Botanical Overview
Trametes versicolor, commonly known as Turkey Tail or Cloud Mushroom, is a member of the Polyporaceae family. This widely distributed wood-decay fungus occurs throughout temperate forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. The medicinal parts used are the fruit bodies, noted for their layered, multicolored, fan-like appearance.
Energetics
There is limited information on traditional energetics (temperature, moisture, tastes, directionality, tonicity, or qi/blood/fluid impact) for Trametes versicolor in the literature.
Primary Actions
- Immunomodulatory
- Antioxidant
- Antiviral
- Adaptogen
Indications
Western
- Immunodeficiency
- Respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Cancer adjunctive support
Syndromes
- Immune system dysregulation
- Chronic infections
- Cancer-related fatigue
TCM
No well-documented traditional uses or syndromes identified.
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional uses or syndromes identified.
Unani
No well-documented traditional uses or syndromes identified.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Main active phytochemicals include polysaccharopeptides such as polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP), beta-glucans, and phenolic compounds. These contribute to its immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Extract standardized to PSP or PSK 100-300 mg, 2-3 times daily
- Decoction of the fruit body, 2–5 g daily
- Powder capsules, 1-3 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated; mild gastrointestinal upset is rare. Caution is advised in autoimmune diseases due to potential immune stimulation. Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established; therefore, use is not recommended or should be overseen by a healthcare provider. Possible interactions with immunosuppressive drugs and chemotherapy warrant medical supervision.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharopeptides isolated from Trametes versicolor – P. L. Kidd, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2000
- Turkey Tail Mushroom and Cancer – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2020
- Trametes versicolor – David Arora, Mushrooms Demystified, 1986
- Safety and efficacy of TRAMETES VERSICOLOR polysaccharides in human cancer patients: A review – S. Smith et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2018