Overview

Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom. It contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine.

Turkey tail mushroom grows on stumps and the decomposing wood of trees. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushroom might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system.

People use turkey tail mushroom to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation. It is also used for muscle strength, fatigue, UTIs, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Cancer. Taking polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a substance found in turkey tail mushroom, by mouth might improve the response to chemotherapy by a small amount in some people with certain types of cancer.
There is interest in using turkey tail mushroom for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Turkey tail mushroom is likely safe for most people. For most healthy adults, it is well-tolerated. Some people who are receiving chemotherapy and a substance extracted from turkey tail mushroom called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. But it is unclear if these side effects were due to the chemotherapy or PSK.

When used in the vagina: There isn't enough reliable information to know if turkey tail mushroom is safe. It might cause side effects like itching and irritation.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Turkey tail mushroom is likely safe for most people. For most healthy adults, it is well-tolerated. Some people who are receiving chemotherapy and a substance extracted from turkey tail mushroom called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. But it is unclear if these side effects were due to the chemotherapy or PSK.

When used in the vagina: There isn't enough reliable information to know if turkey tail mushroom is safe. It might cause side effects like itching and irritation.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if turkey tail mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Cyclophosphamide interacts with TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM

    PSP, a chemical found in turkey tail mushroom, might change how quickly cyclophosphamide is removed from the body. This might alter how effective it is, and cause more side effects.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM

    Turkey tail mushroom might lower blood sugar levels. Taking turkey tail mushroom along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) interacts with TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM

    Taking turkey tail mushroom with tamoxifen might change the way that tamoxifen works in the body or reduce the effects of tamoxifen.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOM

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. PSP, a chemical found in turkey tail mushroom, might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Turkey tail mushroom contains polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP). Some supplements contain just these chemicals, but the whole mushroom is also sometimes used. PSK has most often been used by adults in a dose of 3 grams by mouth daily for up to 36 months. Whole turkey tail mushroom has been used in a dose of 2.4 grams by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.