Coriolus Mushroom

What is it?

Coriolus (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom. It contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine.

Coriolus mushroom grows on stumps and the decomposing wood of trees. The PSP and PSK in coriolus mushroom might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system.

People use coriolus mushroom to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation. It is also used for muscle strength, fatigue, UTIs, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

It is effective?

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly Effective for …

Cancer. Taking polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a substance found in coriolus mushroom, by mouth might improve the response to chemotherapy by a small amount in some people with certain types of cancer.

There is interest in using coriolus mushroom for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

How does it work?

Is there concern for the safety of its use?

When taken by mouth: Coriolus mushroom is likely safe for most people. For most healthy adults, it is well-tolerated. Some people who are receiving chemotherapy and a substance extracted from coriolus mushroom called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. But it is unclear if these side effects were due to the chemotherapy or PSK.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if coriolus mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Are there any drug interactions?

Cyclophosphamide

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

PSP, a chemical found in coriolus mushroom, might change how quickly cyclophosphamide is removed from the body. This might alter how effective it is, and cause more side effects.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. PSP, a chemical found in coriolus mushroom, might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?

There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?

Coriolus mushroom contains polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP). Some supplements contain just these chemicals, but the whole mushroom is also sometimes used. PSK has most often been used by adults in a dose of 3 grams by mouth daily for up to 36 months. Whole coriolus mushroom has been used in a dose of 2.4 grams by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

By what other names is the product known?

Bolet à Couleurs Variées, Bolet Versicolore, Boletus versicolor, Champignon Coriolus, Champignon de Queue de Dinde, Cloud Mushroom, Coriolus, Coriolus versicolor, Hongo Coriolus, Kawaratake, Krestin, Polypore à Couleurs Variées, Polypore Versicolor, Polyporus Versicolor, Polysaccharide-K, Polysaccharide Krestin, Polysaccharide Peptide, Polysaccharopeptide, Polystictus versicolor, PSK, PSP, Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tail Mushroom, Yun Chi, Yun Zhi, Yun-Zhi, Yunzhi.

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