A fraction of the dose appears to be orally absorbed, more or less intact, and is excreted in bile over several hours. There are hundreds of different kinds of mushrooms. : Active lipids of Ganoderma lucidum spores-induced apoptosis in human leukemia THP-1 cells via MAPK and PI3K pathways. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. Its important to discuss your interest in any alternative treatment for cancer with your doctor to make sure its a safe and appropriate choice for your health. Am J Chin Med 33 (3): 381-95, 2005. Phytochemistry 114: 66-101, 2015. a weak immune system. Studies also are limited by the different types of cancer that have been included. You might spot one of these colorful mushrooms, which can resemble a series of discs, growing out of the side of a hardwood tree. : Lucidenic acid inhibits PMA-induced invasion of human hepatoma cells through inactivating MAPK/ERK signal transduction pathway and reducing binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1. Taking any mushroom extract could cause a life threatening reaction in some people. Theyre very common in the United States, and theyre pretty hardy, too. In fact, the American Cancer Society (ACS) say that more than 100,000 people will receive a diagnosis of it in 2020. National Cancer Institute The soil or the area around the mushroom could be contaminated with pollutants or bacteria. The investigators noted that some patients did experience some significant changes in the parameters studied, but the group effect was null overall. PSK helps to boost the immune system . Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. PSK can be taken as a tea or in capsuleform. One study showed that when people took mushrooms, they were able to tolerate more rounds chemotherapy treatment, probably because they have fewer side effects, and thereby it might have indirectly improved their survival, says Narayanan. What's better, adding turkey tail to your diet and foods can reduce the risk of developing cancer. These investigators had previously noted that a high CD57-positive cell count was an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer, leading them to suggest that PSK may improve overall survival (OS) partly by inhibiting CD57-positive T cells. Li YB, Wang R, Wu HL, et al. And turkey tails dont just have high levels of antioxidants they seem to have numerous different kinds. Learn, A high MCV means your red blood cells are larger than normal. : Anti-cancer properties of triterpenoids isolated from Ganoderma lucidum - a review. the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or NIH. Between 25% and 38% of the mass comes from a covalently linked protein whose amino acid composition has been reported. Ruan W, Wei Y, Popovich DG: Distinct Responses of Cytotoxic Ganoderma lucidum Triterpenoids in Human Carcinoma Cells. Its also important to keep in mind that the FDA doesnt regulate dietary supplements in the same way that it regulates conventional medicines. [6] There are many other species of Ganoderma, which are difficult to distinguish from the medicinal species. Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum related natural products as an adjunct therapy for cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. A number of cellular and humoral immune parameters were tested. Therefore, premarket evaluation and approval of such supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are not required unless specific disease prevention or treatment claims are made. She is involved with integrative oncology outcome studies, including the Canadian/US Integrative Oncology Study . Int J Mol Sci 15 (5): 9103-16, 2014. J Agric Food Chem 56 (11): 3973-80, 2008. These extracts are often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to boost the efficacy of these treatments and improve outcomes. Learn about lymph node cancer in your neck, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook. Boh B: Ganoderma lucidum: a potential for biotechnological production of anti-cancer and immunomodulatory drugs. Quel. In some cases, this was linked to a positive immune response, but there may be other factors. The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro. In China, G. lucidum is known as Chizhi and G. sinense is known as Zizhi. PSP and PSK appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Learn more about how mushrooms can benefit a persons health, Reishi mushrooms have many purported benefits, including boosting the immune system and shrinking tumors. Research may not translate to patients in the United States. A meta-analysis of randomized, centrally assigned, prospective clinical trials of adjuvant therapy with PSK published between 1980 and 2004 identified three clinical trials that met selection criteria covering 1,094 patients. : Ganoderma lucidum derived ganoderenic acid B reverses ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance in HepG2/ADM cells. Learn more about beta glucan supplements, their benefits and risks. Turkey tail's benefits may stem from its content of polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), both of which appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. 751; 376; 374 Ying J, Mao X, Ma Q, et al. Data from the 15 preclinical studies supported the anticancer effects of PSK by way of immunomodulation and potentiation of immune surveillance. Quayle K, Coy C, Standish L, et al. After reviewing 20 years of data, the investigators stratified patients on the basis of the ratio of their granulocytes to lymphocytes (G/L), believing that G/L ratios above 2.0 would predict responders. Mushrooms can strengthen the immune system The extract also seemed to improve other aspects of the patients progress, including body weight, immune function, and quality of life. The first line of treatment for breast cancer is chemotherapy, but a limited amount of research has examined whether or not turkey tail extract may be helpful during or after this treatment. It is used by contemporary Chinese physicians to support immune function in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, among other uses. Mar 2014;13(2):161-166. The authors of the review conclude that people who take PSK may have improved survival rates, and they recommend combining PSK with chemotherapy. Int J Nanomedicine 9: 109-19, 2014. Since the earliest reports of clinical benefits, other investigators have sought to define the mechanism of PSKs beneficial action. People in the United States may respond differently than people in China and Japan because our metabolism may be different. Phytochemistry 127: 29-37, 2016. Phase 1 clinical trial of Trametes versicolor in women with breast cancer. : Immunochemotherapy with PSK and fluoropyrimidines improves long-term prognosis for curatively resected colorectal cancer. Turkey tail is a woody bracket polypore fungus that grows on dead logs worldwide. However, turkey tail extract does not treat cancer on its own. In Japan, turkey tail has been used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. Everything you need to know about reishi mushrooms. The researchers looked at studies of five types of mushroom, including turkey tail, as complementary cancer treatments. So far, studies that have reported on the use of T. versicolor products in patients with breast cancer have focused on documenting changes in immune parameters (e.g., changes in T-cell subsets and B-cell numbers in blood) as opposed to clinical parameters (e.g., patient survival, resolution of symptoms/side effects, or improvement in quality of life). Roughly 90% of pancreatic cancers are ductal adenocarcinoma. A study in mice, for example, found that PBG helped prevent weight gain in those that ate a high fat diet. The best known constituent of turkey tail is the glycoprotein mixture known as PSK. [17] Unfortunately, the chemotherapy regimens differed in that the PSK patients were treated with fluorouracil and mitomycin-C (207 patients), while the controls received fluorouracil with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy (103 patients), introducing a potential bias in the interpretation of the results. Choose from 12 allied health programs at School of Health Professions. It can also be consumed in powder form or even made into capsules. Our personalized portal helps you refer your patients and communicate with their MD Anderson care team. Tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. You can add a little turkey tail mushroom powder to a smoothie or make a broth with it. A study published in 1994 first suggested the clinical benefit of adjuvant PSK for patients who underwent curative resection of gastric cancer in Japan. Another group of investigators studied the effect of PSK added to tegafur/uracil (UFT) chemotherapy compared with that of UFT alone. A pancreatic mass is another name for a pancreatic tumor. The summary reflects an independent review of the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cancer Biother Radiopharm 23 (4): 461-7, 2008. Her current research focuses on the use of the medicinal mushroom turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer and the use of functional brain imaging to assess the treatment of brain cancer. In this review article, the authors discuss the effects of a polysaccharide from Turkey Tail mushroom on cancer metastasis. These patients were monitored for up to 10 years after surgery. Hennicke F, Cheikh-Ali Z, Liebisch T, et al. [4-6] Polysaccharide-K (PSK) or krestin, from the mushroom T. versicolor, is an approved mushroom product used for cancer treatment in Japan. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 2000. Sakagami H, Aoki T, Simpson A, et al. Molecules 19 (11): 17478-535, 2014. : Beta-glucan, a "specific" biologic response modifier that uses antibodies to target tumors for cytotoxic recognition by leukocyte complement receptor type 3 (CD11b/CD18). Certain mushrooms stimulate the compounds that are responsible for tumors suppression, says Narayanan. One review included preclinical studies conducted in (2017). Sakai T, Yamashita Y, Maekawa T, et al. The resulting two scores are then combined to produce an overall score. The safety record for PSK is well established in Japan. Go to Host Defense. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. Turkey tail may be a promising natural treatment in conjunction with other therapies, but confirming its benefits will require further research in humans. Look for a purified turkey tail supplement or turkey tail mushrooms from a reputable source. The immune effects are mediated through the mushroom's stimulation of innate immune cells, such as monocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): Treatment Options for Breast Cancer, What Are DIM Supplements? Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Shang D, Li Y, Wang C, et al. One other large study not included in this meta-analysis was a Japanese multicenter comparative trial of adjuvant chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy and PSK involving 751 patients undergoing curative resection, conducted from 1978 to 1981. More than 100 species of medicinal mushrooms are used in Asia. Because the G/L ratio was not related to stage, the authors suggested that the G/L ratio may be a host-dependent factor and might be useful to predict who might respond best to adjuvant PSK. The 5-year OS rates were 67.9% in the PSK group and 61.8% in the control group (P = .053). Depending on the outcomes of ongoing research, there may be even more options in the future if your doctor thinks it might help you recover from cancer. for Mushroom Science. Int J Immunopharmacol 10 (4): 415-23, 1988. In Japan, PSK is an . Both groups underwent repeat colonoscopy at 12 months. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. PSK has been used as an adjunctive cancer treatment in thousands of patients since the mid-1970s. GcMAF is a protein thats been used in alternative medicine to treat cancer. In addition, some types of mushroom are poisonous, and it can be difficult to know which are safe. Our syndication services page shows you how. The three trials with the best quality supported the findings from the eight studies. All five nonrandomized controlled trials reported improved median survival with the use of PSK in combination with conventional radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. And their benefits may not stop there. Turkey tail mushrooms may have immune boosting properties that support cancer treatment for some people. Mushrooms contain potent biological compounds and will behave like drugs, so treat them like a medication, says Narayanan. Tsukagoshi S, Hashimoto Y, Fujii G, et al. In some parts of the world, mushroom extracts are often used by patients for their medicinal benefits. Turkey tail has a chewy texture and a strong flavor. The scientific name of turkey tail is Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd, although it has been known by other names, notably Coriolus versicolor (L. ex Fr.) : Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. lucidum. More Information Turkey tail mushrooms can help you strengthen your immune system and fight off cancer cells. Another clinical trial is studying PSK in stage IV breast cancer. But its important to remember that turkey tail mushrooms are not for everyone, especially if youre allergic. More research is needed. Several companies distribute medicinal mushrooms as dietary supplements. : 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin-C, and polysaccharide-K adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: the prognostic significance of frequent perineural invasion. Immune modulation from five major mushrooms: Application to integrative oncology. But it's. Oncol Rep 27 (4): 1079-89, 2012. Among the biologically active components of G. lucidum are triterpenoids, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789. Last medically reviewed on March 25, 2020. [2], A lipid component of PSK has been separated by lipase treatment and found to have toll-like receptor 2 agonist activity, synergistic with the protein-bound beta-glucan. evidence) associated with each type of treatment is provided whenever A 2007 meta-analysis included 8,009 patients from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adjuvant PSK in patients after curative resection of gastric cancers:[20] 4,037 patients received PSK with chemotherapy, and 3,972 patients received the same chemotherapy alone. Another retrospective analysis of nonrandomized data evaluated 254 patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing curative surgery with postoperative adjuvant treatment in Japan. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. The rest are often found in powdered forms in health food stores. In fact, a 2019 study found that a fermented substrate of the turkey tail mushroom seemed to have unique beneficial components compared with other parts of the mushroom. My partner's oncologist approved turkey tail mushroom supplements for him. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia. [12] They postulated that reversal of T-cell dysfunction induced by chemotherapy could reduce the adverse effects or enhance the antitumor effect. Medicinal mushrooms are not ordinary mushrooms. What is the nutritional value of mushrooms? Learn what typically causes a high MCV and how, Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from its primary site to a distant part of the body. Those most frequently studied in cancer research are not usually sold in grocery stores. This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board, which is editorially independent of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The most common ones include Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) Trametes versicolor Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail) Lentinus edodes (shiitake) Grifola frondosa (maitake) Research has been conducted to determine the antitumor activity of mushrooms and mushroom extracts. This combination may help cancer patients on a broader level. Wang JH, Zhou YJ, Zhang M, et al. Although some study results are promising, turkey tail cant replace anticancer drugs. The researchers also found the two extracts together could even enhance the effectiveness of a drug often used to treat colorectal cancers, 5-fluorouracil. In traditional Chinese medicine, people use turkey tail extract (Yun zhi) as a treatment for respiratory conditions. Oba K, Teramukai S, Kobayashi M, et al. Integr Cancer Ther 14 (3): 201-11, 2015. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. However, not all of the research has been quite so enrcouraging. [20], Several G. lucidum-derived products have been studied in preclinical models and reported to produce anticancer effects. One recent study reported that an agent containing both Trametes versicolor and Grifola frondose wasnt effective at controlling the spread of colon cancer cells in the lab. Similar results were observed with additional assays leading the investigators to conclude that lung cancer patient plasma-induced suppression of lymphocyte activation by phytohemagglutinin may be fully or partially antagonized by G. lucidum polysaccharides, making them an attractive adjuvant in cancer treatment. Internal transcribed spacer sequences alone have been found inadequate to distinguish turkey tail from other species of Trametes, so additional molecular characters are required for that task. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. What are the benefits of lion's mane mushrooms? There have been some studies done on turkey tail mushrooms for cancer. Most are for prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. Laboratory test . Our patients depend on blood and platelet donations. Updated . This means that some side effects may not have been recorded. Anticancer Res 30 (3): 993-9, 2010. Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes Versicolor) has over 600 studies and 24 human clinical trials and appears in herbal texts dating back to the 16th century. The glycoprotein molecules are composed of a main chain beta-(1,4) glucan with beta-(1,3) and beta-(1,6)linked side chains. [25] The 10-year survival was significantly better for patients treated with PSK, with a hazard ratio of 0.3. Qi Y, Zhao L, Sun HH: Development of a rapid and confirmatory method to identify ganoderic acids in ganoderma mushrooms. : Triterpene-loaded microemulsion using Coix lacryma-jobi seed extract as oil phase for enhanced antitumor efficacy: preparation and in vivo evaluation. [21] Patients were randomly assigned to receive either chemotherapy with mitomycin-C plus oral tegafur (also known as futraful) with (n = 377) or without (n = 374) PSK 3 g/d. Hsu CL, Yu YS, Yen GC: Lucidenic acid B induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells via a mitochondria-mediated pathway. Conclusion Pancreatic Cancer Incidence Pancreatic cancer is the cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland producing digestive juices and hormones. A number of studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms have immune boosting properties. Turkey Tail Mushroom Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies Turkey Tail Mushroom Information Expanded and updated content from this page has been moved to the Turkey Tail Mushroom page on the new CancerChoices website. Coriolus versicolor: A medicinal mushroom with promising immunotherapeutic values. They then took 3, 6, or 9 grams of turkey tail extract in divided doses each day for 6 weeks. While the mechanism of action for PSK in general and in colorectal cancer specifically is not clearly defined, the potential activity of PSK as an immunomodulatory adjunct to chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer has been studied. The study found that PBG may help balance certain bacteria in the gut, which can help prevent obesity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 55 (4): 404-11, 2006. : Anti-protein-bound polysaccharide-K monoclonal antibody binds the active structure and neutralizes direct antitumor action of the compound. Gen Pharmacol 30 (1): 1-4, 1998. In fact, a 2008 review called for more research on the potential of turkey tail mushroom and its PSK for breast cancer. They're often used in Asian countries, not only in cancer care, but also to treat infections and other diseases.. : Molecular structures of two crystalline forms of the cyclic heptapeptide antibiotic ternatin, cyclo[-beta-OH-D-Leu-D-Ile-(NMe)Ala-(NMe)Leu-Leu-(NMe)Ala-D-(NMe)Ala-]. Polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP) are bioactive extracts of C. versicolor. (2015). [2,3] A purified hot water extract prepared from the cultivated fungal mycelium has been used in Japan for its immunomodulatory effects as an adjuvant treatment for cancer. Little evidence supports these claims, Lions mane mushrooms may offer some health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, and improving cognitive health. [14], Many Ganoderma species produce large amounts of oxidized lanostane triterpenes in a complex mixture. They conclude, The evidence base for using mushrooms in cancer treatment has greatly increased.However, none of these studies recommend any mushroom extract as a standalone treatment. (groups were stratified by G/L ratio of <2 vs. >2), Overall 5-y survival: all patients, 67.9% (PSK) versus 61.8% (control) (, Improved survival in the treatment group was clinically significant, Survival was improved significantly in treatment group, UFT 300 mg/d starting 2 wk after surgery and continuing for 1 y or until diagnosis of tumor recurrence. They are not normally severe, but they do exist.. : Identification of commercial Ganoderma (Lingzhi) species by ITS2 sequences. Turkey tail is one of a variety of mushrooms that have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in Asia. : Ganoderic acids suppress growth and invasive behavior of breast cancer cells by modulating AP-1 and NF-kappaB signaling. The change in the number of adenomas was +0.66 +/- 0.10 in the control group and -0.42 +/- 0.10 in the treated group (P < .01). Phytochemistry 114: 146-54, 2015. Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) levels have been reported to be elevated in cancer patients and correlated to cancer progression and prognosis. But it may be that the lowering of inflammation is what is reducing levels of fatigue.. For some time, cancer researchers have considered alpha-amanitin, the toxin derived from "death cap" mushrooms, as a possible cancer treatment. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci 35 (5): 736-41, 2015. At MD Anderson, patients can request a referral to our Integrative Medicine Center. The summary reflects an independent review of The fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years to treat pulmonary diseases. : Impact of adjuvant immunochemotherapy using protein-bound polysaccharide-K on overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. : DNA barcoding for identification of consumer-relevant mushrooms: A partial solution for product certification? Int J Mol Med 32 (1): 251-7, 2013. possible. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. This systematic review and meta-analysis draw from randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials to assess the efficacy of Yun Zhi (YZ) for survival in cancer patients. [8] The development of improved Ganoderma products is currently under way using biotechnological processes.[9]. 5-y survival: The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. Mar 15, 2023. Mushrooms can cause liver or kidney toxicity, says Narayanan. The compounds in turkey tail may also offer benefits for gut health. Antigenotoxic effect of Trametes spp. [19] Investigators randomly assigned 262 patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy to receive either standard treatment with intravenous mitomycin and oral fluorouracil, or chemotherapy plus protein-bound PSK. There is a trend toward improved quality of life shown in the research, but we cant pinpoint the exact reason, says Narayanan. How does this happen, and what are the wider, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. It contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. Most studies show that the ideal turkey tail mushroom dosage for cancer would be 1-2 grams per day. Added text to state that so far, studies that have reported on the use of T. versicolor products in patients with breast cancer have focused on documenting changes in immune parameters as opposed to clinical parameters (cited Wong et al. At one dose, the immune response was enhanced, and at another dose immune response was suppressed, so we need to clarify these results., Mushrooms may extend survival after a cancer diagnosis. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of Ganoderma lucidum for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors of metabolic syndrome. However, a person should always consult a doctor before taking it and only purchase a purified version from a reputable source. Hsieh TC, et al. And while turkey tail mushrooms are purported to have numerous health benefits, one that particularly stands out is its reputation for boosting the immune system to fight off cancer. Twenty patients with curatively resected stage III gastric cancer were randomly assigned to receive adjuvant therapy with the second-generation dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenaseinhibitory oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 alone (n = 10) or S-1 plus PSK (n = 10). Torkelson CJ, Sweet E, Martzen MR, et al. Shiitake mushrooms are the only one of these that can easily be bought whole in grocery stores. 1. However, people with mushroom or mold allergies should steer clear of them. It's not commonly an indicator of cancer. Liang C, Li H, Zhou H, et al. Recent molecular taxonomic and chemical studies have made it clear that the originally described European species G. lucidum and the East Asian medicinal species are not identical. Celebrating 10 Years of Bastyr University San Diego. Proceed with caution and talk with a healthcare professional about any supplements youre thinking of taking. Another study looked at natural supplements that doctors recommend in conjunction with chemotherapy. Small amounts of galactose, mannose, and arabinose have also been detected in the hydrolysate. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 8 (3): 255-87, 2013. Methods Enzymol 548: 93-116, 2014. In fact, one 2017 study found that turkey tail mushrooms have 35 different phenolic compounds. Talk with your doctor or a healthcare provider about your interest in these mushrooms and if they might benefit you. If you would like to reproduce some or all of this content, see Reuse of NCI Information for guidance about copyright and permissions. Why do these multicolored mushrooms seem to hold so much promise? There have been more than 2,000 studies focused on mushrooms and cancer in the last 10 years, and Narayanan is conducting a review of the findings. Phytochemistry 114: 38-55, 2015. Da J, Cheng CR, Yao S, et al. Again, our immune system is like a labyrinth with 100's of not 1000's of players. However, most research worldwide has been published under the name G. lucidum. The study was small, with only nine participants. PSP from turkey tail extract may inhibit colon cancer cell growth, according to some research. However, an author would be permitted to write a sentence such as NCIs PDQ cancer information summary about breast cancer prevention states the risks succinctly: [include excerpt from the summary].. G/L = granulocyte to lymphocyte count; OR = odds ratio; PSK = polysaccharide-K; RCT = randomized controlled trial; UFT = tegafur/uracil. These studies have shown promising results. 79.0% (chemotherapy plus PSK) versus 72.2% (chemotherapy alone) (OR, 0.71; Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, et al. Turkey tail mushrooms also support cancer patients in their treatment process. [21-30] Studies of the cellular pathway by which G. lucidum triterpenoids produce cytotoxicity have generally implicated apoptosis pathways, both the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway [21,23-25,27] and the extrinsic or death receptor pathway.