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Coriolus Versicolor

Coriolous VersiolorMushroom Coriolus Versicolor or Trametes Versicolor is commonly known as Turkey Tail Mushroom due to its multiple colours. It is an integral part of forest ecology and is found all over the world. It plays an important role in recycling dead trees. This particular mushroom has not received much attention from researchers, although it is well known to have many health benefits. It is particularly good for the immune system and helps to fight cancers.1

Health Benefits of Coriolus Versicolor

  • Helps Fight Cancer

    Researchers have paid particular attention to its ability for Coriolus Versicolor to fight cancer. Using Coriolus Versicolor may suppress the growth of malignant cells in multiple ways like through immuno-stimulation and antioxidants. Studies show Coriolus Versicolor is rich in polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). Both of these compounds are known to suppress the growth of cancer cells and are recommended as supportive compounds in cancer therapy. Studies show that Coriolus Versicolor may be of particular help in the fight against breast cancer, gastric cancer, hepatic cancer, and colon cancer. It is quite probable that in the future, researchers may find that Coriolus Versicolor may play a role in the treatment of many other types of cancers.2,3

  • Boosts Immunity

    Studies show that Coriolus Versicolor may boost both cellular and non-cellular immunity. Coriolus Versicolor may stimulate macrophages, lymphocytes, monocytes, and much more. Therefore, it’s use may help fight numerous infectious and non-infectious diseases. By boosting immunity, Coriolus Versicolor reduces the risk of cancer. Coriolus Versicolor can also be used to help fight seasonal ailments and may also be incredibly helpful for those prone to infectious diseases. Coriolus Versicolor has also been found to help fight viral infections like papilloma and herpes.4,5

  • Good for Gut Health

    In recent years, mushrooms have received greater attention for their ability to boost gut microflora Coriolus Versicolor is a rich source of prebiotics like inulin and oligosaccharides, and therefore it promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This finding may have numerous implications, as science has started to better understand the role of microbiota in wellbeing.6

  • Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

    Scientists have been researching the role of mushrooms like Coriolus Versicolor in managing obesity and related diseases. Mushrooms are rich in β-glucans and other polysaccharides that are known to have anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. This means that Coriolus Versicolor and other mushrooms may have a role in preventing numerous chronic disorders.7

  • Antioxidant

    Coriolus Versicolor is suitable for general health, preventing damage to cells and DNA due to free radicals and slowing down aging. Studies show that Coriolus Versicolor is one of the good sources of natural antioxidants. It is especially rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. One study found that the antioxidant capacity of Coriolus Versicolor is quite comparable to Vitamin C. However, unlike vitamins, its consumption is safer and does not cause hypervitaminosis. Therefore, there is still a need to understand if it can help fight seasonal infections and prevent chronic ailments.8

Science has still not discovered all the health benefits of Coriolus Versicolor. Latest studies show that it qualifies as a potent adaptogen that can help normalise various body functions. In the last few years, researchers tested Coriolus Versicolor in various experimental studies. However, there is still a need for continued, well-designed studies in humans to determine the full benefits of this fungi.

Side Effects of Coriolus Versicolor

Coriolus Versicolor is leathery hard and is not a mushroom that is soft and pleasant to eat. It is mainly used and consumed for its health benefits. People using this mushroom to prevent cancer or for other health reasons did not report any severe side effects. It seems to be a non-toxic mushroom. However, it is worth noting that large scale toxicological studies regarding this mushroom have not been undertaken, and therefore it is suggested that consumption of high doses or over a long period of time be undertaken with caution.

Properties

  • Anti-Inflammatory10
  • Antioxidant10
  • Antiviral11
  • Cancer Prevention12
  • Digestive Function13
  • High/Good Levels of Flavonoids9
  • High/Good Levels of Polyphenols9
  • Immune Booster11
  • Prebiotic9
  • Weight Loss / Management9,13

 References

  1. Hobbs C. Medicinal Value of Turkey Tail Fungus Trametes versicolor (L.:Fr.) Pilát (Aphyllophoromycetideae). A Literature Review. IJM. 2004;6(3). doi:10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v6.i3.10
  2. Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):32-44.
  3. Cai X, Pi Y, Zhou X, Tian L, Qiao S, Lin J. Hepatoma Cell Growth Inhibition by Inducing Apoptosis with Polysaccharide Isolated from Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom, Trametes versicolor (L.: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae). IJM. 2010;12(3). doi:10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v12.i3.40
  4. Jeong S-C, Yang B-K, Kim G-N, et al. Macrophage-Stimulating Activity of Polysaccharides Extracted from Fruiting Bodies of Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushroom). Journal of Medicinal Food. 2006;9(2):175-181. doi:10.1089/jmf.2006.9.175
  5. Benson KF, Stamets P, Davis R, et al. The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;19(1):342. doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2681-7
  6. Aida FMNA, Shuhaimi M, Yazid M, Maaruf AG. Mushroom as a potential source of prebiotics: a review. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2009;20(11):567-575. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2009.07.007
  7. Friedman M. Mushroom Polysaccharides: Chemistry and Antiobesity, Antidiabetes, Anticancer, and Antibiotic Properties in Cells, Rodents, and Humans. Foods. 2016;5(4):80. doi:10.3390/foods5040080
  8. Han S-R, Noh M-Y, Lee J-H, Oh T-J. Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Solvent Extracts from Coriolus versicolor. J Korean Soc Food Sci Nutr. 2015;44(12):1793-1798. doi:10.3746/jkfn.2015.44.12.1793
  9. Dou H, Chang Y, Zhang L. Chapter Fifteen - Coriolus versicolor polysaccharopeptide as an immunotherapeutic in China. In: Zhang L, ed. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. Vol 163. Glycans and Glycosaminoglycans as Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutics - Part B. Academic Press; 2019:361-381. doi:10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.001
  10. Han S-R, Noh M-Y, Lee J-H, Oh T-J. Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Solvent Extracts from Coriolus versicolor. J Korean Soc Food Sci Nutr. 2015;44(12):1793-1798. doi:10.3746/jkfn.2015.44.12.1793
  11. Pramudya M, Wahyuningsih SPA. Immunomodulatory potential of polysaccharides from Coriolus versicolor against intracellular bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Vet World. 2019;12(6):735-739. doi:10.14202/vetworld.2019.735-739
  12. Saleh MH, Rashedi I, Keating A. Immunomodulatory Properties of Coriolus versicolor: The Role of Polysaccharopeptide. Front Immunol. 2017;8:1087. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.01087
  13. Yu Z-T, Liu B, Mukherjee P, Newburg DS. Trametes versicolor Extract Modifies Human Fecal Microbiota Composition In vitro. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2013;68(2):107-112. doi:10.1007/s11130-013-0342-4