrooms into Western medicine faces challenges due to different standards and weaker clinical trials. However, mushrooms hold promise for new anticancer compounds. The diverse range of natural compounds in mushrooms may affect crucial processes like apoptosis and immune system boosting.

Immunological Research on Turkey Tail Mushroom

Research on the Turkey Tail Mushroom has demonstrated its potential to modulate the immune system. PSK has been shown to activate immune responses, enhance cytokine production, and improve the efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy in cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Trametes versicolor preparations are safe and potentially improve immune function in breast cancer patients. PSK, a key component derived from this mushroom, has shown promise in enhancing immune-mediated cancer treatment efficacy. Further research is essential to fully understand the molecular mechanisms and optimize clinical applications.

References:


  1. HER2 testing in breast cancer: an overview of current techniques and recent developments
  2. Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer
  3. Direct TLR2 signaling is critical for NK cell activation and function in response to vaccinia viral infection
  4. Polysaccharide peptides from COV-1 strain of Coriolus versicolor induce hyperalgesia via inflammatory mediator release in the mouse
  5. PSK and Trx80 inhibit B-cell growth in EBV-infected cord blood mononuclear cells through T cells activated by the monocyte products IL-15 and IL-12
  6. Anticancer effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide-K (PSK): implications of cancer immunotherapy
  7. Medicinal mushrooms and cancer therapy: translating a traditional practice into Western medicine
  8. Medicinal mushroom modulators of molecular targets as cancer therapeutics
  9. Polysaccharide krestin is a novel TLR2 agonist that mediates inhibition of tumor growth via stimulation of CD8 T cells and NK cells
  10. Stimulation by PSK of interleukin-1 production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  11. The peptide sequence of diacyl lipopeptides determines dendritic cell TLR2-mediated NK activation
  12. Effects of extracts of Coriolus versicolor (I'm-Yunity) on cell-cycle progression and expression of interleukins-1 beta,-6, and -8 in promyelocytic HL-60 leukemic cells and mitogenically stimulated and nonstimulated human lymphocytes
  13. Induction of gene expression for immunomodulating cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to orally administered PSK, an immunomodulating protein-bound polysaccharide
  14. TLR2 agonist PSK activates human NK cells and enhances the antitumor effect of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy
  15. Toll-like receptor agonists and invariant natural killer T-cells enhance antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)


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