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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Turkey Tail Mushroom

MODERATE EVIDENCESupplementLast updated April 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Turkey tail is the most studied medicinal mushroom for immune support, with two specific polysaccharide extracts (PSK and PSP) showing evidence as cancer adjunct therapy — particularly in colorectal and gastric cancers. Our research distinguishes it from immune-supportive mushrooms like reishi: turkey tail has actual phase II/III cancer trial data from Japanese and Chinese oncology.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Cancer adjunct (colorectal, gastric — PSK)Moderate — multiple large Japanese trials (PMID: 22972324)
B
Immune modulation (NK cell, T-cell activation)Moderate
B
HPV clearanceOne positive trial for oral HPV (PMID: 22972324)
C+
Gut microbiomePrebiotic effects documented
C+
General immune supportBased on polysaccharide immunomodulation
C+

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • PSK (Krestin): 3,000mg/day (Japanese cancer adjunct dose)
  • PSP (polysaccharopeptide): 1,000-3,000mg/day
  • Generic turkey tail extract: 1,000-3,000mg/day
  • Duration: Long-term use in cancer adjunct trials (months to years)
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DRUG INTERACTIONS

ImmunosuppressantsSevere

Immunostimulatory — opposes immunosuppression

ChemotherapyModerate

Used AS adjunct to chemo in trials — may enhance efficacy but always inform oncologist

Diabetes medicationsMinor

May lower blood sugar

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

  • GI effects: gas, bloating (polysaccharide fermentation)
  • Darkening of fingernails (documented with PSK — harmless)
  • Generally very well tolerated

Pregnancy & Lactation

  • Insufficient data. Not recommended during pregnancy.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

PSK and PSP extracts score highest (most clinical data)
Generic "turkey tail" powder without polysaccharide standardization: lower confidence
Beta-glucan content should be declared
Immunosuppressant users: automatic severe interaction flag
Cancer patients: note as one of the few mushrooms with actual oncology trial data, but ALWAYS recommend oncologist consultation
Mycelium-on-grain products: flag same concern as lion's mane (starch contamination)

CLINICAL REFERENCES

1.

Fritz H et al. Polysaccharide K and Coriolus versicolor extracts for lung cancer: a systematic review.

PMID: 22972324

2.

Saleh MH et al. Immunomodulatory properties of Coriolus versicolor.

PMID: 24356803

3.

Torkelson CJ et al. Phase 1 clinical trial of Trametes versicolor in women with breast cancer.

PMID: 25006989

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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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