A plant of the family Polyporaceae. It’s a saprophytic fungus. Fruit body semicircular, hard wood, dark grayish brown, outer margin white or light brown. The cap has short hairs. Sessile, with annular ribbed and radiating wrinkles. The lid is light in color, with fine tubular holes and endospores. The surface of the tube mouth is white and light yellow, and the tube mouth is 3-5 per mm. The spores are cylindrical, colorless, 4.5-7*3-3.5 microns. Coriolus versicolor arrangement, interconnecting, 1-10 cm long. The fruit contains an anticancer substance.

Function of Coriolus versicolor

The fungus is used for medicinal purposes, such as dampness removal, phlegm removal and lung disease treatment. It is effective in treating chronic bronchitis and chronic hepatitis. It can be used as a drug for immunotherapy of liver cancer. The polysaccharide extracted from mycelium and the polysaccharide extracted from fermentation liquid have strong anticancer activity. It is also a fungus with a variety of metabolites, including protease, peroxidase, amylase, laccase and leatherase, which has a wide range of uses.

With its unique composition of bioactive compounds and immune-boosting properties, Yunzhi has earned a reputation as a powerful source of health-promoting power. In this article, we’ll explore the many health benefits of versicolor and how it works on the human body.

Coriolus versicolor is rich in polysaccharides, especially beta-glucan, which is known for its immunomodulatory effects. These beta-glucans stimulate and strengthen the immune system, increasing its ability to defend against infection and disease. Research shows that Coriolus versicolor plays a vital role in activating different immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, which are essential for eliminating pathogens and cancer cells in the body. This immune-boosting effect of versicolor is particularly beneficial for people with weakened immune systems or those undergoing cancer treatment.

In addition, research shows that versicolor has potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative stress and contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. By scavenging these free radicals, versicolor helps reduce the risk of such diseases and promotes overall health.

In addition to its immune-boosting and antioxidant effects, versicolor has shown promise in supporting liver health. The liver is an important organ responsible for detoxifying the body and regulating various physiological processes. However, factors such as poor diet and environmental toxins can cause liver damage and impaired liver function. Research suggests that versicolor may help protect the liver from such damage and improve its detoxification capabilities. Its compounds were found to inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells and promote the regeneration of healthy liver cells.

Coriolus versicolor has also been studied for its potential role in managing and preventing diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar due to impaired insulin production or insulin resistance. Research shows that versicolor may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It is believed that versicolor does this by reducing inflammation, enhancing glucose absorption, and promoting insulin secretion.

The potent bioactive compounds found in versicolor not only benefit physical health, they may also aid mental health. Research shows that eating versicolor can improve cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue. Its neuroprotective effects are attributed to its ability to promote nerve regeneration, enhance brain cell communication, and reduce brain inflammation. These findings suggest that Coriolus versicolor has the potential to be used as a natural supplement to support brain health and prevent age-related cognitive decline.

Incorporating versicolor into your daily life is relatively easy as it is available in many forms such as capsules, powders, and extracts. However, it is important to choose high-quality sources of versicolor to ensure maximum benefits. Before starting any new supplement regimen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

In sports

Coriolus versicolor, also known as turkey tail mushroom, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its many health benefits. It’s best known for its immune-boosting properties, but recent research suggests it can also have beneficial effects on athletic performance. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenoids, which are believed to have their beneficial effects.

One of the main mechanisms by which Coriolus versicolor enhances athletic performance is by improving immune function. High-intensity training often weakens the immune system, making athletes more susceptible to illness and infection. By strengthening the immune system, Versicolor can help athletes maintain optimal health and minimize the risk of disease that could hinder their training and performance.

Another notable benefit of versicolor is its potential to increase energy production and endurance. Research shows that mushroom extract can enhance oxygen utilization during exercise, thereby improving aerobic capacity and endurance. By optimizing energy production, athletes can go further, train harder, and stay at their best for longer.

Coriolus versicolor also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is particularly beneficial for athletes. Intense exercise often causes oxidative stress and inflammation, which impairs recovery and performance. By reducing inflammation, mushrooms can aid in faster recovery and help prevent exercise-related injuries.

Additionally, Coriolus versicolor has shown potential to enhance fat metabolism. Athletes often strive to optimize their body composition, aiming to reduce body fat percentage and increase lean muscle mass. Research shows that mushrooms can stimulate fat oxidation, helping athletes burn more fat for energy while maintaining muscle mass. This helps improve body composition and overall athletic performance.

Coriolus versicolor’s potential as a natural sports supplement has been supported by multiple scientific studies. In a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, researchers found that supplementing with versicolor significantly improved performance in a cycling time trial compared with placebo. Research shows that mushroom extract can increase endurance and delay the onset of fatigue.

Another study of male college athletes found that supplementation with versicolor increased immune function and reduced the severity and duration of respiratory infections during peak training seasons. These findings further support the immune-boosting properties of mushrooms and their potential in maintaining optimal health in athletes.

As with any supplement, it is important to consider the quality and source of the Versicolor product. Athletes should choose reputable brands that offer third-party testing to ensure the purity and potency of their mushroom extracts. Additionally, consultation with a healthcare professional or sports nutritionist is recommended to determine appropriate dosage and potential interactions with other supplements or medications.