Turkey Tail
Trametes versicolor
Turkey Tail's PSK (polysaccharide krestin) is a licensed pharmaceutical drug in Japan used alongside chemotherapy for gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers. Multiple RCTs demonstrate PSK significantly improves 5-year survival rates. PSP (polysaccharide peptide) has shown similar immune-boosting effects in Chinese clinical research.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
2–3 g hot-water extracted PSK/PSP extract daily. Look for products with >30% polysaccharides.
Preparations
Hot-Water Extract Capsules
2–3 g dual-extracted Turkey Tail daily. Raw powder is poorly absorbed — must be hot-water extracted.
Mushroom Tea
Simmer 10–15 g dried Turkey Tail in 4 cups water for 30–60 min. Drink 2–3 cups daily.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- Generally very well-tolerated
- Digestive upset possible at high doses — start lower
- May over-stimulate immune system in autoimmune conditions
- Avoid if allergic to mushrooms
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.