Synonyms
Trametes versicolor is a mushroom of the genus Trametes in the Polyporaceae family, also known as "tinder fungus", "variegated tinder fungus", "pistachio mushroom", "cuckoo tail". In English-language literature it is called turkey tail mushroom due to the external similarity of the fruiting body to the variegated plumage of a turkey. In Japan, this species is known as "riverbank mushroom" or "kawaratake", and in China - as "cloud mushroom" or yun ji. In medical and mycological literature, you can also find the old Latin names Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor.
Trametes versicolor - what is it?
Trametes versicolor is a saprophytic fungus that grows on fallen tree trunks, branches, and stumps, decomposing lignin and extracting nutrients from dead wood, most often hardwoods. The fruiting body acquires a characteristic, turkey-tail-like color with multi-colored stripes, which is why the species got its English name. It is widespread in North America, occurs in Asia, throughout continental Europe, in Great Britain and Ireland.
The colorful color has long attracted the attention of specialists and ordinary people to the tinder fungus. The mushroom was first described in his works by Carl Linnaeus (1753), giving it the name Boletus versicolor, but in the 1920s it was renamed Trametes versicolor. Due to the characteristic pattern, the fruiting bodies were used as decorative ornaments, for example, for hats.
Trametes or coriolus variegated has velvety round or fan-shaped caps up to 10 cm in diameter, which often grow together into larger multi-tiered conglomerates. The flesh is leathery, dense, the stem is absent. The underside of the fruit body is covered with deep pores and has a whitish-cream color.
False mushroom doubles
There are several species in nature that are similar in appearance to the Trametes versicolor. One of them is the "false turkey tail mushroom" or Stereum ostrea, which belongs to the Stereaceae family. The Latin name of this mushroom is associated with the characteristic "oyster-like" shape of the fruiting body, which, like Trametes, can also have a variegated color of different colors.
Another twin mushroom is Trametes betulina (old name Lenzites betulina) - the multi-colored gill tinder fungus (lentites birch, mazegill birch), which is also a member of the Polyporaceae family. However, in this species, the lower structure of the fruiting body is more similar to a membranous-gill than to a porous one.
T. versicolor has several other similar species from the genus Trametes, including its twin, the ochreous Trametes (T. Ochracea), the fragrant Trametes (T. Suaveolens), and the hairy Trametes (T. Hirsuta). However, these species are inferior to the multi-colored Tinsel in terms of "variegated" color.
Edibility and medicinal properties of the mushroom
Trametes versicolor is inedible, has no smell and characteristic taste. This species is not considered poisonous, and is not eaten because of its hard texture. However, the yun ji mushroom is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for many diseases. There are also scientific studies on the possibility of using this species in official medicine as an antitumor agent and for other purposes.
In folk medicine
In Asian countries, the Kawaratake mushroom has traditionally been used as a nutritional supplement and as a remedy for respiratory diseases. Chinese doctors prescribed a tea made from the powder or pieces of the dried fruiting body for the following conditions:
- colds and other infectious diseases of the respiratory tract;
- strengthening the stomach and spleen;
- support for a weakened body.
In folk medicine of the American continent, preparations from "turkey tail" are also used to treat skin diseases and ringworm.
In traditional medicine
Evidence-based medical science is investigating the properties of Trametes versicolor in terms of treating various diseases by activating the immune system and other defense mechanisms of the body. In particular, various preparations of this mushroom have been approved for use in China since 1987 and in Japan since 1977. Components extracted from T. Versicolor have been studied for the prevention and treatment of the following diseases:
- oncological diseases (breast cancer, colon cancer, sarcoma, carcinoma, etc.);
- liver disease;
- hepatitis;
- hyperlipidemia;
- chronic bronchitis;
- stress ulcer;
- immunity support;
- cholesterol level regulation;
- slowing down aging;
- increasing learning abilities and improving memory.
In oncology
The main part of the research is devoted to the influence of components of Trametes versicolor on the course of oncological diseases and the process of their treatment. This effect is associated with the positive influence of beta-glucans contained in T. Versicolor beta-glucans - special polysaccharides that contribute to the activation of local and systemic immunity of the body. Among them, special attention is paid to the PSK and PSP complexes. In various studies on animals and humans, the antitumor effect of these components has been shown, under the influence of which inhibition of tumor growth and the spread of metastases in various types of cancer, as well as other positive effects, have been recorded.
For example, according to the work of Choi JH et al. (2007), in the case of using a PSK complex and chemotherapy in the case of gastric cancer, the 5-year recurrence-free survival of patients with stages IB and II was 16.8 pp. higher than in the group receiving chemotherapy alone. A similar effect was recorded in a 2012 Japanese study by Tanaka H. et al. It was recorded that in patients with gastric carcinoma who had 7 or more affected lymph nodes, after surgery with adjuvant support, the use of PSK provided a 5-year survival rate of 47.8%. While in the control group this figure was 22.8%. Similar results are reported in other clinical studies with a total participation of about 9 thousand patients (Nakazato H. et al., 1994, Oba K. et al., 2007, Toge T. et al., 2000).
Colorectal cancer
A meta-analysis by Sakamoto J. et al. (2006) combined the results of several clinical trials conducted from 1980 to 2004. The work showed that adjuvant use of PSK (supporting chemotherapy and other methods of tumor growth suppression) helps reduce the frequency of relapses and increase survival in patients with colon cancer.
Lung cancer
Fritz H. et al. (2015) summarized the results of 28 studies, including 6 clinical trials of PSK in combination with radiation and/or chemotherapy. All 6 clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of 3 g of PSK per day in combination with chemotherapy in the following indicators:
- immune function indicators;
- body weight;
- general condition;
- symptoms related to the tumor.
- survival.
The benefits and harms of the Trametes versicolor
The benefits of the mushroom cuckoo's tail (Trametes versicolor) are due to the presence of a number of active components in its composition. Like all mushrooms, it contains beta-glucans, which have a positive effect on the human immune system, activating macrophages and lymphocytes that trigger protective mechanisms. Both the general immunity of the body and the antitumor effect are associated with them. At the same time, in the dried fruit bodies of Trametes versicolor, the content of beta-glucans is up to 61% - one of the highest rates in mushrooms.
PSK (polysaccharide-K, krestin) is another important active ingredient. It is a special glycoprotein complex isolated from the mycelium of the fungus and is a beta-1,4-glucan in the main chain with beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-linked side chains, including covalently bound protein, the proportion of which in the molecular weight is from 25 to 38%. PSP is another very medically important PSK-like substance that was isolated from another strain of the fungus "turkey tail". Studies show that PSK can partially prevent T-cell apoptosis induced by fluoropyrimidine S-1, which is taken orally during chemotherapy. As a result, PSK support is considered as a way to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and enhance the antitumor effect of this procedure.
In addition, the variegated tinder fungus contains a number of other active substances, in particular, flavonoids and phenols, which are natural antioxidants. Due to this, the mushroom can be considered as a means for reducing oxidative stress and preventing premature aging and the development of chronic diseases.
Researchers have not yet identified any serious side effects associated with taking natural products made from Trametes versicolor. Mild side effects include:
- heartburn;
- nausea;
- pain in the chest area;
- constipation;
- cold or flu-like symptoms.
Patients with health problems are advised to consult a doctor before taking tremetes mushroom.
Contraindication
Natural products or components isolated from Trametes versicolor are not recommended for use in the following cases:
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- individual intolerance to components;
- age up to 7 years.
Ways to use the mushroom
The most common natural forms of turkey tail mushroom preparations are:
- mushroom powder from dried fruit bodies - to increase the bioavailability of beta-glucans and other beneficial components, it is recommended to brew 1 teaspoon of powder in 150 ml of boiling water and take 20 minutes before meals (or after meals) 1 to 3 times a day;
- dry extract of Trametes versicolor already has an increased content of active substances and can be taken 1 tsp. half an hour before meals. For comfortable use, it is recommended to drink powdered dietary supplements with a small amount of water.
Conclusion
Trametes versicolor is one of the richest sources of beta-glucans and other beneficial components, which are a good means for strengthening the body and are recognized by official science as an effective immunomodulator and component of antitumor treatment. In the daily diet, mushroom powder or dry extract of trametes is a biologically active supporting supplement, which you can buy in our online store with delivery throughout Ukraine.
