Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)

2017

Trametes versicolor
Polyporaceae

former names include Coriolus versicolor;

Polyporus versicolor

Turkeytail
Kawaratake; yun zhi

Part used: fruiting body , mycelium

Native range: global

Harvestable status / sustainability: common, widespread throughout

much of the world on dead
mostly hardwood logs,
occasionally conifers

Flavor: sweet, slightly bitter

Energetics: slightly warm

Actions: immuno-modulator, anti-cancer, hepatic, hepato-protective, anti-oxidant,

antibacterial, antiviral, cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory,
nephroprotective, hypoglycemic

Turkey tail is easily the most underused medicinal mushroom by herbalists in North
America. It is locally abundant in many places and can be easily wild harvested,
although as its popularity increases care needs to be taken to not negatively impact the
species. It should be noted however that many small shelf fungi have a very similar
appearance to turkey tail, and beginners regularly misidentify it in the wild.

Trametes, still often referred to by manufacturers or in some of the literature as Coriolus,

(its former genus) is the most studied mushroom when it comes to clinical trials for
anti-cancer activity. Its sweet and gently warming quality reveals its nourishing tonic
quality. Like other mushrooms it can easily be added to soups and stews as a medicinal
food. In addition to anticancer activity, Trametes nourishes, balances, and optimizes
immune function, restores vitality to weakened lungs, supports cardiovascular health,
and clears Dampness.
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
2017

Indications:
Cancer – to prevent and treat.
• Trametes is widely considered to be the most scientifically proven mushroom
with anti-cancer activity. Both Trametes as a whole mushroom as well as the
purified polysaccharides Krestin (PSK) and PSP reduce inflammation, strengthen
and normalize the immune response and inhibit tumor growth, by stimulating
direct cytotoxicity as well as increasing production of interferon, NK cells, T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity and tumorcidal macrophages. Its effects on T-cells in
particular include suppressing T regulatory cells and increasing Th1 cell
production with accompanied cytokine secretion. Over thirty Phase I, II, and III
randomized clinical trials have been conducted, mainly in Asia, on stomach,
colorectal, esophageal, and breast cancers.
• From Ramberg et al.:
Trametes versicolor glucans have demonstrated anti-cancer effects in humans. In two
RCTs and five controlled trials, PSK from T. versicolor mycelia increased survival of
advanced stage gastric, colon and colorectal cancer patients [56-62] with one study
showing increased immune parameters (including blood NK cell activity, leukocyte
cytotoxicity, proportion of helper cells and lymphocyte suppressor cells) [62]. An RCT of
advanced stage lung cancer patients consuming PSP from T. versicolor fruit bodies
found increased IgG and IgM antibodies and total leukocyte and neutrophil counts, along
with a decrease in the number of patients withdrawing from the study due to disease
progression [63]. An RCT of ovarian or endometrial cancer patients consuming A.
subrufescens glucans showed increased NK cell activity and fewer chemotherapy side
effects [64].
o Has also been used successfully in cases of Leukemia, liver cancer, lung,
stomach, throat, and melanoma
o In cases of breast cancer (both estrogen sensitive and non-) traditionally
combined with Ganoderma, Cordyceps, and Tremella
o Enhances efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation, including therapies for
her2-neu positive breast cancers, and reduces adverse effects including
damage to healthy cells and immune function, fatigue, pain, poor
appetite, weakness, dry mouth and throat.
o Used after chemo and radiation, Trametes has shown an increase in
survival rates and reduced recurrence of cancer.
Immune system modulation and lung support:
• Chronic infection and immune deficiencies: HIV, hepatitis C, genital herpes,
Lyme, etc.
• Acute infection: inhibits E.coli and Candida
• Autoimmune conditions: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, psoriasis, etc.
• Increases strength and improves energy levels in cases of chronic illness, in
particular pulmonary illness.
Also:
• Drains dampness and clears phlegm
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
2017

• Improves weak digestion

• Cardiotonic: may inhibit platelet aggregation and normalize lipid profiles

• Polysaccharide Krestin, abbreviated as PSK, and PSP are derived from mycelia
but are also present in the fruiting body. Stamets notes that isolated PSP and
PSK are not orally active whereas the whole fruiting body or mycelium is.
o Anti-cancer while protecting healthy cells (cervical, breast, lung, and
colon); used in conjunction or post-chemotherapy and radiation.
o Strengthens blood vessels
o Supports hepatic function and protects the liver
o General immuno-modulator

Safety, Contraindications, Interactions and/or toxicity:

• Very safe; no known adverse effects
• Beneficial interactions:
o May potentiate efficacy of antibiotics and increase effectiveness against
antibiotic resistant bacteria
o Appears to potentiate efficacy (based on survival and remission rates) of a
wide range of chemotherapeutic drugs

Preparation:
Decoction or in soups, stews, etc. (the mushroom itself is too tough and
fibrous to be eaten)
Tincture
Capsule
Arora lists Trametes as edible if boiled for 62 hours!

Dosage:
5-20 g three times per day as decoction
2-4 ml three times per day as tincture
Capsule: follow manufacturer’s recommendation

Major plant constituents: polysaccharides including polysaccharide krestin and

polysaccharide peptide (PSK and PSP - similar to lentinan found in shiitake), and Beta-
glucans, phytosterols, triterpenoids, ergosterol (proVitamin D)

Additional notes:
• Highly variable in appearance/color; many species of Trametes and other small
overlapping shelf fungi
o Stereum spp. (“false turkeytail”) lack pores and are smooth on both sides
o Trametes hirsuta has coarser hair and is much duller gray to gray-brown in
color, with a brown margin
Richard Mandelbaum RH(AHG)
2017

o Trametes pubescens is finely hairy and only faintly zoned

• Hobbs lists the closely related T.hirsuta as having the following properties:
“tumor inhibition, dispels heat and dampness”
• Karawatake means “mushroom by the river bank”; yun zhi means “Cloud
fungus” (Hobbs)
• Mexican folk remedy for impetigo and ringworm
• Tierra lists turkeytail as slightly cold

Sources:
Arora, David, Mushrooms Demystified
Bessette, Bessette, Fischer, Mushrooms of Northeastern North America
Brinker, Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions
Gaby, A to Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions
Hobbs, Christopher, Medicinal Mushrooms
Hoffmann, Medical Herbalism
Ramberg et al., Immunomodulatory dietary polysaccharides: a systematic review of the literature, Nutr J. 2010; 9:
54. Published online 2010 Nov 18
Skenderi, Herbal Vade Mecum
Stamets, MycoMedicinals
Tierra, Treating Cancer With Herbs
Various authors, “Botanical Materia Medica for the Treatment of Breast, Colon, Ovarian, Prostate, and
Skin Cancers”; The Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, Vol 2, No.3