Coriolus versicolor's therapeutic uses
Coriolus versicolor, commonly known as turkey tail mushroom, is a tree fungus recognized for its potential therapeutic uses, particularly in cancer treatment support. In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, it has been utilized to enhance overall vitality and address lung and liver issues. The primary therapeutic extracts derived from this fungus are polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP), which are being researched for their immune-stimulating properties that may complement standard cancer therapies. Studies have indicated that these extracts can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and may even slow disease progression in certain cancer patients.
Beyond its role in cancer support, Coriolus versicolor is also explored for its potential benefits in cancer prevention, as well as its antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It may contribute to general wellness, support gut health, and help manage conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome. While research has shown PSK and PSP to be relatively nontoxic, especially in short-term use, safety in vulnerable populations remains unclear. Overall, Coriolus versicolor presents a multifaceted approach to health that resonates with various wellness practices.
Coriolus versicolor's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Fungus used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Cancer treatment support
OTHER PROPOSED USE: Cancer prevention, antiviral, antimicrobial, general wellness, gut health, chronic fatigue syndrome
Overview
Coriolus versicolor, also known as a turkey tail mushroom, is a common tree fungus often seen by hikers as a stiff, rounded, horizontal protuberance from tree trunks, with concentric lines of varying color. In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, this fungus is used to strengthen overall vitality and treat lung and liver problems, as well as other conditions.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dosage of PSK or PSP as an adjunct to standard cancer treatment is 2 to 6 grams daily. For cancer prevention, some experts recommend 500 milligrams daily, but there is no scientific basis for this recommendation.
Therapeutic Uses
Extracts of Coriolus versicolor called polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP) are under study as immune stimulants for use alongside chemotherapy in cancer treatment. These two related substances, made from slightly different strains of the fungus, are thought to act as biological response modifiers, meaning that they affect the body’s response to cancer.
According to most but not all reported trials, most of which were performed in Asia, both PSK and PSP can enhance the effects of various forms of standard cancer treatment. For example, in a twenty-eight-day double-blind, placebo-controlled study of thirty-four people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, the use of Coriolus extracts along with conventional treatment significantly slowed the progression of the disease.
Coriolus extracts are thought to work by stimulating the body’s cancer-fighting cells. PSK and PSP may also have cancer-preventive effects. In addition, very weak evidence hints that extracts of Coriolus versicolor might be helpful for human immunodeficiency virus infection.
In addition to its use as an adjuvant cancer treatment, Coriolus versicolor may also help fight infections with its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, boost immunity, protect against free radicals due to its antioxidant properties, promote a healthy gut biome, and manage chronic fatigue syndrome.
Safety Issues
According to Chinese studies, PSP and PSK appear to be relatively nontoxic, in both the short and long term. Few side effects have been reported in clinical trials. However, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
Camilleri, E., Blundell, R., Baral, B. et al. "A Comprehensive Review on the Health Benefits, Phytochemicals, and Enzymatic Constituents for Potential Therapeutic and Industrial Applications of Turkey Tail Mushrooms." Discover Applied Sciences, vol. 6, 2024, p. 257, doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-05936-9. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
Chu, K. K., S. S. Ho, and A. H. Chow. "Coriolus versicolor: A Medicinal Mushroom with Promising Immunotherapeutic Values." Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 42, 2002, pp. 976-984.
"Coriolus Versicolor." Memorial Sloan Cancer Center, 31 May 2022, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/coriolus-versicolor. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
Fisher, M., and L. X. Yang. "Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Polysaccharide-K (PSK): Implications of Cancer Immunotherapy." Anticancer Research, vol. 22, 2002, pp. 1737-1754.
Jian, X., et al. "Subchronic Toxicity Test of Polysaccharopeptide of Yun Zhi (PSP)." International Symposium on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cancer: Development and Clinical Validation–Advances Research in PSP, edited by Q. Y. Yang. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Association for Health Care, 1999.
Jin, T. Y. "Toxicological Research on Yun Zhi Polysaccharopeptide (PSP)." International Symposium on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cancer: Development and Clinical Validation–Advances Research in PSP, edited by Q. Y. Yang. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Association for Health Care, 1999.
Tsang, K. W., et al. "Coriolus versicolor Polysaccharide Peptide Slows Progression of Advanced Non-Small- Cell Lung Cancer." Respiratory Medicine, vol. 97, 2003, pp. 618-624.