Turkey Tail is one of the most extensively studied medicinal mushrooms on the planet. It is extremely high in fungal beta-glucans which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, and prebiotic qualities. It is one of the mushrooms most commonly employed for its benefits to gut health. While there are many anecdotal experiences regarding the benefits of Turkey Tail mushrooms for a diverse set of gut issues, below you can see what the scientific literature says about the subject. 

What The Science Shows

• Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: a randomized clinical tria (Pallav, 2014)
  This study investigated the effects of the beta-glucan polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor (PSP) on the gut microbiome of 24 healthy volunteers. Results showed that PSP consistently changed the microbiome in a beneficial way, acting as a prebiotic.
  
• Trametes versicolor Extract Modifies Human Fecal Microbiota Composition In vitro  (Yu, 2013)
  The study investigated how a common extract of Trametes versicolor (PSP) affects the human gut microbiota. Results showed that PSP increased beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while reducing harmful bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus. PSP also increased the production of organic acids and enzymes important for digestion. These findings suggest that Trametes versicolor may have health benefits due to its prebiotic-like activity, influencing the gut microbiota in a positive way..
  
• Coriolus versicolor Suppresses Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Inhibiting the Expression of STAT1 and STAT6 Associated with IFN-γ and IL-4 Expression (Beong, 2011)
  The study investigated the effects of Turkey Tail extract  on ulcerative colitis in mice. Mice treated with Turkey Tail Extract showed improvements in symptoms of colitis, including weight loss, compared to untreated mice. The extract also reduced the expression of certain molecules associated with inflammation, leading to decreased levels of other inflammatory markers. These findings suggest that Turkey Tail extract has anti-inflammatory effects and may be a potential therapeutic option for ulcerative colitis.
  
• Coriolus Versicolor Downregulates TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Cascade in Dinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Treated Mice: A Possible Mechanism for the Anti-Colitis Effect
  The study investigated the effects of the fungus Turkey Tail on experimental colitis in mice, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mice with induced colitis showed increased inflammation and tissue damage in the colon, along with elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Treatment with Turkey Tail significantly reduced colon damage, inflammation, and weight loss. Turkey Tail also decreased the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and modulated the NF-kB pathway, improving colon architecture and reducing oxidative stress. These findings suggest that Turkey Tail may serve as a promising dietary supplement for combating colitis.
  
• Trametes versicolor Protein YZP Activates Regulatory B Lymphocytes – Gene Identification through De Novo Assembly and Function Analysis in a Murine Acute Colitis Model
  The study investigated a protein called YZP found in Trametes versicolor (Yun-Zhi), a medicinal fungus used alongside chemotherapy to enhance anti-tumor immunity. YZP was found to stimulate the production of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. These YZP-induced Bregs suppressed inflammation in mouse models of acute colitis and interacted with specific receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) to exert their anti-inflammatory effects. This suggests that YZP could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions.
  
• Fungal polysaccharopeptides reduce obesity by richness of specific microbiota and modulation of lipid metabolism
  The study demonstrates that protein-bound β-glucan (PBG), found in Coriolus versicolor polysaccharopeptides, could be an effective anti-obesity agent. In mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), PBG reduced obesity and metabolic inflammation. Analysis of gut microbiota showed that PBG increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, a beneficial bacterium associated with improved metabolic health. Additionally, PBG promoted lipid metabolism, both through microbiota-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These findings suggest that PBG may offer a promising approach for combating obesity, leveraging its safety profile established from its use as an oral immune booster in cancer and chronic hepatitis treatments.
  
• Protein‐Bound β‐glucan from Coriolus Versicolor has Potential for Use Against Obesity
  The study demonstrates that a protein-bound β-glucan (PBG) from the edible mushroom Turkey Tail can effectively combat obesity and metabolic inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). PBG increases the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, and upregulates genes related to host metabolism. These effects suggest that PBG may reduce obesity through both microbiota-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Given the safety profile of Turkey Tail PBGs as approved oral immune boosters in cancer and chronic hepatitis treatments, PBG holds promise as a novel therapy for obesity.

Can Turkey Tail Improve Gut Health?

Turkey Tail has a good amount of evidence supporting its benefits to gut health. While larger and more robust clinical trials could be conducted to further support this, the research on the subject up until now shows it to be very promising. This in combination with research on many other medicinal mushrooms with parallel effects, suggests that including Turkey Tail mushrooms in your daily life will improve gut health.

Finding a remedy or treatment for gut-related diseases or illnesses can be tricky. Diet, lifestyle, and other health conditions can all play important roles in treating these issues.

How Should I Consume Turkey Tail?

Turkey Tail should be consumed regularly for it to work effectively. For most people, the easiest way to do this is by consuming it in a supplement form on a regular basis. Make sure to check our article here on choosing a high-quality product before investing money into ineffective products.

It is recommended to consume Turkey Tail for 2-4 weeks on a daily basis to see if it helps. If you do not feel any positive change in your well being after this time period, then it may very well not be a supplement for you.

Alternatively, you can purchase or wild-harvest Turkey Tail mushrooms and decoct 2-4 grams in simmering water for 2-3 hours. This can be drunk regularly, but dosages may be irregular compared to a high-quality supplement. 

Is Turkey Tail Dangerous?

Turkey Tail is non-toxic and considered to be a very safe natural medicine. There is no known levels of overdose and there is no known negative side effects. Long term use of Turkey Tail mushrooms is considered safe. 

Top Turkey Tail Products

There are many different Turkey Tail products out there on the market. Consider reading our guide on how to choose a quality mushroom supplement. Below are several brands whom have been vetted for quality and ethical practices.

1. Real Mushrooms
2. Purest Mushrooms
3. Nootropics Depot