Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in East Asia, for supporting immune health and combating infections. In recent decades, scientific interest has focused on its potential benefits in viral infections due to its content of bioactive polysaccharopeptides, such as polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP). Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that extracts from turkey tail mushroom can enhance immune responses, including the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and T-cells, which are important for antiviral defense. For example, PSK has been shown to stimulate the production of cytokines that help the body respond to viral infections.

Some clinical studies, primarily in the context of cancer patients, have noted improved immune markers and reduced incidence of secondary infections when turkey tail extracts are used as adjunct therapy. However, direct high-quality human studies specifically targeting viral infections (such as influenza or herpes viruses) are limited. Most clinical research has examined overall immune modulation rather than direct antiviral effects. Nevertheless, the immunomodulatory properties and traditional use provide a reasonable, though not definitive, basis for supporting its adjunctive use in viral infections. The evidence is thus moderate, warranting a rating of 3, with further research needed to clarify efficacy and optimal dosing in viral illness.

More about Turkey tail mushroom
More about Infection (viral)

Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)

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