Turkey Tail Mushroom Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Also known as
  • Coriolus versicolor
  • Cloud Mushroom
Turkey Tail Mushroom Turkey Tail Mushroom, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, is a type of mushroom that is widely recognized for its medicinal properties and potential health benefits. It is commonly found in forests and woodlands around the world, including Turkey, which is how it gets its name due to its colorful and layered appearance resembling a turkey's tail. Turkey Tail Mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures such as Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. It contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (such as beta-glucans), which are believed to contribute to its potential health-promoting effects.
There are 183 drugs known to interact with Turkey Tail Mushroom

Additional Details

Is Turkey Tail Mushroom Safe? Any Warnings?

Turkey tail mushroom is generally considered safe when taken orally or in isolated forms like polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP). However, there's not enough information about its safety when used topically or intravaginally. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's advised to avoid using it due to insufficient reliable information.

How Does Turkey Tail Mushroom Work? Mechanism of Action

Turkey tail mushroom has active components in its fruiting body and mycelium. These include triterpenoids, sterols, polysaccharides, ribonucleotides, phenols, glycosides, and more. Two key constituents, PSK and PSP, have garnered attention. PSK stimulates the immune system, inhibits tumor invasion and adhesion, and even activates complement pathways. PSP has shown potential against lung cancers, leukemia, hepatomas, and more. It's also been associated with improved immune function and antiviral effects against HIV.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral consumption, PSK is partially broken down in the digestive tract, then absorbed within 24 hours. It's detected in various organs, with prolonged presence in the liver and bone marrow. About 70% of PSK is excreted in expired air, 20% in feces, 10% in urine, and 0.8% in bile.

Interaction Overview

  • Antidiabetes Drugs: Combining turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of low blood sugar.
  • Cyclophosphamide: Polysaccharide peptide (PSP) might interact with cyclophosphamide, affecting its exposure.
  • CYP2C9 Substrates: PSP might inhibit CYP2C9, which could impact drugs metabolized by this enzyme.
  • Tamoxifen: PSP might interfere with the absorption of tamoxifen, a drug used for breast cancer.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When taken orally, turkey tail mushroom and its PSK component are generally well tolerated. Some reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues, hematological abnormalities, liver dysfunction, and palpitations, mainly in patients receiving PSK alongside chemotherapy.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Turkey tail mushroom supplements commonly use isolated polysaccharides, PSK, and PSP. These constituents are commercially available and used in health supplements. Standardization ensures consistent potency and quality.

What Is Turkey Tail Mushroom Typically Used For?

Turkey tail mushroom has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to enhance immune function, remove toxins, and address conditions like cancer, hepatitis, and infections. Current research focuses on the effectiveness of PSK and PSP in improving response rates and survival in cancer patients. However, more evidence is needed for other potential uses, such as cervical dysplasia, chronic fatigue syndrome, genital herpes, hepatitis, muscle strength, and various infections.

Drugs that interact with Turkey Tail Mushroom

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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