Description of Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are a type of edible fungi that belong to the family Polyporaceae. They are also known as Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, or Polyporus versicolor.
Characteristics:
1. Appearance: Turkey Tail mushrooms have a fan-shaped or semicircular cap that is typically 3-8 cm (1.2-3.1 in) wide. The cap is multicolored, with shades of brown, gray, white, and black.
2. Color: The cap is multicolored, with shades of brown, gray, white, and black.
3. Stem: The stem is short and stout, typically 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) long and 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 in) thick.
4. Flesh: The flesh is thin, tough, and has a leathery texture.
Medicinal Values
Turkey Tail mushrooms have been found to have several medicinal properties:
1. Antioxidant activity: Turkey Tail mushrooms contain antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage and oxidative stress.
2. Anti-inflammatory effects: The mushrooms have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
3. Immune system support: Turkey Tail mushrooms may help stimulate the immune system and increase its response to infection.
4. Antibacterial and antiviral activity: The mushrooms have been found to exhibit antibacterial and antiviral activity, which may help prevent illness.
5. Cancer treatment: Turkey Tail mushrooms have been found to have antitumor properties and may be useful in cancer treatment.