It's no secret that turkey tail mushrooms are one of the most beneficial fungi on the planet. Clinical research has repeatedly shown that turkey tails can improve immune function, support digestion, and enhance overall health.
However, the question that often lingers in people's minds—especially people using the mushroom for the first time—is, "what's the best turkey tail dosage to get these benefits without dealing with side effects?"
This post will cover everything about dosage, including specific instructions for how much Turkey Tail mushroom powder to take and when. So read on to learn more!
Turkey Tail Mushroom: What Is It?
Turkey tail mushroom is also known as Trametes Versicolor, cloud mushroom, or Kawaratake. The fungus is named after its distinctive multicolored concentric bands of brown and tan.
It is rich in niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, potassium, pantothenic acid, and copper. It is also packed with polysaccharide krestin (PSK), ergosterol, beta-glucans, and amino acids. Another peculiar aspect of the mushroom is that it helps the body to make vitamin D with even a tiny amount of sunlight.
The chemicals produced by the mushroom have medicinal properties. The polysaccharide extract (PSK) has been approved as a pharmaceutical-grade medicine (1) in Japan. The Turkey tail has treated cancer for over 30 years.
While turkey tail products offer people a better life with numerous benefits, most people want to avoid the side effects of turkey tail mushrooms. The key to avoiding the side effects while enjoying turkey tail benefits is using the correct mushroom dose.
This article will explore the Turkey tail mushroom dosage recommended by physicians. Even better, we won't just discuss one dosage for all conditions—we will give you specific dosages for the main conditions that benefit from turkey tail.
For people with furry friends (dogs) in their homes, we will show you the ideal dosage to take advantage of the turkey tail health benefits for dogs.
What Is The Right Turkey Tail Mushroom Dosage?
A daily dose of 2000 mg of turkey tail mushroom is the optimum dose (2) for maintaining premium health. This turkey tail dosage provides adequate mushroom bioactive compounds like beta-glucans that strengthen and balance the body's immune function.
Below, we will discuss the dosages ideal for different diseases:
1. Turkey Tail Dosage For Cancer
Turkey tail mushroom plays a vital role in cancer treatment. Turkey tail mushroom for cancer is part of the numerous ways people with cancer improve their lives.
In Japan (3), turkey tail extract is a prescription in oral capsules. This contains 1 g of PSK taken thrice daily. This suggests that the recommended turkey tail mushroom dosage for cancer in Japan is about 3 grams per day.
In many countries, government and health-regulatory bodies have also approved using turkey tail mushrooms to treat cancer. The oral capsules contain 1.08 g of mushroom extract given three times a day.
Therefore, a dose of 3.24 grams daily works when using turkey tail mushrooms for cancer. This dosage, in most cases, is consumed in the form of turkey tail powder.
It is, however, worth noting that the dosage can vary depending on the type of cancer. Below, we will look at what research has to say.
Breast Cancer Dosage
Turkey tail mushroom has been used in clinical trials in women with breast cancer (4) after primary oncologic treatment. In patients with breast cancer, improvements in immune status were observed with a daily dose of 9 grams.
Lung Cancer Dosage
Many clinical trials have used Trametes Versicolor in lung cancer (5) at a dose of 3 grams daily. This dose for turkey hill mushroom improves immune function and hematological parameters like hemoglobin and white blood cell numbers. It was also associated with a decrease in symptoms related to the tumor. In patients with lung cancer, there was greater treatment effectiveness than when chemotherapy was used alone.
Oral Cancer Dosage
Turkey tail mushrooms prevented human papillomavirus (HPV) induced cancers of the oral cavity (6) in a randomized controlled trial. The turkey tail mushroom dosage for HPV was two 200 mg capsules for two months. This dose was combined with another medicinal mushroom, Lion's mane, for patients with oral cancer.
Read More: See how Lion's mane fights cancer.
2. Turkey Tail Dosage For Alzheimer's Disease
Turkey tail mushroom offers protection against Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, when people with Alzheimer's take turkey tail daily at an ideal dosage, they can deal with the condition's unpleasant symptoms.
In one study, researchers used the powder of Trametes Versicolor in a 200mg/kg dose for 30 days in animal models with Alzheimer's (7). This orally administered dose of Turkey tail protected against the neurodegenerative damage and inflammation resulting from Alzheimer's disease.
The polysaccharides in Turkey tail mushrooms have immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. These properties of the mushroom can be utilized in aging and related health concerns like Alzheimer's disease.
There is increasing evidence that supports the role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease. The inflammation of the nerve cells caused by oxidative damage is an early change in the development of neurodegenerative disease.
Mushroom-derived chemicals like lipoxins can promote the resolution of inflammation. They act as a brake signal in the inflammatory process. In the above study, the expression of mushroom lipoxins was measured in the different parts of the brain following the 30-day oral dose of Turkey tail. Parts of the brain mainly involved in Alzheimer's disease showed increased lipoxins, indicating its neuroprotective role in the disease.
Read More: See how Lion's mane fights Alzheimer's disease.
3. Turkey Tail Dosage For Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition among older adults. Osteoporosis is a health condition characterized by reduced bone thickness, making bones more susceptible to breakage. People with this disease often want to know how to take turkey tail mushrooms to treat the condition.
One of the leading causes of osteoporosis is inflammation. Turkey tail carries anti-inflammatory benefits—these help the mushroom treat the condition.
When given orally at a dose of 100mg/kg for 28 days, Turkey tail mushroom improves the bone thickness and density (8) in rat models. The rats treated with Turkey tail showed maximal load-bearing capacity with increased bone thickness compared to other rats not given the mushroom.
In another study, Turkey tail improved bone loss in mouse models with breast cancer spread to the bones. 1g/kg of the mushroom extractwas given orally for four weeks, resulting in an increase in bone volume (9) by 10.3% compared to the control group that did not receive the mushroom extract.
This study shows that Turkey tail mushroom reduces bone loss even when cancer has spread to the bone. The mushroom prevents the breakdown and assimilation of the bone by inhibiting the cells (osteoclasts) that cause such effects.
4. Turkey Tail Mushroom Pain Management Dosage
Turkey tail mushroom powders reduce pain, similar to Aspirin. The analgesic effect of the mushroom was observed in rodent models receiving 500 mg/kg of mushroom powder.
In this 2020 study from Taiwan (10), animal subjects were divided into four groups. The first group was not given Aspirin or mushroom extract; the second group received 500mg/kg of Turkey tail mushroom, and the third and fourth groups were given different doses of Aspirin.
Markers of pain and inflammation were measured, which were found to decrease significantly following the mushroom feeding.
There is a high percentage (11.92%) of Oleanolic acid in Trametes Versicolor. This active compound has analgesic effects that effectively reduce physical pain triggered by hot plates. This research study suggested that the turkey tail mushroom can be used at a similar dosage to reduce inflammation.
The polysaccharopeptides from the mushroom reduce morphine-induced pain hypersensitivity (11) at a 200 microgram/kg dose for three weeks. The mushroom extract reduced the tolerance brought on by long-term administration of morphine, providing relief from osteoarthritis pain.
6. Turkey Tail For Diabetes
For people with diabetes, the bioactive ingredients in turkey tail—including polysaccharide peptide and biological response modifier—can help manage the condition. Similar to Lion's mane diabetes benefits, the turkey tail mushroom improves the quality of life for people with this insulin-related chronic condition.
A randomized controlled study has shown that turkey tail mushrooms help control blood sugar levels, ensuring they do not exceed the recommended range. This results in improved overall health and everyday health for people with diabetes.
A 0.1g/kg oral dose of Turkey tail reduced blood sugar levels (12) in animal models. In another study, this dose reduced insulin resistance (13).
Many preclinical studies have reported that the mushroom improves diabetes-related pathology. The 0.1g/kg oral dose of Trametes Versicolor decreased the blood sugar level after meals (postprandial glucose). It also reduces markers of oxidative stress and lipid levels that contribute to the development of diabetes.
A preparation containing 25 mg/kg (14) of Turkey tail mushroom also protected the heart from the side effects of diabetes. This dose of the mushroom reduced the symptoms of diabetic cardiomyopathy, including inflammation and fibrosis.
It is worth noting that diabetes is a significant risk factor for developing high blood pressure. A research study conducted in 2018 (15) determined that hypertension is prevalent among people with diabetes.
A four-week administration of polysaccharopeptides obtained from turkey tail mushrooms lowered blood sugar levels (16). 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 g/kg of the mushroom extract was given to animal models. This dose was associated with increased glucose uptake by the cells, thereby lessening high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes and obesity are very closely related—one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes is higher than normal body weight. In addition to increasing your risk of diabetes, obesity also increases your risk of other conditions.
Turkey tail mushrooms facilitate weight loss in obese people. You can enjoy the weight loss benefits by taking the mushroom at the exact dosage for diabetes.
Read More: See how Reishi fights diabetes.
7. Hearing Loss Turkey Tail Dosage
Turkey tail mushroom has been used for neuro-protection in Meniere's disease (17). This is a middle ear disease characterized by hearing loss and spells of dizziness.
Researchers gave three tablets of 500 mg of turkey tail twice a day for two months. This turkey tail dosage improved biochemical parameters and the disease's cellular response.
Inflammation of the neurons and oxidative stress play an important role in developing Meniere's disease. Exogenous nutritional supplements like Turkey tail mushrooms can reinforce neuro-protection against the disease. The study highlighted the importance of Turkey's tail's antioxidant and immunostimulatory action in protecting against Meniere's disease.
8. Turkey Tail Dosage For Dogs
When used by dogs, the turkey tail mushroom boosts immunity, improves the health of the digestive tract, fights cancer, and does much more.
However, before giving your dog turkey tail, you may want to know the best turkey tail mushroom dosage for dogs. The correct turkey tail mushroom dosage for dogs often depends on animal size and purpose for use. In most cases, amounts are calculated on a milligram (mg) per kilogram of the dog's weight basis.
A dog weighing 30 kilograms should take 3,000 mg (3 grams) of turkey tail mushroom daily. A small dog weighing just 10 kilograms will need 1,000 mg (1 gram) of turkey tail. The ideal turkey tail dosage for dogs is 100 mg per kilogram of body weight.
What Is The Best Time To Take Turkey Tail Mushroom?
It is worth noting that the performance of the turkey tail mushroom is not affected by the time you take it. As long as you take the proper dosage for the functional mushroom, the time you consume turkey tail does not matter.
In most cases, however, the ideal time to take functional mushrooms is often affected by the reason behind taking the mushroom. Therefore, to figure out the best time to take Turkey tail mushrooms, you must consider your end goal.
For example, taking turkey tail mushrooms in the morning is a good idea for people who need a lot of energy during their morning workout. However, for people taking it to enjoy sleep benefits, the best time to take turkey tail is at night, just before bed.
If you are not sure about the best way to take turkey's tail mushroom, talking to a doctor can help. The doctor should help you find an ideal way to take the turkey tail mushrooms.
FAQs About Turkey Tail Mushroom Dosage
How Long Does It Take For Turkey Tail Mushroom To Work?
If you are starting on the functional mushroom, you may not experience immediate results. It takes time for your body to assimilate the bioactive compounds of the mushroom.
It may take up to three weeks for your body to experience the turkey tail mushroom benefits.
Key Takeaways
The turkey tails mushroom is an excellent medicinal mushroom with many proven benefits. From boosting energy levels to improving brain and mental performance, turkey tails are one of the best foods.
The general recommended Turkey tail dosage is 2 to 3g per day, which can be either consumed as capsules or powders. It is a safe and well-tolerated mushroom; however, it is always better to consult your physician or oncologist before use.
Have you tried turkey tail mushrooms? Let us know in the comments how you have incorporated them into your life and what benefits you've seen.
References
- Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, (1)https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq
- A Turkey Tails Polysaccharide as an Immunochemotherapy Agent in Cancer (2)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244889954_A_Turkey_Tails_Polysaccharide_as_an_Immunochemotherapy_Agent_in_Cancer
- Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, (3)https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq
- Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer, (4)https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/251632/
- Polysaccharide K and Coriolus versicolor Extracts for Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review, (5)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1534735415572883
- Control of Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by Medicinal Mushrooms, Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum: A Preliminary Clinical Trial, (6)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25271984/
- Redox modulation of cellular stress response and lipoxin A4 expression by Coriolus versicolor in rat brain: Relevance to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, (7)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161813X15001655
- Polysaccharides of Trametes versicolor Improve Bone Properties in Diabetic Rats (8)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26308886/
- Patient Perspective: An Interview, (9)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27257525/
- Acetylsalicylic acid-like analgesic effects of Trametes versicolor in Wistar rats (10)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220305205
- Polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor blocks inflammatory osteoarthritis pain-morphine tolerance effects via activating cannabinoid type 2 receptor, (11)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813018360422
- Extracellular Polysaccharopeptides from Fermented Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom,Trametes versicolor (Agaricomycetes), Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, (12)https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,489762826cea4201,39339ece262c3632.html
- Coriolus versicolor aqueous extract ameliorates insulin resistance with PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways involved in diabetic skeletal muscle, (13)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29243310/
- Coriolus versicolor alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting cardiac fibrosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, (14)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31338905/
- Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus, (15) https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.10546#d3e324
- Extracellular Polysaccharopeptides from Fermented Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom, Trametes versicolor (Agaricomycetes), Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, (16)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749097/
- Nutritional Mushroom Treatment in Meniere's Disease with Coriolus versicolor: A Rationale for Therapeutic Intervention in Neuroinflammation and Antineurodegeneration, (17)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31906226/
Let Us Know Your Comments
1 Response
Ed Engelman | July 29, 2022
Unfortunately this article does not address appropriate doses of wild collected turkey tail mushrooms. I have been drinking tea that I make from turkey tail mushrooms for ten months now as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for prostate cancer. (I do use purchased turkey tail when my foraged supplies run low). Typically I use a 1/2 cup of chopped and packed turkey tail (ground in a coffee grinder) in 1/2 gallon of water steeping in a crock pot on the high setting for 18 hours (more or less). So far my bloodwork exceeds my doctor’s expectations based on my condition before any of my treatments began.