Actions:
- Major properties immunostimulant and anticarcinogenic. Its polysaccharides are thought to be the effective constituents.
- Turkey tail contains 35 different phenolic compounds, along with the flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein. Phenol and flavonoid antioxidants promote immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds. For example, quercetin has been shown to promote the release of immunoprotective proteins like interferon-y, while inhibiting the release of the pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).
- Polysaccharopeptides are protein-bound polysaccharides. Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) are two types of polysaccharopeptides found in turkey tails. Both PSK and PSP possess powerful immune-boosting properties. They promote immune response by both activating and inhibiting specific types of immune cells and by suppressing inflammation. PSP increases monocytes, which are types of white blood cells that fight infection and boost immunity. PSK stimulates dendritic cells that promote immunity to toxins and regulate the immune response. In addition, PSK activates specialized white blood cells called macrophages, which protect your body against harmful substances like certain bacteria.
- PSK inhibits the growth and spread of human colon cancer cells.
- A type of polysaccharide found in turkey tail mushrooms called Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG) suppresses certain tumors. This activity is attributed to the development of an enhanced immune response.
- Extracts from turkey tail display a broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal activities against common pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Staphylococus aureus, Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Streptococus pneumoniae. The observed antimicrobial effects of the extracts are possibly due to the activation of polymorphonuclear cells and an increased secretion of antimicrobial cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor, IL-1).
- Turkey tail extracts have also been reported to show antiviral activities.
- Lanostane isolated from turkey tail showed activity against the promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis.
|