Polyporaceae
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Trametes versicolor
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Worldwide (temperate forests)
Also known as: Yun Zhi, Turkey Tail Fungus, Cloud Mushroom, Coriolus versicolor
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Fruiting body
Therapeutic Uses
Cancer adjunct (PSK — Japan government-approved for gastric, colon, breast cancer adjunct — multiple large RCTs extending survival), immune deficiency, HIV support, gut health (prebiotic beta-glucans).
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator (NK cell activation, dendritic cell stimulation), antitumor, antiviral, prebiotic (gut microbiome modulation)
Active Constituents
Polysaccharide-K (PSK — Krestin, Japan-approved cancer adjunct), polysaccharopeptide (PSP), beta-glucans (1,3 and 1,6 — immunomodulatory), ergosterol, triterpenes
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal TeaPowder
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 5–10g dried mushroom per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | PSK/PSP extract: 3g 3x daily (Japanese clinical dose). Whole powder: 2–3g 3x daily. |
| Notes | PSK (Krestin) licensed cancer adjunct in Japan for 30+ years — strong evidence base. Water extraction required for polysaccharides (not alcohol). Dual extract best overall. Most extensively studied medicinal mushroom for cancer adjunct. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with immunosuppressants. Caution in pregnancy (insufficient data).
Side Effects: GI discomfort. Darkening of fingernails (PSK — harmless). Rare allergic reactions. Generally very well tolerated.