Coriolus versicolor (Trametes versicolor) "Turkey Tail" is the most well-studied mushroom in the world. This is the leading anticancer drug's natural source in the world today. There are hundreds of studys demonstrating the immune modulating properties both in healthy and chronologically diseased. In Latin "tremetes" means, "thin one" and "versicolor" means, "variously colored. This is a really important mushroom and clearly you'll see why I use it myself.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Turkey Tail is used to clear dampness, reduce phlegm, heal pulmonary disorders, strengthen the physique, increase energy and benefit people with chronic diseases they are most popularly known as being the natural source of the anti-cancer polysaccharide PSK. PSK (polysaccharide K) is a high molecular weight carbohydrate found in the fruitbodies and (in higher concentrations) in the mycelium of Turkey Tails. PSK fights cancers and tumors by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and by "stimulating a host mediated response." Natural Killer cells are also promoted to enhance the immune system. It is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to increase cancer survival rates. PSP is being proposed as an inhibitor of HIV replication based on an in vitro study . Cancer (cervical, breast, lung, gastric, colon, sarcoma, carcinoma, esophageal, etc.) , Immunodeficiency, Hepatitis B and C, and Malaria, have all been treated with turkey tail. Chinese medical doctors consider it a useful treatment for infection and/or inflammation of the upper respiratory, urinary and digestive tracts. Turkey Tail is also regarded as curative to liver ailments (including hepatitis B and chronic active hepatitis) and is used to treat general weakness of the immune system
PSK has also demonstrated itself to activate interferon production. Turkey tail has also been found to regenerate damaged bone marrow, increase energy levels and offer pain relief in cancer patients. These beta-glucans can pass through the stomach wall and into the blood stream. Receptors for these beta-glucans have been found on neutrophilis, monocytes/macrophages, natural killer cells, and also T and B lymphocytes (remember T-cells?). These unique polysacchrides are potent inducers of proliferation, tumor cytotoxicity, and lymphokine production by human lymphocytes via in vitro studies. That means they work really well at aiming the missiles at the bag guy.
Coriolus Polysacchrides Provide Nutritional Support with Chemotherapy and Radiation.
Immunosuppressed people have had beneficial and fewer side effects when taking Turkey tail post chemo and from radiation exposure. I use this mushroom for my post Iraq War radiation and chemical exposure. I have feeling back in my lower extremities and have had success battling my cancer post 10 years from exposure.
Dosage:
1,000-4,000 milligrams daily of hot water extraction. This would contain 20-36% (beta-glucan). Some mushrooms need to be treated with heat to release the powerful potentials. Turkey tail or Coriolus are much like Chaga and need to be treated to heat. Take about 1-4 400mg caps 2x daily on empty stomach.
Constituents:
Beta-glucans act as biological response modulators for the immune system and activate those components.
Protein-bound polysacchrides beta-1,4-glucan as the main chain with beta-1,3 glucan and beta-1.6 linkages and amino acids.