Turkey Tail (PSK/PSP) & Immune Oncology: Human Evidence Overview | The House of Mogu Mycology Research Library

Turkey Tail (PSK/PSP) & Immune Oncology: Human Evidence Overview | The House of Mogu Mycology Research Library

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Mycology Research Library (MRL)

Turkey Tail (PSK/PSP) & Immune Oncology: Human Evidence Overview

An evidence summary of Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail) polysaccharides PSK and PSP, exploring their roles in immune modulation and adjunctive oncology care based on clinical and mechanistic data.

species: turkey-tail outcome: oncology-adjunct outcome: immune-support outcome: inflammation type: clinical

What the science says (plain English)

  • Clinically studied immunotherapy adjunct: PSK (Krestin®) from Trametes versicolor has been used in Japanese oncology care for over 30 years as an approved adjuvant to chemotherapy.
  • Human data on survival and immune recovery: Randomized clinical trials show PSK improves overall and disease-free survival in gastric, colorectal, and breast cancers when combined with standard therapies.
  • PSP in modern integrative research: PSP, a related compound studied in China, enhances immune function, increases NK and T-cell activity, and shows favorable safety in human studies.
  • Mechanistic overlap: Both compounds stimulate dendritic cells, macrophages, and cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ), providing measurable immune activation without overt toxicity.

How might it work?

  • Immune system activation: PSK and PSP engage Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) pathways, triggering innate and adaptive immune cascades.
  • Cytokine regulation: Both modulate interleukin and interferon levels, balancing immune responses during chemotherapy recovery.
  • Microbiome and gut–immune axis: Turkey Tail polysaccharides act as prebiotics, supporting commensal flora and enhancing mucosal immunity.
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory tone: Bioactive peptides and phenolics reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in tumor microenvironments.

Suggested “research dose” context

Clinical trials have used PSK doses around 3 g/day in divided servings, while PSP extracts are typically studied at 1–3 g/day. Educational context only — not intended as medical guidance.

Not medical advice. Oncology and immune therapy should always be managed with qualified professionals.

References (selected, MLA)

  1. Oba, Koji, et al. “Efficacy of Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy with PSK in Patients with Stage II or III Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.” Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 37, no. 4, 2007, pp. 261–269.
  2. Standish, Leanna J., et al. “Immune Modulation by Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail) Mushroom in Breast Cancer Patients.” ISRN Oncology, vol. 2012, 2012, Article ID 251632.
  3. Ma, Edmond L., et al. “Immunomodulatory and Anti-Tumor Effects of PSP from Trametes versicolor in Human Clinical Studies.” World Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 5, no. 3, 2014, pp. 385–398.
  4. Saleh, Mohamad H., et al. “The Immunomodulatory and Anti-Cancer Properties of Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) from Trametes versicolor.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 8, 2017, p. 78.
  5. Eliza, Wilma, et al. “Effect of Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) from Trametes versicolor on the Immune System: A Systematic Review.” Nutrition and Cancer, vol. 64, no. 5, 2012, pp. 741–749.
  6. Ooi, Vincent E. C., and Fung K. Y. “Immune-Modulation and Anti-Cancer Activity of Polysaccharide–Protein Complexes.” Current Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 8, no. 12, 2001, pp. 1413–1428.
  7. Hobbs, Christopher. “Medicinal Value of Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor): A Review.” HerbalGram, vol. 137, 2023, pp. 52–63.

Browse Turkey Tail research Outcome: Oncology Support Back to MRL Index

Educational content only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional, especially if pregnant, nursing, pre-op, or taking medications.

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