General Details

Product name: Turkey tail extract
Plant latin name: Coriolus versicolor（L. ex Fr.）Quel
Product specifications: Polysaccharides ≥5%, ≥40% by UV, Beta-glucan 20%, 40%, 48%
Appearance: Brown powder

The extract of Turkey tail is obtained by collecting, washing, and drying the fruiting bodies of Coriolus versicolor, and then extracting them with pure water as the solvent.

Main ingredients

Polysaccharides of Coriolus Versicolor

This is one of the most important active ingredients in the extract of turkey tail. The polysaccharides of Coriolus versicolor are a high molecular compound formed by connecting multiple monosaccharide molecules through glycosidic bonds. It has various biological functions, including immune regulation, anti-tumor, and antioxidation. Different components of the polysaccharides have different chemical structures and functions. For example, the β-glucan component in the polysaccharides can activate immune cells of the body, such as macrophages and T lymphocytes.

Triterpenoids

They are also important ingredients in the extract of turkey tail. These compounds have potential pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation and anti-tumor. They can exert anti-cancer effects by inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells and inducing tumor cell apoptosis. At the same time, triterpenoids may also regulate the inflammatory response of the body and alleviate the symptoms of inflammation-related diseases.

Proteins and amino acids

The extract of turkey tail contains a certain amount of proteins and various amino acids. These ingredients may have certain auxiliary effects on maintaining the normal physiological functions of the body. For example, some essential amino acids can participate in the metabolism of the human body and provide nutritional support for the body. In addition, some special proteins may have immune regulation or other biological activities.

Health Benefits

Immunomodulatory benefits

The polysaccharide in the extract is a powerful immunomodulator. It activates a variety of immune cells, such as macrophages, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes. For example, macrophages, when activated by the polysaccharide, enhance their phagocytosis and more effectively eliminate pathogens and foreign objects, including viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells that can cause disease.
For T lymphocytes, Turkey tail extract can promote their proliferation and differentiation. This allows T cells to better perform immune surveillance functions, accurately identifying and attacking tumor cells or virus-infected cells. In immunocompromised people, such as the elderly or long-term patients, the use of Turkey tail extract can help enhance the body’s immune defense and reduce the risk of infection.

Antitumor effect

The extract of Turkey tail exerts anti-tumor effects indirectly through immunomodulation. When the immune system is activated, a series of anti-tumor responses are generated. For example, activated immune cells release cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), which inhibit the growth and spread of tumor cells.
At the same time, some studies have shown that the triterpenoids in Turkey tail extract may have direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. They can interfere with the metabolic process of tumor cells and induce apoptosis of tumor cells, thus playing an auxiliary role in tumor treatment. However, it should be noted that Turkey tail extract cannot replace traditional tumor treatment methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but can be used as an adjunct to improve the therapeutic effect.

Antioxidant effect

Turkey tail extract is rich in antioxidants and can effectively scavenge free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules or groups of atoms with unpaired electrons that are continuously produced in the body and cause oxidative damage to cells. This oxidative damage is closely related to the development of many chronic diseases and the aging process.
The antioxidants in Turkey tail extract can capture these free radicals and make them inactive, thus protecting important components such as cell membranes, DNA, and proteins from oxidative damage. For example, in skin cells, Turkey tail extract can prevent free radicals caused by factors such as ultraviolet radiation from causing damage to the skin, and play a role in delaying skin aging and reducing wrinkles.

Liver protection

In the treatment and prevention of liver diseases, Turkey tail extract has also shown many benefits. It can reduce the inflammatory response of the liver and has a certain adjuvant therapeutic effect on liver inflammatory diseases such as hepatitis. For example, in the treatment of viral hepatitis, Turkey tail extract can regulate the body’s immune function, inhibit virus replication, and protect liver cells from further damage by viruses and inflammatory factors.
Turkey tail extract can also promote the regeneration and repair of liver cells. After the liver is damaged by drugs, toxins, or other factors, the use of Turkey tail extract helps to accelerate the recovery of liver cells and maintain the normal function of the liver. This is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases such as drug-induced liver injury and alcoholic liver disease.

Improve gut health

Turkey tail extract also has a positive impact on gut health. It can regulate the balance of gut flora, increase the number of beneficial bacteria (such as Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus), and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria. Gut flora play a crucial role in human health, they are involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, the regulation of the immune system, and many other processes.

In addition, the immunomodulatory function of Turkey tail extract also helps to enhance the immune barrier of the intestine. It can improve the immunity of the intestinal mucosa and prevent pathogens from invading the intestine, thereby reducing the occurrence of intestinal diseases such as intestinal infections and inflammatory bowel disease.

Applications

Medicines

Cancer treatment assistance

Turkey tail extract mainly plays an auxiliary role in cancer treatment. Its immunomodulatory properties can help cancer patients enhance immunity and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For example, in the treatment of leukemia, Turkey tail extract can improve the low immune function of patients caused by chemotherapy, stimulate the proliferation of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, increase the production of white blood cells, and reduce the risk of infection. At the same time, it can also relieve gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy.

Liver disease treatment

For liver diseases, Turkey tail extract has the effect of protecting the liver. In the treatment of hepatitis, it can reduce liver inflammation and promote the repair and regeneration of liver cells. For example, in patients with chronic hepatitis B, Turkey tail extract can inhibit the replication of hepatitis B virus and improve liver function indicators such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by regulating the immune function of the body, thereby reducing liver damage.

Immunomodulatory drug ingredients

Turkey tail extract can be used as an immunomodulator to manufacture drugs. For some autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, it can regulate immune balance and inhibit excessive immune responses. By regulating the activity of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes and reducing the release of inflammatory factors, it can relieve joint pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

Health products

Immunity-enhancing products

Turkey tail extract is a key ingredient in many immunity-enhancing health products. It can be made into forms such as capsules, tablets or oral liquids. These products are suitable for people with low immunity, such as the elderly, those who stay up late for a long time or those who catch a cold frequently. Regular consumption can enhance the body’s resistance and prevent common diseases such as colds and influenza.

Antioxidant health products

Since Turkey tail extract has antioxidant effects, it is also used in the manufacture of antioxidant health products. These products can remove free radicals in the body and slow down the aging speed of cells. For example, in some beauty and skincare health products, Turkey tail extract can be combined with other antioxidant ingredients such as vitamins C and E to protect skin cells, reduce the production of wrinkles and make the skin more firm and shiny.

Cosmetics

Anti-wrinkle skin care products

In the cosmetics industry, Turkey tail extract is widely used in anti-wrinkle skin care products. It can stimulate the production of skin collagen and enhance the elasticity of the skin. For example, adding Turkey tail extract to products such as face creams and essences can penetrate deep into the bottom layer of the skin, repair damaged skin cells, and reduce wrinkles caused by factors such as aging and ultraviolet radiation.

Whitening and freckle-removing products

Turkey tail extract also has a certain whitening and freckle-removing effect. It can inhibit the production of melanin and fade stains. In whitening masks, lotions and other cosmetics, Turkey tail extract can regulate the activity of melanocytes, make the skin color more uniform, and achieve the whitening effect.

Food industry

Functional food additives: Turkey tail extract can be used as a functional food additive to develop foods with health care functions. For example, adding Turkey tail extract to some healthy drinks can endow the drinks with functions such as enhancing immunity and antioxidation. In snacks such as energy bars, Turkey tail extract can also be added to improve the nutritional value of products and increase consumers’ choices of healthy foods.