Were you even alive in 2019 if you didn’t see the epic boom of mushroom EVERYTHING? This is one trend that I fully support! Mushrooms are, after all, where the mystical creatures in enchanted forests live.
What’s in these Mushrooms? Some major constituents from mushrooms include Beta Glucans, Polysaccharides like PSP and PSK, Adenosine, Ganoderic acid, MD-fraction, and Grifolan. These constituents are considered their ‘active’ components, if you will. In general, most of the research is performed on these constituents.
How do they work? Each mushroom supports the body in a slightly different and unique way. Since we are going to highlight Turkey Tail, one answer is that they can influence the cytokine pattern. Cytokine patterns are essential for a healthy immune system.
Let’s breakdown the cytokine families into 4 groups and keep it simple.
- Th1 cytokines include IFN-y, IL-2, and IL-12 (full profile and action here). Some of these Th1 cytokine patterns have been found to be helpful in the response to cancer. 1 This study showed that Th1 cells (via IL-12 and IFN-γ) protect against B-cell cancer. There is a favorable theory for Th1 cytokines having immunological control against cancer.
- Th2 cytokines include IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. 1 These cytokines promote Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophilic responses. Th2 cells drive the humoral immunity and up-regulate antibody production.
- Th3/Tregs have TGF-Beta cytokines, and these modulate TH1. 1
- Proinflammatory Cytokines include IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α; these are proinflammation. 1 We need some inflammation, it sparks the initial activation for healing. Topic for another day.
Some cytokines help modulate other cytokines. IFN-y production decreases IL-4, and IL-4 production decreases IFN-y. We need a balance in these patterns. When things flip more to one side we can have immune disruption.
Some cytokines are skilled to stimulate immune defender cells, called effector cells, and target the stromal cells at the tumor site (connective tissue cells). Here’s a great review article if you want to read more.
Ok, show us what you got Turkey Tail!
Much of the research on this mushroom is focused on cancer, due its ability to influence Th1 cytokines and immune markers. The use of Turkey Tail extract has been routine in clinical practice in Japan since 1977. 6
In vivo study on mice, the polysaccharide krestin (PSK) found in Turkey Tail increased IL-12 in normal mice and increase Th1 response. 2 Another in vivo study on breast cancer cell lines found PSK activated Natural Killer cells to produce IFN-y and increased IL-12. 3
PSK provides immunostimulation through increase production of TLR2 and TLR4, also malignant phenotype suppression by decreasing Hh. 4, 5 Hh is the Hedgehog signaling pathways, the crosstalk between the cancer cells.
Randomized subgroups from 914 women received Krestin (PSK) (3,000 mg/d for 24 months) in addition to chemotherapy. Analysis revealed that Krestin (PSK) extended survival in ER-negative, stage IIA patients without lymph node involvement. 7
PSP, another polysaccharide from Turkey Tail was shown to increases the expressions of cytokines and chemokines and enhances dendritic and T-cell infiltration into tumors, and improve response to the adverse events associated with chemotherapy. 8
Want more?
What’s my take on this?
Turkey Tail isn’t edible with its thick leathery texture. It’s found in nature on dead wood or hardwoods. It’s not picky either, and lives in forests all over the world. It can be taken in tea, powder or pill form.
Real food, sun, soil, herbs, water, and air have a secret language that speaks to our bodies on a cellular level. High-quality supplements are tapping into that powerful language. They are harnessing the magic behind the food or herb and providing it in a convenient way. Why wouldn’t I want to take advantage of that? Especially if it’s something I can’t get in the diet!
I turn to this mushroom when I’m increasing the frequency or duration of my workouts, if I’m surrounded by a bunch of sick people, or when I’m under a lot of stress or pressure at work.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult your doctor before you take any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or taking medications.
Unless stated I am not affiliated with any product or company mentioned on this blog.
This post contains a review of research about phytochemicals found in medicinal mushrooms, it is not intended to be a treatment or prevention plan of any kind.
Apples and Paws 