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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Mushroom

Turkey Tail

aka Trametes versicolor · PSK · PSP

Beta-glucan-rich mushroom used as immune adjunct in cancer (PSK approved in Japan).

Immune FunctionGut Health

Overview

Beta-glucan-rich mushroom used as immune adjunct in cancer (PSK approved in Japan).

Natural sources
  • Trametes versicolor
Common forms
  • PSK (Krestin)
  • PSP
  • Hot water extract

Mechanism of action

PSK/PSP beta-glucans activate TLR-2/dectin-1 and prebiotic activity in gut.

Pathways
  • · Innate immune activation
  • · Microbiome modulation

Effects on the body

Supports
Innate immunity
Supports
Gut microbial diversity

Organ system effects

Immune System

PSK approved adjunct in gastric/colorectal cancer in Japan.

Evidence-based benefits

PSK improves survival as adjunct in gastric cancer

Strong evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Immunosuppressants
      Antagonistic.
      moderate

      Safety & non-supplemental interactions

      Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

      Avoid if you are
      • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
      • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
      Avoid with these conditions
      • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
      Avoid / monitor with these medications
      • ·Immunosuppressants

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with

      None listed.

      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      1–3 g extract; 3 g PSK clinical

      Where to buy

      Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Mushroom
      Turkey Tail
      Amazon
      Wide selection · fast shipping
      Mushroom
      Turkey Tail
      iHerb
      Global delivery · curated brands
      Mushroom
      Turkey Tail
      Thorne
      Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

      Scientific evidence (8)

      Meta-analysisCancer Immunol Immunother · 2006

      PSK (Turkey Tail polysaccharide) as adjuvant in colorectal cancer

      Sakamoto J, et al.

      Meta-analysis of PSK in resected colorectal cancer.

      Key findings

      Improved 5-year survival when added to chemotherapy.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Turkey Tail — PSK improves survival as adjunct in gastric cancer

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Turkey Tail PSK improves survival as adjunct in gastric cancer" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Turkey Tail and "PSK improves survival as adjunct in gastric cancer". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Turkey Tail — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Turkey Tail randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Turkey Tail and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Turkey Tail — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Turkey Tail meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Turkey Tail and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Turkey Tail — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Turkey Tail pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Turkey Tail and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Turkey Tail — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Turkey Tail safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Turkey Tail and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Turkey Tail — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Turkey Tail dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Turkey Tail and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Turkey Tail — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Turkey Tail as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.