Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to boost the immune system and treat a variety of health conditions, including cancer. In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the potential anticancer properties of turkey tail mushrooms.
What is turkey tail?
Turkey tail mushrooms are wild mushrooms that grow on dead trees in forests around the world. They are named for their distinctive fan-shaped shape and brown and white coloration, which resembles the tail of a turkey. Turkey tail mushrooms are edible, but they are not very tasty, so they are more commonly consumed in the form of extracts or supplements.
Turkey tail and cancer: What does the research say?
Most of the research on the anticancer effects of turkey tail has been conducted in laboratory and animal studies. However, there have also been a number of clinical trials that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of turkey tail in people with cancer.
Laboratory and animal studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms can help to:
- Boost the immune system
- Fight cancer cells
- Reduce tumor growth
- Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells
- Protect against the harmful side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Clinical trials of turkey tail have shown that it is generally safe and well-tolerated in people with cancer. Some studies have also shown that turkey tail may help to improve the quality of life and survival rates in people with certain types of cancer.
What types of cancer does turkey tail help?
Turkey tail mushrooms have been studied for their potential anticancer effects in a variety of cancer types, including:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
How to use turkey tail for cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed fresh, dried, or in the form of extracts or supplements. The recommended dosage of turkey tail for cancer varies depending on the type of cancer and the specific product being used. It is important to talk to your doctor before using turkey tail for cancer, especially if you are also taking other medications or supplements.
Safety and side effects of turkey tail
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for most people. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea. Turkey tail mushrooms may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and immunosuppressants.
Conclusion
Turkey tail mushrooms are a promising natural remedy for cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy in humans. If you are considering using turkey tail for cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
Here is a more detailed look at some of the research on the anticancer effects of turkey tail in specific cancer types:
Breast cancer
A number of studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms may help to improve the quality of life and survival rates in people with breast cancer. For example, one study found that women with breast cancer who took turkey tail mushrooms for one year had a significantly lower risk of death than those who did not take turkey tail mushrooms.
Colorectal cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been shown to be beneficial for people with colorectal cancer. For example, one study found that people with colorectal cancer who took turkey tail mushrooms had a longer survival time than those who did not take turkey tail mushrooms.
Gastric cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been shown to be effective in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in people with gastric cancer. For example, one study found that people with gastric cancer who took turkey tail mushrooms experienced fewer side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, than those who did not take turkey tail mushrooms.
Lung cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been shown to have anticancer effects in lung cancer cells. For example, one study found that turkey tail mushrooms inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells and induced apoptosis.
Liver cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been shown to have anticancer effects in liver cancer cells. For example, one study found that turkey tail mushrooms inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells and induced apoptosis.
Other cancer types
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been studied for their potential anticancer effects in a variety of other cancer types, including prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. However, more research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of turkey tail mushrooms in these cancer types.
Overall, the research on the anticancer effects of turkey tail mushrooms is very promising. However, more research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of turkey tail mushrooms in humans. If you are considering using turkey tail for cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor first.