Coriolus Versicolor: Nature’s Immunity And Cancer Fighter

Coriolus versicolor, also known as Turkey Tail, is a commonly studied medicinal mushroom belonging to the Polyporaceae family. It has shown significant bioactive properties, particularly in immune enhancement, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, modern research has further highlighted its potential in cancer adjuvant therapy, immune system modulation, and gut health.

Key Active Compounds and Ingredients

• Polysaccharide-K (PSK): PSK is a key active ingredient in Coriolus versicolor extracts and plays an important role in anticancer and immune modulation.

• Polysaccharopeptide (PSP): Similar to PSK, PSP also has immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

• β-glucans: These are polysaccharides with immune-modulating effects, enhancing the activity of macrophages, T-cells, and other immune cells.

Comparison of PSP and PSK

Effects and Applications

• Immune Enhancement: Activates natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells, B-cells, and other immune cells to strengthen the body's immune response.

• Anticancer Effects: Through immune modulation and direct anticancer effects, PSK and PSP can significantly inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

• Antiviral Effects: Coriolus versicolor's polysaccharides and glycopeptides have inhibitory effects on various viruses, particularly in antiviral activities against influenza and COVID-19.

• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: The phenolic compounds and β-glucans in Coriolus versicolor possess strong antioxidant activity, helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Research Progress on Coriolus versicolor

1. Immune Modulation Effects

Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant immune-modulating effects of Coriolus versicolor, particularly in enhancing the activity of NK cells and macrophages:

• PSK and PSP can enhance the proliferation of T-cells and B-cells, strengthening the body’s immune response to tumors and pathogens.

• Coriolus versicolor extracts also play a crucial role in gut health, improving the gut microbiome and promoting immune system health.

2. Application in Cancer Treatment

Coriolus versicolor has been widely used in cancer adjuvant therapy, particularly for gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer:

• Studies show that Coriolus versicolor extracts (especially PSK) improve survival rates and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, reducing the risk of tumor recurrence.

• PSK is widely used as an adjunct to gastric cancer and colorectal cancer treatment, where it enhances the immune response and improves patient outcomes.

3. Antiviral Effects

• Antiflu: Research has shown that Coriolus versicolor extract significantly inhibits the replication of influenza viruses and enhances immune responses against viral infections.

• Antiviral Potential in COVID-19: In recent years, Coriolus versicolor has been studied for its potential in combating COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). The PSP and PSK components help regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, which may play a role in mitigating symptoms and boosting immune function during COVID-19 infection.

4. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

• The phenolic compounds and β-glucans in Coriolus versicolor have strong antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals, slow aging processes, and reduce oxidative damage to cells.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Coriolus versicolor reduces chronic inflammation by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibiting the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, and showing potential in treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.

Clinical Research on Coriolus versicolor

1. Efficacy in Combination with Chemotherapy

Studies have demonstrated that combining Coriolus versicolor extracts with chemotherapy significantly enhances treatment outcomes:

• In gastric cancer and colorectal cancer patients, Coriolus versicolor extracts (especially PSK) improve immune function, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and enhance the overall treatment efficacy.

• A study in esophageal cancer patients also showed that Coriolus versicolor could improve survival rates through immune enhancement.

References

1. Immunomodulatory and Antitumor Effects of Coriolus versicolor: A review. Frontiers in Immunology, 2020.

2. The Role of Coriolus versicolor in Gut Microbiota Modulation and Immunity. Microorganisms, 2021.

3. Polysaccharide-K (PSK) in Cancer Treatment: A Review of Its Efficacy and Application. Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, 2019.

4. Effect of Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail) Extract on Survival and Immune Response in Cancer Patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018.

5. Clinical Application of Polysaccharide-K (PSK) in Gastric Cancer Treatment. Oncology Reports, 2017.

6. Antiviral Activity of Coriolus versicolor Extract Against Influenza Virus. Phytotherapy Research, 2020.

7. Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail) and Its Potential Role in COVID-19 Treatment. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021.

8. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Coriolus versicolor in Animal Models. Journal of Medicinal Foods, 2018.

9. The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Coriolus versicolor on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. International Immunopharmacology, 2020.

10. Combination Therapy of Coriolus versicolor with Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Patients. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 2019.

11. Effects of Polysaccharide-K on Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 2020.

12. Safety and Efficacy of Coriolus versicolor in Cancer Therapy: A Review. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018.

13. Clinical Use and Safety of Polysaccharide-K in Immune System Support. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2019.

14. Polysaccharopeptide from Coriolus versicolor in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms and Applications. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 2019.