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September 2024
South African Journal of Botany
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2024.07.01
Abstract
Medicinal mushroom are known for their therapeutic capabilities and one such notable example is the Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor). This fascinating medicinal fungus, belonging to the genusTrametes that has been in used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia. Turkey tail mushroom look-alikes due to the existence of diversity and variation in species.It is crucial to observe key morphological features for proper identification of fruiting bodies. The presence of phenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and other compounds in Turkey tail enrich its biological activities as a potent anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiaging, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabeticpropeties. Recent studies have explored the various metabolic activities of T. versicolor, highlighting important polysaccharides such as Polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and Polysaccharopeptide Krestin (PSK), which have been thoroughly researched for their effects on cancer cells. This review attempts to disclose the importance of Turkey tail mushrooms and their untapped medicinal potential to further benefit immunology studies.
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