Also known as: Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, Yun Zhi
Turkey tail is one of the most extensively researched medicinal mushrooms, particularly for immune modulation in cancer care. Its polysaccharide compounds PSK and PSP are approved as adjunctive cancer therapies in Japan and China.
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) is a common bracket fungus found worldwide on dead and fallen hardwood trees. Its name derives from the concentric bands of brown, tan, and white on its fan-shaped fruiting body, resembling a wild turkey's tail. Turkey tail contains two extensively researched protein-bound polysaccharides: PSK (polysaccharide-K, also called Krestin) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide). PSK has been used in Japan as an approved adjunctive cancer treatment since the 1970s, with clinical trials demonstrating improved survival rates in gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer patients when combined with standard chemotherapy. PSP, developed in China, shows similar immunostimulatory properties. Both compounds activate T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells while modulating cytokine production. A 2012 NIH-funded Phase I trial at the University of Washington demonstrated that turkey tail improved immune function in breast cancer patients following radiation therapy. Beyond oncology, turkey tail supports gut microbiome health by acting as a prebiotic that promotes beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus populations.
PSK and PSP increase natural killer cell and T-cell activity. Numerous clinical trials in Japan and China show improved 5-year survival rates in gastric and colorectal cancer patients receiving PSK alongside chemotherapy.
Turkey tail polysaccharides act as prebiotics, increasing populations of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while reducing pathogenic species in the gut.
In healthy volunteers, turkey tail supplementation increased secretory IgA and shifted cytokine profiles toward enhanced immune surveillance without overstimulation.
Divided into 2–3 doses with meals
Look for extracts standardised to at least 30% polysaccharides (PSK/PSP). Fruiting body extracts are preferred.
Divided into 3 doses, taken with meals
This dosage range reflects clinical trial protocols in Japan. Must be supervised by an oncologist.
Standardised PSK/PSP content for immune support
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