Herb & supplement monograph

Turkey Tail Mushroom Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Turkey Tail Mushroom interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Turkey Tail Mushroom is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Turkey Tail Mushroom is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Turkey Tail Mushroom Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated August 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Turkey Tail Mushroom drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, more than half are minor, and every one rests on animal or lab research rather than confirmed effects in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations most worth watching involve two cancer treatments. In animal studies, a turkey tail component raised levels of cyclophosphamide in the body, which could strengthen both its effects and its side effects, and it markedly slowed the absorption of tamoxifen. Animal research also hints that turkey tail may lower blood sugar, so people taking diabetes medications should keep an eye out for signs of low blood sugar. None of these effects has been confirmed in people, but the narrow margins involved make caution sensible.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of moderate and minor interactions largely reflects theory, not observed harm. Most entries stem from lab findings that a turkey tail component might affect an enzyme the body uses to clear certain medications, and that predicted effect has not been reported in humans. A long list, in this case, mostly signals possibilities researchers are still testing.

Check your medications against Turkey Tail Mushroom

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Turkey Tail Mushroom interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Turkey Tail Mushroom

187 medications have a known interaction with Turkey Tail Mushroom, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcetohexamideDymelor
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Acetohexamide interaction
AlbiglutideTanzeum
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Albiglutide interaction
AlogliptinNesina
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Alogliptin interaction Alogliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alogliptin, MetforminKazano
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Alogliptin, Metformin interaction
Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interaction
Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interaction
CanagliflozinInvokana
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Canagliflozin interaction Canagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Canagliflozin, Metformin interaction
Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Chlorpropamide interaction
CyclophosphamideCytoxan, Neosar
Moderate Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, the polysaccharide peptide (PSP) component of turkey tail mushroom might increase exposure to cyclophosphamide.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Cyclophosphamide interaction Cyclophosphamide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
DapagliflozinFarxiga
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Dapagliflozin interaction Dapagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interaction
Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interaction
Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interaction
Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride interaction Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
DulaglutideTrulicity
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Dulaglutide interaction Dulaglutide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
EmpagliflozinJardiance
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Empagliflozin interaction Empagliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Empagliflozin, Metformin interaction
Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ErtugliflozinSteglatro
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Ertugliflozin interaction Ertugliflozin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interaction
ExenatideBydureon, Byetta
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Exenatide interaction Exenatide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Exenatide Synthetic interaction Exenatide Synthetic drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
GliclazideDiamicron
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Gliclazide interaction
GlimepirideAmaryl
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Glimepiride interaction Glimepiride drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Glipizide interaction Glipizide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Read the full Turkey Tail Mushroom + Glipizide, Metformin interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Turkey Tail Mushroom combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Turkey Tail Mushroom affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Turkey Tail Mushroom is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 4 drug categories Turkey Tail Mushroom interacts with
Antidiabetes DrugsCyclophosphamideTamoxifen (nolvadex)Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turkey tail mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that turkey tail mushroom and a polysaccharide component can have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, the polysaccharide peptide (PSP) component of turkey tail mushroom might increase exposure to cyclophosphamide.
Some animal research shows that the PSP component of turkey tail mushroom can increase the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of cyclophosphamide by 44% to 50% and the half-life by 34% to 43%. This interaction could potentially increase the effects and adverse effects of cyclophosphamide. However, it is not known whether PSP affects the levels of the active metabolites of cyclophosphamide that are responsible for its clinical activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, the polysaccharide peptide (PSP) component of turkey tail mushroom might interfere with the absorption of tamoxifen.
Animal research suggests that PSP increases the time to reach maximum concentration of a single dose of tamoxifen by about 9.5 hours, or 228%. When repeated doses of tamoxifen were given, the time to reach maximum concentration was increased by about 5.6 hours, or 93%. However, PSP did not affect the maximum concentration or the area under the curve of tamoxifen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, the polysaccharide peptide (PSP) component of turkey tail mushroom might inhibit CYP2C9.
Laboratory research suggests that the PSP component of turkey tail mushroom dose-dependently inhibits CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking PSP with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and the risk of adverse effects. However, this has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Turkey Tail Mushroom: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Turkey tail is a woodland mushroom rich in polysaccharides like beta-glucans, and it is mainly used to support the immune system. Some of its purified extracts (PSK and PSP) have been studied as add-on treatments alongside conventional cancer therapy in Asia, but evidence for everyday supplement use is limited. It is generally well tolerated, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition or take other medicines.

Turkey Tail Mushroom
Scientific name
Trametes versicolor
Family
Polyporaceae
Part used
Fruiting body and mycelium (and extracts such as PSK and PSP)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powders, teas, tinctures, standardized extracts (PSK/PSP)
People commonly use it for
  • Immune support
  • Used alongside cancer care
  • Gut and digestive health
  • General wellness and energy
  • Antioxidant support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated in healthy adults, but quality and evidence vary, so check with a healthcare provider first.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor, also called Coriolus versicolor or cloud mushroom) is a common bracket fungus that grows on logs and tree stumps in forests around the world. Its name comes from the colorful, banded rings on its surface that look like the tail of a wild turkey.

It has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Today people take it as a dietary supplement in capsules, powders, and teas. Two purified compounds from the mushroom, known as PSK (polysaccharide-K, or krestin) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide), have been used in some countries as part of cancer care.

How it works

Turkey tail contains polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans, along with the protein-bound compounds PSK and PSP. These are thought to act on the immune system by influencing certain white blood cells and immune signals.

Researchers believe these compounds may help the body's immune defenses respond more actively. The mushroom also contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage.

It is important to know that much of this information comes from laboratory and animal studies. How well these effects apply to people taking everyday supplements is still not fully understood.

Effectiveness

Does Turkey Tail Mushroom work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 9 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 8 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Taking PSK, a constituent of turkey tail mushroom, as an adjunct to standard cancer therapy may improve response rates and survival in some patients with cancer. Very limited data suggests that whole turkey tail mushroom is not beneficial.

Also studied for 8 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cervical dysplasia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Intravaginal turkey tail mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral turkey tail mushroom for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of turkey tail mushroom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Genital herpes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral turkey tail mushroom for genital herpes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of turkey tail mushroom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hepatitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral turkey tail mushroom for hepatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of turkey tail mushroom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle strength
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral turkey tail mushroom for muscle strength, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of turkey tail mushroom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tinea corporis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral turkey tail mushroom for tinea corporis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of turkey tail mushroom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral turkey tail mushroom for URTI, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of turkey tail mushroom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral turkey tail mushroom for UTIs, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of turkey tail mushroom for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Turkey tail is generally considered well tolerated when taken by mouth by most healthy adults. Still, supplement quality can vary, and products are not tightly regulated, so choose reputable brands.

People with autoimmune conditions or those taking medicines that affect the immune system should be cautious, since turkey tail may affect immune activity. Anyone with a serious health condition, including cancer, should talk to their doctor before using it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid turkey tail if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement.

Side effects

Side effects are usually mild. The most commonly reported ones are digestive complaints, such as gas, bloating, nausea, or dark stools.

Some people may have darkening of the fingernails when using certain extracts. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitive to molds or fungi. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Turkey Tail Mushroom: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Turkey Tail Mushroom from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, turkey tail mushroom and its PSK component are generally well tolerated. There have been reports of gastrointestinal side effects, hematological abnormalities, liver dysfunction, and palpitations, but these are in patients who received PSK in addition to standard chemotherapy. It is not known if these are due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

Reports by condition
Albuminuria Hematologic

Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and albuminuria have occurred when PSK is taken with standard chemotherapy. It is not clear if this is due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

  1. Nakazato H, Koike A, Saji S, et al. Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. Study Group of Immunochemotherapy with PSK for Gastric Cancer. Lancet 1994;343:1122-6.
  2. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag
  3. Tsujitani, S., Kakeji, Y., Orita, H., Watanabe, A., Kohnoe, S., Baba, H., Anai, H., Maehara, Y., and Sugimachi, K. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy and infiltration of dendritic cells for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 199
  4. Imaizumi, M., Kondo, T., Kamei, H., and Ichihashi, H. [Cooperative studies on surgical adjuvant immunochemotherapy for prevention of postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1984;11(1):60-68.
  5. Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 2012;6(1):78-87.
Cancer Gastrointestinal

Nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, and gastric ulcer have occurred when PSK is taken with standard chemotherapy for cancer. However, one study reported a decreased incidence of gastrointestinal side effects when PSK was taken with chemotherapy.

  1. Nakazato H, Koike A, Saji S, et al. Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. Study Group of Immunochemotherapy with PSK for Gastric Cancer. Lancet 1994;343:1122-6.
  2. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag
  3. Tsujitani, S., Kakeji, Y., Orita, H., Watanabe, A., Kohnoe, S., Baba, H., Anai, H., Maehara, Y., and Sugimachi, K. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy and infiltration of dendritic cells for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 199
  4. Imaizumi, M., Kondo, T., Kamei, H., and Ichihashi, H. [Cooperative studies on surgical adjuvant immunochemotherapy for prevention of postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1984;11(1):60-68.
  5. Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 2012;6(1):78-87.
  6. Kojima, J., Kamata, T., and Monna, T. [Evaluation of immunochemotherapy in patients with primary liver cancer. Osaka Research Society for Liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1987;14(1):179-187.
  7. Fukuo, Y., Terashi, A., Hayashi, Y., Yano, Y., and Atarashi, J. [A clinical trial of cis-platinum (II) in combination with PSK and FT-207 in advanced stomach cancer]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1985;12(4):960-965.
Cancer Cardiovascular

Palpitations have occurred when PSK is taken with standard chemotherapy for cancer. It is not clear if this is due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

  1. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag
Chemotherapy-related complications Pulmonary/Respiratory

Coughing has occurred when PSK is taken with standard chemotherapy. It is not clear if this is due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

  1. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag
  2. Torisu M, Hayashi Y, Ishimitsu T, et al. Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK) administration after curative surgical operation of colorectal cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1990;31:261-8.
  3. Tsujitani, S., Kakeji, Y., Orita, H., Watanabe, A., Kohnoe, S., Baba, H., Anai, H., Maehara, Y., and Sugimachi, K. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy and infiltration of dendritic cells for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 199
  4. Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 2012;6(1):78-87.
Chemotherapy-related complications Dermatologic

Pigmentation of the nails and erythema have occurred when PSK is taken with standard chemotherapy. It is not clear if this is due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

Intravaginally, a specific gel (Papilocare, Procare Health) containing turkey tail mushroom with neem, carboxymethyl-beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, gotu kola, aloe, and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide has been reported to cause vulvovaginal stinging, burning, itching, and candidiasis. The specific role of turkey tail mushroom is unclear.

  1. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag
  2. Torisu M, Hayashi Y, Ishimitsu T, et al. Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK) administration after curative surgical operation of colorectal cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1990;31:261-8.
  3. Tsujitani, S., Kakeji, Y., Orita, H., Watanabe, A., Kohnoe, S., Baba, H., Anai, H., Maehara, Y., and Sugimachi, K. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy and infiltration of dendritic cells for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 199
  4. Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 2012;6(1):78-87.
  5. Serrano L, López AC, González SP, et al. Efficacy of a Coriolus versicolor-based vaginal gel in women with human papillomavirus-dependent cervical lesions: The PALOMA study. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2021;25(2):130-136.
  6. Cortés Bordoy J, de Santiago García J, Agenjo González M, et al. Effect of a multi-ingredient Coriolus-versicolor-based vaginal gel in women with HPV-dependent cervical lesions: The papilobs real-life prospective study. Cancers (Basel) 2023;15(15):3863.
Chemotherapy-related complications Hepatic

Elevated liver enzymes, liver function impairment, and hepatotoxicity have occurred when PSK is taken with standard chemotherapy. It is not clear if this is due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

  1. Nakazato H, Koike A, Saji S, et al. Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. Study Group of Immunochemotherapy with PSK for Gastric Cancer. Lancet 1994;343:1122-6.
  2. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag
  3. Tsujitani, S., Kakeji, Y., Orita, H., Watanabe, A., Kohnoe, S., Baba, H., Anai, H., Maehara, Y., and Sugimachi, K. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy and infiltration of dendritic cells for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 199
  4. Imaizumi, M., Kondo, T., Kamei, H., and Ichihashi, H. [Cooperative studies on surgical adjuvant immunochemotherapy for prevention of postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1984;11(1):60-68.
  5. Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 2012;6(1):78-87.
Chemotherapy-related complications Musculoskeletal

Malaise and fatigue have occurred when PSK is taken with standard chemotherapy. It is not clear if this is due to PSK, the chemotherapy, or both.

  1. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag
  2. Torisu M, Hayashi Y, Ishimitsu T, et al. Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK) administration after curative surgical operation of colorectal cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1990;31:261-8.
  3. Tsujitani, S., Kakeji, Y., Orita, H., Watanabe, A., Kohnoe, S., Baba, H., Anai, H., Maehara, Y., and Sugimachi, K. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy and infiltration of dendritic cells for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 199
  4. Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 2012;6(1):78-87.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official standardized dose of turkey tail for general use. Doses vary widely depending on whether you are using the whole mushroom powder, a tea, or a concentrated extract such as PSK or PSP.

Because products differ so much, the best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. A pharmacist or doctor can help you decide whether turkey tail is appropriate for you and review your other medicines and conditions first.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Turkey Tail Mushroom & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Turkey Tail Mushroom & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 15 references that drive our Turkey Tail Mushroom monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Nakazato H, Koike A, Saji S, et al. Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. Study Group of Immunochemotherapy with PSK for Gastric Cancer. Lancet 1994;343:1122-6. PubMed
  2. Mitomi T, Tsuchiya S, Iijima N, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanag DOI
  3. Torisu M, Hayashi Y, Ishimitsu T, et al. Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK) administration after curative surgical operation of colorectal cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1990;31:261-8. PubMed
  4. Tsujitani, S., Kakeji, Y., Orita, H., Watanabe, A., Kohnoe, S., Baba, H., Anai, H., Maehara, Y., and Sugimachi, K. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy and infiltration of dendritic cells for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 199
  5. Kojima, J., Kamata, T., and Monna, T. [Evaluation of immunochemotherapy in patients with primary liver cancer. Osaka Research Society for Liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1987;14(1):179-187.
  6. Fukuo, Y., Terashi, A., Hayashi, Y., Yano, Y., and Atarashi, J. [A clinical trial of cis-platinum (II) in combination with PSK and FT-207 in advanced stomach cancer]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1985;12(4):960-965.
  7. Imaizumi, M., Kondo, T., Kamei, H., and Ichihashi, H. [Cooperative studies on surgical adjuvant immunochemotherapy for prevention of postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer]. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1984;11(1):60-68.
  8. Yeung JH and Or PM. Polysaccharide peptides from Coriolus versicolor competitively inhibit tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation in specific human CYP2C9 isoform and pooled human liver microsomes. Phytomedicine 2011;18(13):1170-5. PubMed
  9. Eliza WL, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 2012;6(1):78-87. PubMed
  10. Chan SL, Yeung JH. Effects of polysaccharide peptide (PSP) from Coriolus versicolor on the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide in the rat and cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44:689-94. PubMed
  11. Serrano L, López AC, González SP, et al. Efficacy of a Coriolus versicolor-based vaginal gel in women with human papillomavirus-dependent cervical lesions: The PALOMA study. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2021;25(2):130-136. PubMed
  12. Meng F, Lin Y, Hu L, Feng W, Su P, Wu L. The therapeutic effect of Coriolus versicolor fruiting body on STZ-induced ICR diabetic mice. J Healthc Eng 2022;2022:7282453. PubMed
  13. Razmovski-Naumovski V, Kimble B, Laurenti D, Nammi S, Norimoto H, Chan K. Polysaccharide peptide extract from Coriolus versicolor increased T(max) of tamoxifen and maintained biochemical serum parameters, with no change in the metabolism of tamoxifen in t
  14. Cortés Bordoy J, de Santiago García J, Agenjo González M, et al. Effect of a multi-ingredient Coriolus-versicolor-based vaginal gel in women with HPV-dependent cervical lesions: The papilobs real-life prospective study. Cancers (Basel) 2023;15(15):3863. PubMed
  15. Nikolic M, Lazarevic N, Novakovic J, et al. Characterization, in vitro biological activity and in vivo cardioprotective properties of Trametes versicolor (L.:Fr.) quél. heteropolysaccharides in a rat model of metabolic syndrome. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 20 PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Turkey Tail Mushroom: Common Questions

What is Turkey Tail Mushroom used for, and does it work?
People use Turkey Tail Mushroom for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Turkey Tail Mushroom for Cancer. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Turkey Tail Mushroom interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 187 medications with a known interaction with Turkey Tail Mushroom. Use the checker above to see how Turkey Tail Mushroom interacts with a specific drug.
How are Turkey Tail Mushroom interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Turkey Tail Mushroom with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Turkey Tail Mushroom interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Turkey Tail Mushroom used for?
People mainly use it to support the immune system and for general wellness. Purified extracts have been studied as add-ons to cancer treatment in some countries, but it is not a proven cure for any condition.
Is Turkey Tail Mushroom safe to take?
It is generally well tolerated in healthy adults, with mild digestive upset being the most common complaint. People with autoimmune conditions, serious illnesses, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a healthcare provider first.
Can I take turkey tail while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information, so it's best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise.
What is the difference between PSK, PSP, and turkey tail supplements?
PSK and PSP are specific purified compounds taken from the mushroom and used in research and medical settings in some Asian countries. Over-the-counter turkey tail supplements are usually the whole mushroom or its extract and may contain different amounts of active compounds.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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