Overview

Turkey tail mushroom is a type of mushroom (fungus) available over-the-counter as a supplement, as well as in some foods and drinks. It is commonly used to improve overall health and to regulate the immune system, but its benefits are not well defined. Although it seems to be well tolerated, there is not enough research to know what common side effects it may cause. Before taking turkey tail mushroom, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is turkey tail mushroom used for?

Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) may be used to improve overall health and to regulate the immune system, but its benefits are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed turkey tail mushroom for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Products that contain turkey tail mushroom often contain multiple ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms.

How does turkey tail mushroom work (mechanism of action)?

Turkey tail mushroom is a type of fungus called Trametes versicolor (or Coriolus versicolor). This fungus, which grows on dead wood, can look like a colorful turkey’s tail when it is fully mature. It has been used in the traditional medicine systems in Japan and China, where it is known as kawaratake and yun zhi. Dietary supplements that contain turkey tail mushroom are made from the mushroom (the fruiting body) or the roots (mycelia).

Turkey tail mushroom contains many different substances that have effects in the body. Some of these substances, such as polysaccharide-krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP), are large and complex. These substances contain both proteins and fibers, including a specific form of fiber called beta-glucan.

PSK and PSP may have some effects on cancer and immune cells. In Japan, a purified, high-dose form of PSK is sometimes used along with chemotherapy to help treat cancer. Pure PSK is not available in the United States. Research on PSP is very limited, and its effects are not well understood.

Turkey tail mushroom supplements naturally contain many different substances. The amounts of each substance in a specific turkey tail mushroom product may vary. Since turkey tail mushroom only contains small amounts of PSK and PSP, it is not expected to have any meaningful effects on the immune system or in people with cancer. Its benefits for any other use are not well defined.

How should I store turkey tail mushroom?

You should store turkey tail mushroom according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of turkey tail mushroom?

Turkey tail mushroom seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of turkey tail mushroom that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of turkey tail mushroom?

While less common, the most serious side effects of turkey tail mushroom are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Turkey tail mushroom may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using turkey tail mushroom and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use turkey tail mushroom?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use turkey tail mushroom.

• Coriolus
• Coriolus versicolor
• Kawaratake
• Polyporus versicolor
• Trametes versicolor
• Turkey tail mushroom
• Yun zhi
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific turkey tail mushroom products they stock.

What should I know about turkey tail mushroom before using it?

Turkey tail mushroom is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. There are also many foods and drinks that contain turkey tail mushroom, including products like protein bars and mushroom coffee. These products usually contain multiple ingredients, including spices, vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms. Read the product label carefully to see which ingredients are included.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep turkey tail mushroom out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as turkey tail mushroom, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific turkey tail mushroom product can change for many reasons, including the area where the fungus was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way it was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Products that contain turkey tail mushroom may be made from different parts of the fungus, including the fruiting body and the mycelia. The fruiting body is the recognizable part of the fungus that is known as the mushroom. The mycelia are thread-like parts of the fungus that spread and absorb nutrients, similar to roots. The fruiting body and mycelia contain different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. Most of the active substances in turkey tail mushroom are found in the fruiting body. It is important to read the label to confirm which part was used to make that product.

Turkey tail mushroom may be raw, dried, or cooked. It is also available in many different forms, including ground powder, capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the fungus.

If you are using turkey tail mushroom powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label. If you are using a turkey tail mushroom liquid extract, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose.

The FDA has not tested turkey tail mushroom products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using turkey tail mushroom?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if turkey tail mushroom is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Molds or Other Mushrooms.If you have had an allergic reaction to mold or mushrooms, you may be at a higher risk of having an allergic reaction to turkey tail mushroom. Speak to your health care provider before taking turkey tail mushroom if you have a mold or mushroom allergy.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Asthma
• Cancer
• Kidney or liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Turkey tail mushroom may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking turkey tail mushroom, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how turkey tail mushroom could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if turkey tail mushroom passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does turkey tail mushroom interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between turkey tail mushroom and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect turkey tail mushroom.

Does turkey tail mushroom interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between turkey tail mushroom and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with turkey tail mushroom is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking turkey tail mushroom with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much turkey tail mushroom?

If you or someone else has used too much turkey tail mushroom, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Turkey tail mushroom is found in many foods, drinks, and supplements. Many of these products also contain other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take turkey tail mushroom safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.