Trametes versicolor
Trametes versicolor - what is it?
Turkey tail mushroom or Trametes versicolor is a tinder fungus that has long been used in folk medicine in the Asian region. It grows mainly on stumps and fallen trunks of deciduous trees. Inside the fruiting body is light pulp with a dense leathery structure, and outside is a velvety cap, painted with multi-colored concentric stripes. The English name "turkey tail" fully reflects this external feature of the fruiting body, as do other similar names, for example, "cuckoo's tail" or duckweed mushroom. The Chinese call it "Yun ji" - "cloud mushroom", and the Japanese name "Kawaratake" means "river bank mushroom".
In the mycological literature, one can find three different names for this fungus: Trametes versicolor, Polyporus versicolor, or Coriolus versicolor. First described in 1921, it remains under the close attention of scientists and commercial companies due to its active effects on the human body.
Useful and functional properties of turkey tail mushroom
Trametes or variegated tinder fungus is a mushroom whose general strengthening benefits are explained by the presence of the following components:
- proteins – from 4.2 to 35%;
- dietary fiber – 65%;
- trace elements: magnesium (up to 87.4 mg/100 g), iron (up to 47.6 mg/100 g), potassium (up to 2 mg/100 g), calcium (up to 275 mg/100 g), phosphorus, zinc, copper in significant quantities;
- vitamins: riboflavin, thiamine, folate, niacin, vitamin B2. The medicinal properties of kawaratake are due to a group of substances that are used or being studied for their potential in treating various diseases. These include:
- beta-glucans - a group of polysaccharides with a pronounced immunostimulating and immunomodulating effect, as well as an active effect on tumor cells;
- Polysaccharide-K (christin or PSK) was first isolated in 1971 from Trametes and approved in Japan for clinical use as adjuvant therapy for cancer (usually in the postoperative period or after a course of radiotherapy).
- The polysaccharide peptide PSP, also synthesized from trametes-based raw materials, is also being actively investigated for use in antitumor therapy as a BRM modifier that activates the work of lymphocytes and macrophages.
Trametes versicolor mushroom is used in oriental traditional medicine as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent (especially against herpes), a strong antioxidant, a hepatoprotector, and a stimulator of the gastrointestinal tract. Reviews of Kavaratake indicate a significant general strengthening effect of this mushroom, which is taken as a dietary supplement.
Buy Trametes versicolor mushroom in the Papa Nature store
In our online store you can buy Turkey tail in the following forms:
- Turkey tail mushroom powder form. To increase the bioavailability of the active substances, it is recommended to pour boiling water over such powder before taking. It is suitable as a general strengthening supplement to the diet.
- Coriolus extract containing a high concentration up to 30% beta-glucans. In this form, the mushroom Kawaratake does not require preliminary preparation, since double extraction ensures bioavailability and a high content of beneficial components.
