Commonly known as the Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor, also called Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor, is a unique polypore mushroom found globally. This remarkable mushroom is aptly named versicolor ('of several colors') due to its stunning array of shades that echoes the wild turkey's tail feathers display. Certain closely-related mushrooms like false turkey tail, Stereum sp., are often mistaken for T. versicolor because they're quite similar-looking. Another lookalike is T. betulina, the multicolor gill polypore. However, in this blog, we will delve deeper into the virtues of the true turkey tail mushroom.

One of the most intriguing benefits of T. versicolor is its promising antiradical, antioxidant (AO), and cytotoxic activities that positions its ethanol extract as a candidate for health-promoting food supplements. An interesting study showed this extract's efficient scavenging of radicals. It also indicated quite significant antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated noticeable cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG2 tumour cell lines with no cytotoxic effects on normal MRC-5 cells. Compounds such as gentisic, syringic, and protocatechuic acids might be responsible for these activities, but p-Hydroxybenzoic acid is considered one key compound for these health benefits.

The anti-inflammatory properties of T. versicolor are also noteworthy. About twenty-seven compounds isolated from this mushroom's fruiting bodies, including triterpenoids, sterols, ribonucleotides, phenols, glycosides, and a furan, showed significant inhibition of inflammation markers like NO, TNF-α, and IL-6.

A certain methanolic extract of T. versicolor remarkably demonstrated effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory efficacy. The extract showed higher total phenolic content, flavonoid content, ascorbic acid content, β-carotene, and lycopene content. Alongside these, the mushroom extract displayed significant inhibition against S. aureus and impressive anti-inflammatory activity.

Further researches revealed CNS anti-depressant, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities in both methanol and aqueous extract of T. versicolor. A major reduction in locomotion was observed in open field and hole-cross tests, indicating promising CNS activity. The presence of five phenolic compounds, particularly catechin, shows the highest binding affinity towards the targets, suggesting potential benefits for CNS anti-depressant and antioxidant activities.

As a final note, there's some evidence on the wound healing and tissue repair effect of T. versicolor polysaccharide extract. From the studies, the extract showed antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. The overall expression of key protein molecules FGF2, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 was significantly higher in treated cells sugar-coating the possibility of the extract’s stimulating effect on cell growth. This insight from an animal model study manifested the promising potential of T. versicolor extract for wound healing and tissue repair treatments showcasing that 100% of treated wounds healed within 14 days compared to the 60% healing rate for untreated wounds.

In conclusion, the remarkable T. versicolor continues to demonstrate a plethora of promising health benefits. Its potential as a health-promoting food supplement, anti-inflammatory agent, antimicrobial efficacy, CNS anti-depressant, and even as a wound healing remedy, showcases the value of holistic and integrative medical approaches with natural substances.

Further studies will undoubtedly bring out more virtues of this incredible turkey tail mushroom and hopefully support more ways to incorporate this natural remedy into our daily health regimen towards a healthier, vibrant life.

manuel (2024/04/01)