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The Mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail) Mushroom and its Fermented Substrate Each Show Potent and Complementary Immune Activating Properties in vitro

Summary

This research examined how Turkey Tail mushroom mycelium and its fermented growing material affect the human immune system. The study found that both components have different but complementary effects on immune function, with the mycelium directly activating immune cells while the fermented material stimulates the production of important immune signaling molecules. This has implications for everyday life in several ways: • Turkey Tail supplements containing both mycelium and fermented substrate may provide more complete immune support than isolated components • The findings support traditional use of whole mushroom preparations rather than isolated extracts • This research helps explain why fermented foods and supplements may have health benefits • The results suggest new possibilities for natural immune support products • Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better targeted supplements for specific immune needs

Background

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat ailments, particularly in traditional Asian medicine and Eastern European traditions. They are well regarded for supporting longevity, treating infectious disease and cancer, and promoting overall well-being. Contemporary research has mainly focused on the broad immune activity of mushrooms, with several preclinical findings suggesting mushrooms may specifically support NK cell upregulation, enhancement of T-cell and NK cell cytotoxicity, and the induction of immune-regulating cytokines.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the immune-modulating properties of the mycelium versus the fermented substrate of Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail), to document whether an important part of the immune-activating effects resides in the metabolically fermented substrate.

Results

Both aqueous and solid fractions of Trametes versicolor mycelium triggered robust induction of CD69 on lymphocytes and monocytes, whereas fermented substrate only triggered minor CD69 induction. The aqueous extract had stronger activating effects than the solid fraction. Both aqueous and solid fractions of fermented substrate triggered large dose-dependent increases in immune-activating pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-viral cytokines, and growth factors. The mycelium triggered more modest cytokine increases.

Conclusion

The immune-activating bioactivity of mycelial-based medicinal mushroom preparation is a combination of the mycelium itself (including insoluble beta-glucans and water-soluble components) and the highly bioactive, metabolically fermented substrate, which was not present in the initial substrate. The mycelium was very potent in triggering immune cell activation, while the fermented substrate was very active in terms of cytokine induction.
  • Published in:BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
  • Study Type:In Vitro Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12906-019-2681-7
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