Family: Polyporaceae
Synonym: Coriolus versicolor, Polyporus versicolor
Turkey Tail is the source of the anti cancer drug PSK (Polysaccharide Kureha). The pharmacological activities of the protein bound polysaccharide PSK include the inhibition of sarcoma 180; improvement in the functioning of blood vessels; support of hepatic function; restoration of serum lysozyme content and normalization of spleen index; immune function enhancement and prevention of liver cancer. Against lethal cytomegalovirus infection, the action of PSK appears to be through NK cell activation. Nitrogen containing polysaccharides extracted from Trametes versicolor mycelium, increase antibacterial potency and prolong antibacterial effects of antibiotics and can increase antibiotic sensitivity in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
PSK’s antitumor properties act directly on tumour cells, as well as indirectly in the host to boost cellular immunity. PSK has also shown antitumor activity with adenosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, mastocytoma, plasmacytoma, melanoma, sarcoma, carcinoma, and mammary, colon and lung cancer. An intriguing feature of PSK is that injection at one tumor site has been shown to inhibit tumour growth in other sites, thus helping to prevent metastasis. Also, PSK’s antitumor activity is enhanced in combination with radiation, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
PSK has also demonstrated antiviral activity and may inhibit HIV infection by modifying the viral receptor or by stopping HIV from binding with lymphocytes. Another mechanism through which PSK is reported to have general antiviral activity is through the stimulation of interferon production.
PSP is an immunostimulant extracted from Trametes versicolor mycelium. Although similar to PSK, which is also extracted from the mycelium, PSP is devoid of the sugar fucose while PSK is without the sugars rhamnose and arabinose. PSP has been show to increase T-cell numbers, interferon production, and increased interleukin production.
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Dosage: Take as desired or in tea, up to 20 grams three times a day |
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