Medicinal Fungi of Puerto Rico: Turkey Tail Mushroom
Medicinal Fungi of Puerto Rico: Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is also known as Yunzhi in Chinese.
Turkey tail mushroom is a polypore fungus, which means that it has a pore-like underside. It is found growing on dead or dying hardwood trees, and it is often found in clusters. Turkey tail mushroom is a brightly colored fungus, with a range of colors including orange, yellow, brown, and black.
Turkey tail mushroom is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to a variety of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Turkey tail mushroom also contains a number of other beneficial compounds, including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and lanosterin. Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide that has been shown to boost the immune system.
Polysaccharides are another type of carbohydrate that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Lanosterin is a steroid that has been shown to have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
There is a growing body of research that suggests that turkey tail mushroom may have a number of health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of turkey tail mushroom include:
- Boosting the immune system
- Fighting cancer
- Reducing inflammation
- Protecting against neurodegenerative diseases
- Improving gut health
- Boosting energy levels
- Reducing stress
- Improving sleep
Turkey tail mushroom is generally safe for most people to consume. However, it is important to note that turkey tail mushroom may interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it.
There are a number of ways to consume turkey tail mushroom. It can be taken in capsule form, powder form, tea form, or how we consume it here at Wild Culture Mushrooms, the dual extract form.
Different Species of Trametes Found in Puerto Rico
There are a number of different species of Trametes found in Puerto Rico. Some of the most common species include:
- Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail mushroom)
- Trametes hirsuta (Hairy bracket fungus)
- Trametes gibbosa (Swollen bracket fungus)
- Trametes suaveolens (Sweet bracket fungus)
- Trametes pubescens (Hairy conk)
These mushrooms can be found growing on a variety of hardwood trees, including oak. They are often found in clusters, and they can range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. All of these mushrooms are edible, non-toxic, and most have medicinal properties.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Studies
A 2015 study published in the journal "Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy" found that turkey tail mushroom extract could help to slow the growth of cancer cells in mice. "Inhibitory effect of Trametes versicolor polysaccharide on the growth of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo" (Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 2015)
A 2016 study published in the journal "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" found that turkey tail mushroom extract could help to improve the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. "The effects of Trametes versicolor polysaccharide on chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial" (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016)
A 2017 study published in the journal "Frontiers in Immunology" found that turkey tail mushroom extract could help to boost the immune system in mice. "The immunomodulatory effects of Trametes versicolor polysaccharide in mice" (Frontiers in Immunology, 2017)
Here at Wild Culture Mushrooms, we have Turkey Tail mushrooms in many different formats. Our Turkey Tail Extract is the most convenient way consume beneficial compounds of the mushroom. If you stop by our myco-market you can also try our Turkey Tail lattes and tonic.