An HPV diagnosis can cause some anxiety. However, the most crucial thing is to protect yourself and your partner as you work towards living normally. And fortunately, several natural supplements might help you manage your HPV symptoms.
One of these is Turkey Tail mushrooms, which might be news to some! So, what are the benefits of Turkey Tail for HPV?
Turkey Tail mushrooms contain two potent bioactive compounds that can enhance the immune system. These immune stimulants help prevent several infections, including Human Papilloma Virus. A widely cited 2014 study even shows that Turkey Tail mushroom (along with Reishi or Ganoderma Lucidum) can help control HPV in the mouth.
If you are interested in Turkey Tail and HPV, this is an excellent place to start. Below we will uncover what we currently know about Turkey Tail mushroom and HPV benefits. We will also respond to your most frequent queries regarding this exceptional-looking mushroom.
Turkey Tail Mushroom For HPV: Turkey Tail Boosts The Immune System Health
Turkey Tail mushrooms get their nickname from their distinctive coloring, which strongly mimics a turkey's tail. Turkey tail, also known as Coriolus Versicolor, Trametes Versicolor, or Polyporus Versicolor, is a common polypore mushroom found across the globe.
These medicinal mushrooms are commonly found in forests and have been thoroughly studied for their ability to enhance immune function and combat several diseases. The mushroom found growing in clusters on dead hardwood trees, like oak, is known for its impressive quality in improving the immune system's health.
So, before we move on to the Turkey Tail benefits in HPV, let's first understand the basics of how these fascinating fungi work their charm on our immune system. After all, turkey tail mushroom extract goes beyond acting as medicine for HPV to help with treatments for other conditions.
When people use the proper turkey tail dosage, they enjoy the benefits of the medicinal mushroom on their immune cells, immune response, and immune system health without worrying about side effects.
Now, the big question is, how does turkey tail fight chronic inflammation and assist men and women with HPV? Turkey tail mushrooms contain two biologically active polysaccharide compounds: polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK).
PSK is a pharmaceutical-grade drug used for cancer treatment for over 30 years in some countries. It is one of the bioactive compounds that help turkey tail treat cancer.
In clinical trials, PSK was used as an adjunct to chemotherapy to treat breast and gastric cancer (rectal, stomach, and colorectal cancer). In contrast, PSP was an extract used as a prebiotic and for treating late-stage lung cancer.
PSP's potent anti-tumor effects(1) are due to its ability to enhance the activity of Natural Killer cells, a subset of white blood cells with granules and enzymes that can destroy tumor cells and virus- or tumor-infected cells.
Turkey tail mushroom enhances the immune system of people suffering from all types of HPV—HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, HPV52, and HPV5. The turkey tail mushroom extract activates the natural killer cells, allowing the immune system to fight harmful viruses that cause cervical and mouth HPV symptoms.
Research in test tubes has shown that PSP boosts monocytes(2), a subset of white blood cells that help the immune system fight infection.
Moreover, PSK stimulates dendritic cells that support immunity to toxins and regulate the immune response. PSK also activates the white blood cells known as macrophages(3), which defend the body against harmful agents like certain bacteria.
Turkey Tail mushrooms have one of the highest concentrations of soluble beta-glucan fibers in their cell walls. Scientific studies have shown that beta-glucans are potent immune system stimulators that prevent infection.
Now, let's examine what the science has uncovered about Turkey Tail mushroom HPV benefits.
A 2014 study(4) reviewed the effect of combining two medicinal fungi, Trametes Versicolor and Ganoderma Lucidum, to clear oral human papillomavirus.
Sixty-one patients included in the study were either given Laetiporus sulphureus (commonly known as Chicken of the woods mushroom) or a combination of Reishi and Turkey Tail. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the virus was performed at the beginning of the study and after two months. In the group receiving the mushroom combination, 88% of the participants with HPV experienced positive results.
Based on these preliminary clinical trial results, researchers suggested that medicinal mushrooms Turkey Tail and Reishi could control Oral HPV infection and that further investigation is required.
Read More: See all the benefits of Reishi Mushroom.
Turkey Tail Fights Conditions That Make HPV Treatment Harder
While it is easy to assume that turkey tail is only effective in HPV treatment because of its immune-boosting abilities, this is not the case. Turkey tail mushroom also treats chronic diseases that can make managing and treating HPV harder. Even better, its protective compounds reduce the risk of health conditions often associated with HPV.
Below, we will look at some medical conditions the turkey tail extract treats to aid HPV therapy and treatment. We will also show you how the mushroom reduces the risk of developing health problems that have HPV as a risk factor.
Turkey Tail Treats Diabetes
Research reviews have shown evidence that diabetes can have a negative impact on HPV management.
For example, a 2021 study(5) sought to show that men with diabetes have a higher incidence of HPV-related anogenital intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer than men in the general population.
Compared to males who did not have diabetes, those with diabetes had a higher incidence rate of penile squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers observed similar patterns for anal high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (hgPeIN, hgAIN). Those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) had a higher combined incidence rate of penile and anal squamous cell carcinoma than men without diabetes.
Luckily for people with diabetes, turkey tail extract goes beyond helping them develop a robust immune system to lower blood sugar levels. The mushroom can improve insulin resistance and naturally strengthen the body's ability to fight diabetes. Research studies have shown that turkey tail mushroom extract is effective in diabetes management.
Read More: Did you know that turkey tail is not the only mushroom that fights diabetes? See how Reishi mushroom treats diabetes.
In 2020, researchers analyzed(6) the effectiveness of turkey tail in diabetes management. The research study noted that extracellular polysaccharopeptides (ePSP) from Trametes Versicolor (TV) strain LH-1 have an antihyperglycemic activity that increases cellular glucose absorption in HepG2 cells in an insulin-independent manner.
According to the researchers, oxidative stress is crucial in developing diabetic problems. After receiving turkey tail extract for four weeks, rats suffering from type 2 diabetes showed dose-dependent reductions in insulin resistance indices and areas under the curve in oral glucose tolerance tests, serum fructosamine levels, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, turkey tail extract considerably reduced oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mice, as evidenced by the plasma's improved superoxide dismutase activity, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased glutathione levels in both the plasma and erythrocytes.
Therefore, just like Lion's mane has diabetes benefits, turkey tail mushrooms also effectively balance blood sugar levels. This can promote an immune response in people with HPV, making it easier to treat the virus and the health problems.
Turkey Tail Improves Cardiovascular Health
Several research studies have shown a relationship between heart health and HPV. One research study conducted in 2019(7) analyzed the impact of HPV on cardiovascular disease.
The researchers performed a cohort analysis on 63,411 women who were 30 years of age or older, free of cardiovascular disease at baseline, and who underwent a high-risk HPV test. These women were followed annually or biannually from 2011 to 2016. Cardiovascular disease was determined by connecting to the Health Insurance and Review Agency database.
Researchers used a Cox-proportional hazards regression model to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals for incident cardiovascular disease. 7.6% of people had high-risk HPV infections.
During follow-up, researchers discovered 1122 additional cases of cardiovascular disease. Significant cardiovascular disease incidence was linked to high-risk HPV infection.
An essential link between high-risk HPV infection and incident cardiovascular disease was still seen after adjusting for potential confounders, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. This correlation was more pronounced in patients with metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Read More: See how Chaga facilitates weight loss and fights obesity.
The research study shows a relationship between cardiovascular disease and HPV. One of the best traditional treatments, turkey tail, can promote the heart's health. Its powerful immune-boosting properties are effective in improving cardiovascular health.
The benefits of turkey tail on cardiovascular health are primarily a result of the mushroom's ability to reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants are substances that prevent or lessen oxidative stress-related harm.
An imbalance between antioxidants and unstable chemicals known as free radicals leads to oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation and cellular damage may occur from this. Additionally, this imbalance has been linked to a higher chance of contracting diseases like malignancies and heart disease.
Phenols and flavonoids are among the excellent antioxidants found in turkey tail. In one research study conducted in 2017(8), a sample of turkey tail mushroom extract included over 35 distinct phenolic components and the flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein. This shows that turkey tail mushrooms may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in people suffering from HPV.
Read More: Worried that turkey tail may cause hallucinations? You shouldn't be. See reasons why turkey tail mushroom is not a psychedelic.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms Improve Gut Health
Research studies have established a connection between the gut microbiome and the HPV virus development.
For example, a 2020 study(9) analyzed the microbiome factors in HPV-driven cancers and carcinogenesis. The study concluded that the microbiome might particularly impact HPV malignancies.
The study noted that we are only beginning to understand the microbiome's possible role in viral persistence, immune response, host-mucosal environment, and cancer therapies for HPV-related malignancies.
Luckily turkey tail improves gut health—in past studies, turkey tail extract inhibited unhealthy gut bacteria while boosting beneficial bacteria in the gut. The mushroom helps with gut bacterial balance, ensuring the gut bacteria interact positively with other body systems.
This effectively reduces the risk of developing HPV. In people with HPV, the mushroom's gut health benefits clear the disease from the body before it causes cancer.
What Is The Turkey Tail HPV Dosage?
While the exact Turkey Tail mushroom dosage for HPV is not yet determined, you can use the mushroom in doses of 2000 mg daily. You can take this as powder or capsules.
The mushroom does not have serious adverse effects. You can consume turkey tail products at doses of 1000 mg or more per day for up to 10 years without side effects.
FAQs
What Types Of Cancer Does Turkey Tail Help?
Research has shown that Turkey Tail mushrooms help fight breast, stomach, lung, and colon cancers. The mushroom also fights side effects often associated with conventional cancer treatment options, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Read More: Seehow Cordyceps fights cancer.
What Can Turkey Tail Help With?
Turkey Tail mushrooms support the immune system and promote a healthy inflammation response. Apart from this, it has adaptogenic properties, protects DNA from damage, helps liver and gut health, and improves blood sugar balance.
How Long Does It Take For Turkey Tail Mushroom To Work?
If you're consuming turkey tail mushrooms, it can take your body up to three weeks to start feeling the health benefits.
For the first three weeks, double the recommended dosage of 2 grams daily to speed up the body's assimilation process so you can get benefits.
Final Thoughts
Turkey's tail is a medicinal mushroom with a remarkable range of health-boosting effects. Turkey Tail HPV benefits result from the mushroom's significant immune system boost.
These substances activate specific immune system cells like dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages that support immunity against HPV and toxins. Preliminary clinical trials show the powerful potential of Turkey Tail to clear HPV in the oral cavity.
Have you tried turkey tail for HPV or a different condition? What was your experience with the mushroom? Let us know in the comments.
References
- Polysaccharide peptide (PSP) restores immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide in rats, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9166995/
- PSP activates monocytes in resting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: immunomodulatory implications for cancer treatment, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23497877/
- TLR2 agonist PSK activates human NK cells and enhances the anti-tumor effect of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206987/
- Control of Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by Medicinal Mushrooms, Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum: A Preliminary Clinical Trial, (4)https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,266d4152107fca7a,3512deba5cc9e72b.html
- Incidence of HPV-related Anogenital Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Cancer in Men With Diabetes Compared With the General Population, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34039899/
- Extracellular Polysaccharopeptides from Fermented Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom, Trametes versicolor (Agaricomycetes), Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, (6)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749097/
- High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Korean Women, (7)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30727837/
- The lignicolous fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (1920): a promising natural source of antiradical and AChE inhibitory agents, (8)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010034/
- Microbiome factors in HPV-driven carcinogenesis and cancers, (9)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7271998/
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