[4-6] Polysaccharide-K (PSK) or krestin, from the mushroom T. versicolor, is an approved mushroom product used for cancer treatment in Japan. One other large study not included in this meta-analysis was a Japanese multicenter comparative trial of adjuvant chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy and PSK involving 751 patients undergoing curative resection, conducted from 1978 to 1981. Sadahiro S, Suzuki T, Maeda Y, et al. maintaining the PDQ summaries can be found on the About This PDQ Summary and PDQ Cancer Information for Health Professionals pages. Also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, it got its nickname because its vivid color patterns that appear similar to that of, yes, a turkeys tail. This means that some side effects may not have been recorded. a weak immune system. In some cases, this was linked to a positive immune response, but there may be other factors. These cancers can occur in any part of the body and can vary in their risk factors, symptoms, and outlooks. Whats the Relationship Between Selenium and Breast Cancer? Her younger sister found supplements that she believes helped her body heal, including high dose CBD oil, Frankincense oil, turkey tail mushroom and a Chinese remedy called "bitter melon," among others. These extracts are often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to boost the efficacy of these treatments and improve outcomes. In fact, the American Cancer Society (ACS) say that more than 100,000 people will receive a diagnosis of it in 2020. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer . Oncol Rep 27 (4): 1079-89, 2012. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-6382-5_7, https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/9/1934/htm, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mnfr.201801231, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5687673/, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/gmic.29558, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6351938/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6367522/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5592279/, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1534735416649034, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22204346, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/251632/, https://www.poison.org/articles/2009-jun/wild-mushroom-warning, New clues to slow aging? Front Pharmacol 3: 85, 2012. All rights reserved. While the mechanism of action for PSK in general and in colorectal cancer specifically is not clearly defined, the potential activity of PSK as an immunomodulatory adjunct to chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer has been studied. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute. Their overall appearance may resemble that of a turkeys tail. Information about using the illustrations in this summary, along with many other cancer-related images, is available in Visuals Online, a collection of over 2,000 scientific images. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq. G. lucidum polysaccharides had been shown to counteract this immune suppression in an animal cell culture model; therefore, this experiment was undertaken to evaluate whether the effect could be duplicated in humans. Sakai T, Yamashita Y, Maekawa T, et al. The most common ones include Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) Trametes versicolor Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail) Lentinus edodes (shiitake) Grifola frondosa (maitake) Research has been conducted to determine the antitumor activity of mushrooms and mushroom extracts. Hsieh TC, Wu JM: Regulation of cell cycle transition and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells by the combination of Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum. Is there a cure for cancer? After their analyses, the researchers concluded that the extract contributed to increased levels of cancer fighting cells in the immune system. PSP and PSK appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. [16] There are no studies of G. lucidum with measured cancer outcomes. Recently, a number of bioactive molecules, including anti-tumor agents, have been identified from various mushrooms (Fig. Many people still prefer this option. They found that products containing these two mushrooms may indeed improve both survival and quality of life for some people with certain types of cancer, including breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers. The researchers looked at studies of five types of mushroom, including turkey tail, as complementary cancer treatments. Chen S, Li X, Yong T, et al. In one 2019 study, a team of researchers reviewed 23 clinical trials involving more than 4,200 patients. Oba K, Teramukai S, Kobayashi M, et al. Science Press, 1987. Many of the studies are retrospective, which means data is gathered afterward from patients medical records. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. You don't need to do this alone. There have been some studies done on turkey tail mushrooms for cancer. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. While there are currently trials underway, the FDA has refused to approve the use of PSK as a cancer treatment. Bao PP, Lu W, Cui Y, et al. Learn about how GcMAF works. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517545/. [44] After being diagnosed with colorectal adenomas on colonoscopy, 123 patients were enrolled in the MAK treatment group, and 102 no-treatment controls were randomly selected from the departments patients. : Ganoderiol A-enriched extract suppresses migration and adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting FAK-SRC-paxillin cascade pathway. Turkey tail has a chewy texture and a strong flavor. In this review article, the authors discuss the effects of a polysaccharide from Turkey Tail mushroom on cancer metastasis. Learn more about how mushrooms can benefit a persons health, Reishi mushrooms have many purported benefits, including boosting the immune system and shrinking tumors. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia. Integr Cancer Ther 14 (3): 201-11, 2015. at the National Institutes of Health, An official website of the United States government, Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM), Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ)Health Professional Version, Summary of the Evidence for Medicinal Mushrooms, Levels of Evidence for Human Studies of Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies, PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board, PDQ Cancer Information for Health Professionals, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [14] They analyzed data from 349 patients who had undergone adjuvant therapy (after curative resection) between 1995 and 2008; 225 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with an oral fluoropyrimidine alone, while 124 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy plus PSK 3 g/d. Chilton J: A new analytical fingerprinting system for quality control of medicinal mushroom products. Although the content of PDQ documents can be used freely as text, it cannot be identified as an NCI PDQ cancer information summary unless it is presented in its entirety and is regularly updated. What is the nutritional value of mushrooms? The 5-year OS rates were 67.9% in the PSK group and 61.8% in the control group (P = .053). What is PSK? Log in to our secure, personalized website to manage your care (formerly myMDAnderson). If you are ready to make an appointment, select a button on the right. Not quite, but new treatments could change that. Some studies show mushrooms boost parts of the immune system that are linked to cancer. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. One study showed that when people took mushrooms, they were able to tolerate more rounds chemotherapy treatment, probably because they have fewer side effects, and thereby it might have indirectly improved their survival, says Narayanan. Hsieh TC, et al. The researchers studied the effect of an extract taken from Trametes versicolor mushrooms treat leukemia cells. Most are for prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. Ganopoly was administered as 1,800 mg capsules 3 times daily before meals for 12 weeks. [12] They postulated that reversal of T-cell dysfunction induced by chemotherapy could reduce the adverse effects or enhance the antitumor effect. Turkey tail extract appears to cause few, if any, adverse effects. In traditional Chinese medicine, the fungi are collectively known as Ling Zhi; in Japan, they are known as Reishi. This lack of purity of the products under study may account for some of the overlap of biological activities attributed to the individual components. Impact of Turkey Tail Mushroom in Pancreatic Cancer 8.1. As part of our mission to eliminate cancer, MD Anderson researchers conduct hundreds of clinical trials to test new treatments for both common and rare cancers. Mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality of life indicators for cancer patients. Recently, researchers have found that different parts of the mushroom may provide different benefits. Choi JH, Kim YB, Lim HY, et al. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. For example, its extract may be useful in fighting certain types of cancer, according to one 2014 review. Cui J, Chisti Y: Polysaccharopeptides of Coriolus versicolor: physiological activity, uses, and production. Medicinal mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, for treatment of infections. The glycoprotein molecules are composed of a main chain beta- (1,4) glucan with beta- (1,3)- and beta- (1,6)-linked side chains. possible. PSK 3 g/d with concurrent chemotherapy was used in all RCTs, and all six studies showed benefit for at least one of the following endpoints: Ganoderma is a genus of woody polypore fungi which grow on live trees. Phytochemistry 114: 38-55, 2015. While theyre generally considered safe, turkey tail mushrooms can occasionally have a few side effects to be aware of, including. The mammalian metabolism of the triterpenes has been studied singly and in combination, with numerous sites of metabolism identified. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 24 (1): 35-40, 2009. Interested in learning about other natural treatments for cancer and cancer prevention? And turkey tails dont just have high levels of antioxidants they seem to have numerous different kinds. Rather, it may be a useful addition to a medical treatment plan, under a doctors supervision and with their approval. In the study, a more-marked decrease in IAP level was observed in patients treated with PSK than in those treated in the control group. In Japan, PSK is an . More than 100 species of medicinal mushrooms are used in Asia. Turkey Tail Mushroom Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies Turkey Tail Mushroom Information Expanded and updated content from this page has been moved to the Turkey Tail Mushroom page on the new CancerChoices website. Turkey tail mushrooms are multicolored fungi that grow on tree trunks and fallen trees in wooded areas. [4], PSK radiolabeled with carbon C-14 has been used to study the oral bioavailability and distribution of PSK in mice, rats, and rabbits. Last medically reviewed on April 12, 2021. Turkey tail extracts have been used in Japan for decades as an adjuvant (additional) therapy for cancer treatments. One study analyzed outcomes from 101 patients at a single institution in Japan who had Dukes B or Dukes C colorectal cancer and were treated with UFT or UFT plus PSK for 24 months after curative surgery. Your gift will help make a tremendous difference. To qualify for a level of evidence analysis, a study must: Separate levels of evidence scores are assigned to qualifying human studies on the basis of statistical strength of the study design and scientific strength of the treatment outcomes (i.e., endpoints) measured. Turkey tail may be helpful in keeping a balance of gut bacteria, therefore improving overall health. : Ginseng and Ganoderma lucidum use after breast cancer diagnosis and quality of life: a report from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study. [10] Beta-glucans are known to bind to the complement receptor CR3. In some parts of the world, mushroom extracts are often used by patients for their medicinal benefits. Their inclusion should not be viewed as an endorsement of the content of the websites, or of any treatment or product, by the PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board or the National Cancer Institute. And some evidence suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may have anticancer properties. : Chemical characterization and antitumor activities of polysaccharide extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. Sometimes the active ingredient is removed and sold as a supplement. : Genome sequence of the model medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Int J Mol Sci 15 (5): 9103-16, 2014. Among the biologically active components of G. lucidum are triterpenoids, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins. Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe. And their benefits may not stop there. Look for a purified turkey tail supplement or turkey tail mushrooms from a reputable source. In animal models, direct antitumor effects resulted in reduced tumor growth and metastases. Qi Y, Zhao L, Sun HH: Development of a rapid and confirmatory method to identify ganoderic acids in ganoderma mushrooms. For an explanation of the scores and additional information about levels of evidence analysis of integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies for cancer, see Levels of Evidence for Human Studies of Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies. : 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin-C, and polysaccharide-K adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: the prognostic significance of frequent perineural invasion. If they ask me if the mushroom is going to help, I have to say, we dont know, Narayanan says. [35], Other potential mechanisms of anticancer activity have been demonstrated, including reports of the induction of differentiation of neuroblastoma cells in vitro [36] and the inhibition of cellular secretion of factors associated with tumor-induced angiogenesis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta.[37]. Accessed . However, the researchers found that a daily oral preparation containing Trametes versicolor powder improved immune status after standard treatment for breast cancer. : Effects of preoperative immunochemoradiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy on immune responses in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. A quick look at cancer cell death is a perfect example. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci 35 (5): 736-41, 2015. Trametes versicolor (Tv), also known as Coriolus versicolor and commonly called Turkey Tail, is a mushroom species from which preparations have been made that have a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine [ 1, 2 ]. PDQ Medicinal Mushrooms. The 5-year DFS was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.580.90; The 5-year OS was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.550.90; Carlson A, Justo A, Hibbett DS: Species delimitation in Trametes: a comparison of ITS, RPB1, RPB2 and TEF1 gene phylogenies. We avoid using tertiary references. Polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP) are bioactive extracts of C. versicolor. Turkey tail mushroom grows on stumps and the decomposing wood of trees. Phytochemistry 127: 29-37, 2016. However, CD57-positive T cells decreased more significantly after surgery for patients treated with PSK than for those in the control group (P = .0486). Guggenheim AG, et al. Miller RM, Taunton J: Targeting protein kinases with selective and semipromiscuous covalent inhibitors. In vitro anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effect of polysaccharide-rich extracts from Trametes versicolor and Grifola frondosa in colon cancer cells. Women undergoing treatment for breast cancer might benefit from turkey tail mushroom agents. Hepatogastroenterology 54 (73): 290-7, 2007 Jan-Feb. Tanaka H, Muguruma K, Ohira M, et al. Her current research focuses on the use of the medicinal mushroom turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer and the use of functional brain imaging to assess the treatment of brain cancer. Patients were monitored for 5 to 7 years. PSP may also stimulate the immune system, and PSK is approved in Japan as an adjuvant treatment for cancer. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. This includes not only breast cancer, but lung, gastric, pancreatic and liver cancer as well. Since the earliest reports of clinical benefits, other investigators have sought to define the mechanism of PSKs beneficial action. Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) is another extract from T. versicolor produced in China. : Serum amyloid A mediates the inhibitory effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells. Stanley G, Harvey K, Slivova V, et al. The study found that PBG may help balance certain bacteria in the gut, which can help prevent obesity. My partner's oncologist approved turkey tail mushroom supplements for him. : Metabolite identification of crude extract from Ganoderma lucidum in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. : Impact of adjuvant immunochemotherapy using protein-bound polysaccharide-K on overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. In addition, cytotoxic T cells increased in the peritumoral mucosa and normal mucosa within the radiation field in the PSK-treated group. Blood was obtained from 12 lung cancer patients. (2015). However, people with mushroom or mold allergies should steer clear of them. Heres what she wants cancer patients to know about medicinal mushrooms. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. The OS hazard ratio was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.790.98; P = .018), indicating improved survival with the addition of PSK, with no significant heterogeneity between the treatment effects observed in the different studies. There are many other species of Trametes, some of which are difficult to distinguish from turkey tail. PSK has been used as an adjunctive cancer treatment in thousands of patients since the mid-1970s. : Ganoderic acids suppress growth and invasive behavior of breast cancer cells by modulating AP-1 and NF-kappaB signaling. The best-studied Ganoderma polysaccharides possess mostly 1,3- and 1,4-glycosidic linkages, which are of high molecular weight. It is important not to take more than the label recommends. Permission to use images outside the context of PDQ information must be obtained from the owner(s) and cannot be granted by the National Cancer Institute. Wu GS, Song YL, Yin ZQ, et al. Is a High MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) an Indicator of Cancer? Coriolus versicolor: A medicinal mushroom with promising immunotherapeutic values. Reference citations in some PDQ cancer information summaries may include links to external websites that are operated by individuals or organizations for the purpose of marketing or advocating the use of specific treatments or products. Hennicke F, Cheikh-Ali Z, Liebisch T, et al. Hence, these results contradict the findings from the Korean analysis. However, some milder adverse effects may include: Anyone with an underlying health condition should consult a doctor before trying any new supplement, including turkey tail extract. Phytochemistry 71 (13): 1579-85, 2010. So far, studies that have reported on the use of T. versicolor products in patients with breast cancer have focused on documenting changes in immune parameters (e.g., changes in T-cell subsets and B-cell numbers in blood) as opposed to clinical parameters (e.g., patient survival, resolution of symptoms/side effects, or improvement in quality of life). information about summary policies and the role of the PDQ Editorial Boards in Thanks to turkey tail mushrooms, you'll have a better immune system, lower cholesterol, and a decreased cancer risk. PSK is reported to enhance natural killer (NK) cell and T-cell activities by upregulation of interleukin-2 or interferon-gamma. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. (2008). Qu D, He J, Liu C, et al. The activity is generally considered to be caused by the presence of high-molecular-weight polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in the mushrooms, although other constituents may also be involved. For example, we dont know the exact mechanism why cancer patients get fatigued, so we cant pinpoint how the mushrooms help. It was considered a superior tonic for prolonging life, preventing aging, and boosting qi. At one dose, the immune response was enhanced, and at another dose immune response was suppressed, so we need to clarify these results., Mushrooms may extend survival after a cancer diagnosis. Researchers have isolated the PSK compound. They are not normally severe, but they do exist.. Shang D, Li Y, Wang C, et al. Our patients depend on blood and platelet donations. Hong SG, Jung HS: Phylogenetic analysis of Ganoderma based on nearly complete mitochondrial small-subunit ribosomal DNA sequences. the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or NIH. Hiroshima J Med Sci 59 (1): 1-6, 2010. replace or update an existing article that is already cited. : Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. If you would like to know more about using mushrooms during cancer treatment, its essential that you talk to your doctor. Although these results are promising, people with cancer shouldnt try turkey tail before consulting with their oncologist. Quel. Over the centuries, people in Asia have turned to more than 100 different kinds of mushrooms in an effort to thwart cancer. A study in mice, for example, found that PBG helped prevent weight gain in those that ate a high fat diet. Turkey tail's benefits may stem from its content of polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), both of which appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Antioxidants are compounds that help inhibit or reduce damage caused by oxidative stress. The compounds in turkey tail may also offer benefits for gut health. It's not commonly an indicator of cancer. Torkelson, CJ, et al. The summary reflects an independent review of Additionally, they found that the preparation was well tolerated by the participants in the study. Knežević A, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 139 (2): 582-9, 2012. This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about the use of medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of people with cancer. G. lucidum polysaccharides at concentrations of 3.2 g/mL and 12.8 g/mL significantly antagonized this inhibition (P < .05 for both). : Molecular structures of two crystalline forms of the cyclic heptapeptide antibiotic ternatin, cyclo[-beta-OH-D-Leu-D-Ile-(NMe)Ala-(NMe)Leu-Leu-(NMe)Ala-D-(NMe)Ala-]. Packed with antioxidants. [20], Several G. lucidum-derived products have been studied in preclinical models and reported to produce anticancer effects. In China, G. lucidum is known as Chizhi and G. sinense is known as Zizhi. However, turkey tail extract does not treat cancer on its own. Limited research suggests that a component of turkey tail called protein-bound beta-glucan (PBG) could help prevent obesity. : Efficacy of adjuvant immunochemotherapy with polysaccharide K for patients with curative resections of gastric cancer. There were no differences between groups in 5-year RFS rates (52.7% in the PSK group and 52.7% in the control group) or 5-year OS rates (57.1% in the PSK group and 58.3% in the control group). Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789. Pinweha S, Wanikiat P, Sanvarinda Y, et al. G/L = granulocyte to lymphocyte count; OR = odds ratio; PSK = polysaccharide-K; RCT = randomized controlled trial; UFT = tegafur/uracil. I believe they have extracts as well as capsules, and they are very knowledgeable. Turkey tail mushrooms may have immune boosting properties that support cancer treatment for some people. In addition, some types of mushroom are poisonous, and it can be difficult to know which are safe. McCormick was impressed. Efficacy of adjuvant immunochemotherapy with polysaccharide K for patients with curative resections of gastric cancer. Acta Pharm 61 (3): 335-42, 2011. Miller R, Galitsky NM, Duax WL, et al. A pancreatic mass is another name for a pancreatic tumor. Janjuević, L et al. The researchers also found the two extracts together could even enhance the effectiveness of a drug often used to treat colorectal cancers, 5-fluorouracil. Novel device smaller than rice successfully shrinks pancreatic cancer | Called the nanofluidic drug-eluting seed (NDES), it delivers low-dose immunotherapy in the . CBD and cancer cell death (apoptosis) Where turkey tail was pretty straightforward (NK cells and CD8), CBD comes at it from so many different angles. [6] There are many other species of Ganoderma, which are difficult to distinguish from the medicinal species. [18] Researchers compared 139 patients who received chemotherapy alone with 115 patients who received chemotherapy plus PSK. Biotechnol Adv 21 (2): 109-22, 2003. Finally, another small study has been reported since the meta-analysis. Ito G, Tanaka H, Ohira M, et al. People with well-controlled metastatic cancer can. Another group of investigators studied the effect of PSK added to tegafur/uracil (UFT) chemotherapy compared with that of UFT alone. : Correlation between efficacy of PSK postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy for gastric cancer and expression of MHC class I. Exp Ther Med 3 (6): 925-930, 2012. The Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center provides cancer risk assessment, screening and diagnostic services. Find information and resources for current and returning patients. People use turkey tail . Last year, the FDA approved a $5.4 million Turkey Tail trial for cancer patients starting with approval for studying the use of a Turkey Tail extract in combination with chemotherapy for patients with advanced prostate cancer. (2013) Regulation of cell cycle transition and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells by the combination of Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum. However, not all of the research has been quite so enrcouraging. Hsieh TC, et al. The typical high quality turkey tail mushroom supplements, like those found on our turkey tail supplements page, have a standard dose of 1 gram per capsule . PDQ is a registered trademark. [14], Many Ganoderma species produce large amounts of oxidized lanostane triterpenes in a complex mixture. Torkelson CJ, Sweet E, Martzen MR, et al. Mushrooms are tasty and nutritious, but can they protect the brain from cognitive decline? In one very small study, nine participants with stage 1, 2, or 3 breast cancer underwent standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments. ex Fr.) J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 941: 90-9, 2013. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that PSK from turkey tail is a safe and effective supplement for people with colorectal cancer or other forms of intestinal cancer. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Cheng CR, Yue QX, Wu ZY, et al. Learn about our graduate medical education residency and fellowship opportunities. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushroom might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. inflammation. The study was small, with only nine participants. More recently, they have also been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer. A 2012 study followed up on this call for research. Those most frequently studied in cancer research are not usually sold in grocery stores. The authors concluded that PSK adjuvant immunotherapy may be effective in MHC class Inegative patients with advanced lymph node metastasis of pN2 or greater. Cancer Center. But its important to remember that turkey tail mushrooms are not for everyone, especially if youre allergic. Many people take a combination of medicinal mushrooms such as Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake, Reishi, Maitake and Turkey tail to improve their pancreas health.