Turkey tail mushroom

Silver· human data

Also known as: Trametes versicolor, PSK, PSP

An immune mushroom with the strongest evidence as a cancer-care adjunct.

Turkey tail is a well-studied medicinal mushroom whose beta-glucan fractions (PSK and PSP) are used as immune-support agents.

Its strongest evidence is as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment in some studies, particularly from Japan, where PSK is an approved agent. For everyday immune 'boosting' in healthy people the evidence is much thinner. Any use around illness should be alongside, not instead of, medical care.

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Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

Last reviewed: