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Coriolus
Trametes versicolor
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Coriolus (Trametes versicolor)
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Coriolus
Trametes versicolor
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Coriolus
Trametes versicolor
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Coriolus
Trametes versicolor
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Coriolus
Trametes versicolor
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Coriolus guide
Version 1.0 · Updated: 21 June 2026 · Subject-matter reviewer: Mateusz Rosa, founder of Aloha Fungi, TCM therapist (8 years of practice), Doctor of Acupuncture level A (WFAS 2018).
Coriolus in 60 seconds
- Trametes versicolor (until 2008 Coriolus versicolor, the synonym is still in circulation), in Polish wrosniak roznobarwny, Chinese yun zhi (雲芝, „cloud mushroom"), Japanese kawaratake („roof-tile mushroom"). The English „turkey tail" refers to the fan-shaped, concentrically banded fruiting bodies resembling a turkey’s tail.
- Bioactive compounds: polysaccharopeptide PSP from the COV-1 strain (a beta-glucan with side peptides, about 100 kDa), polysaccharide PSK (krestin) from the CM-101 strain, beta-1,3/1,6-glucans above 35%, polysaccharide fractions CVPS-1 to CVPS-6, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, ergosterol and provitamin D₂, zinc and selenium.
- Mechanisms described in the literature: PSK and PSP are agonists of the TLR2 receptor on dendritic cells and macrophages; they activate NK cells, raise the count of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, shift the cytokine profile toward Th1 (IFN-gamma, IL-12) and act prebiotically toward Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
- Strongest studies: the RCT Pallav 2014 (n=24 healthy volunteers, 8 weeks, PSP 3600 mg/day) modulated the microbiota comparably to a prebiotic and supported flora reconstruction after antibiotics. The PSP and PSK fractions have also been the subject of numerous in vitro and animal-model studies of their immunomodulatory properties.
- In TCM it tonifies Spleen Qi, removes Dampness, clears Heat and toxins and soothes chronic cough. Sweet and bland taste, slightly cool nature. Meridians: Spleen, Lung, Liver.
- Our raw material: a 10:1 T. versicolor fruiting-body extract, standardised to above 35% beta-glucans (EUROFINS lab), no maltodextrin, tested for heavy metals and pesticides.
What Coriolus is and where it comes from
Coriolus is a saprophytic and parasitic fungus of the Polyporaceae family. It grows on dead and living trunks and logs of deciduous trees (most often beech, oak, birch, alder, poplar), causing white wood rot. It occurs worldwide except Antarctica and high alpine zones and is common in Polish deciduous forests. Wild specimens are unsuitable for supplementation because of metal accumulation and uncontrolled PSK content.
In controlled cultivation T. versicolor is grown on substrates of beech wood chips and bran, which gives a repeatable PSP content and full control of contaminants. Different zones of the fruiting body contain different polysaccharide profiles; the highest PSK concentration is in the young, still-growing zones at the margin, which is why a good extract is collected from the fruiting body at a specific growth stage, not from old forest specimens.
Tradition of use
The first written mention is in „Ben Cao Gang Mu" (Compendium of Materia Medica, 1578) by Li Shizhen, where yun zhi is described as a Qi tonic strengthening the Spleen and Lungs, recommended for chronic cough, liver inflammation, exhaustion and general weakness. It was classed as „shang yao", the highest-class tonics, safe for long-term use. In Japan kawaratake was used for centuries during recovery from prolonged illness, in herbal-tea protocols.
The Western renaissance began in the late 1960s, when a chemical engineer at Kureha Chemical Industry became interested in a traditional decoction of an unusual mushroom (saru-no-koshikake, „monkey stool"). In 1971 Kureha isolated a polysaccharide-peptide fraction from the CM-101 strain, named PSK (Polysaccharide-K, after the Kureha company). This fraction subsequently became the subject of extensive laboratory research into its immunological properties.
In Poland research on T. versicolor and medicinal mushrooms is led by prof. Bozena Muszynska at the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian University. Her team has published about 15 papers on chemical composition, bioavailability and potential applications (among others in „Postepy Fitoterapii" and „Acta Mycologica").
Bioactive composition, what is in the extract
Dozens of compounds are documented in the Coriolus fruiting body. The most important for supplementation are two polysaccharide-peptide fractions and free beta-glucans:
Polysaccharopeptide PSP, the main fraction of the Chinese extract (COV-1 strain), molecular weight about 100 kDa, composed of 30-60% polysaccharide (a beta-glucan with side beta-1,6 bonds) and 10-30% peptide bound through O- or N-glycosidic bonds.
Polysaccharide PSK (krestin), the main Japanese fraction (CM-101 strain), structurally similar to PSP but with a greater proportion of alpha-(1->4) glucosidic bonds.
Free beta-1,3/1,6-glucans, not bound to peptide. Standardised in our extract to above 35%. In addition the polysaccharide fractions CVPS-1 to CVPS-6 (six isolated by chromatography, of different masses and receptor specificity), phenolic compounds and flavonoids (antioxidant activity), ergosterol and provitamin D₂, and amino acids and trace elements (zinc, selenium).
How Coriolus works: three mechanisms
Mechanism 1. TLR2 and stimulation of innate immunity
PSK and PSP bind as agonists to the Toll-like receptor TLR2 on the surface of dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes. This triggers the MyD88 and NF-kB signalling pathway, leading to cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-12) and shifting the immune response toward a Th1 profile.
In Torkelson 2012 doses of 6-9 g/day raised the lymphocyte count and 6 g/day enhanced the functional activity of NK cells, that is, they strengthened the „recognise and destroy" response. The TLR2 mechanism differs from the beta-glucan mechanism of Reishi and Chaga, which act mainly through Dectin-1 and TLR4. This is why Coriolus and Reishi form a complementary, not redundant combination: they stimulate two different gateway receptors of innate immunity.
Mechanism 2. Prebiotic action and microbiota modulation
PSP is not digested by human enzymes. It reaches the colon unchanged and serves as a substrate for bacteria beneficial to humans. In the RCT Pallav 2014 (n=24 healthy volunteers, 3600 mg PSP/day, 8 weeks) a significant increase in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus abundance was recorded, and the in vitro study Yu 2013 showed a reduction in the pathogenic genera Clostridium and Staphylococcus.
The gut microbiota is responsible for a substantial part of the immune response (about 70% of the body’s immune cells reside in the intestinal mucosa), so microbiota regeneration brings overall immunological improvement. This explains why Coriolus was traditionally used for „weakness after a prolonged illness".
Mechanism 3. Support for recovery after infection and antibiotics
In the amoxicillin group of Pallav 2014, PSP significantly shortened the dysbiosis period after antibiotic therapy and supported the restoration of microbiota diversity. This is the only direct prebiotic-vs-antibiotic comparison in the medicinal-mushroom literature in humans. The typical return of the microbiota to baseline is 2-8 weeks after antibiotics, and Coriolus may shorten this recovery window.
In practice Coriolus is selected for three groups: people shortly after antibiotic therapy (especially repeated courses in a short time), people in the convalescence phase after a prolonged infection (post-COVID, mononucleosis, prolonged flu) and people with recurrent seasonal infections (more than 3-4 a year).
What Coriolus does not do
Coriolus does not treat cancers and does not replace oncology therapy. It does not replace vaccines or antibiotics during an active bacterial infection. Nor is it a suitable choice for people in an active flare of autoimmune disease, because the Th1-stimulation mechanism may worsen the state.
How to take Coriolus: the protocol
Time and serving
In the morning or before noon. As a stimulator of innate immunity it can subtly invigorate, so it is not recommended in the evening (especially in the early phase, when the body responds more strongly). In TCM the slightly cool nature and the direction toward the Liver and Lungs coordinate better with the yang phase of the day (morning to noon) than with the yin phase (evening and night).
In the cited clinical trials doses range from 1200 mg (a typical prophylactic dose) to 9000 mg a day (maximum-tolerated-dose studies). In practice 1200-3600 mg/day is used in line with the best-documented RCTs. Seasonal prophylaxis: 1200-2400 mg/day. Post-antibiotic support: 2400 mg/day. Intensive convalescence protocol: 2400-3600 mg/day. Do not exceed the recommended daily serving.
With what and for how long
As a polysaccharide mushroom Coriolus does not require fat for absorption. It pairs well with warm water, green or white tea, cacao, a smoothie with ginger and turmeric, or bone broth. The traditional yun zhi cha recipe combines Coriolus powder with ginger, a slice of lemon and a touch of honey as a morning immunity-supporting infusion.
The classic rhythm is 5 days on, 2 days off, more important for Coriolus than for gentler mushrooms (Tremella, Reishi). The TLR2 receptor undergoes desensitisation with continuous stimulation, while pulsed dosing maintains its responsiveness and prevents chronic immune activation (itself problematic at an autoimmune predisposition).
What to observe over time
1-2 weeks: the first mild immune reaction. In people with compromised immunity, sometimes subtle „pre-infection" symptoms (slight fatigue, a heavy head) that usually resolve within a few days.
2-4 weeks: a noticeable improvement in digestion (prebiotic effect), less bloating, bowel regularity after antibiotics, a shorter infection if one occurs.
4-8 weeks: the full manifestation of immunomodulation (Pallav 2014 measured the microbiome effect at week 8), stabilisation of the gut flora, fewer recurrent infections.
8-12 weeks: long-term immunity support, a seasonal protocol (autumn-winter). Some people feel a subtle „sensation of infection" without true symptoms in the first week (slight fatigue, a heavy head, irritability). This is an effect of immune stimulation that passes in a few days; if it persists beyond a week, halve the dose or stop for several days.
What to combine Coriolus with: synergy protocols
Coriolus + Chaga: two layers of immunity
Chaga (antioxidant, support for immune tone through Dectin-1) is the prevention phase, the shield; Coriolus through TLR2 triggers the „recognise and destroy" response, the attack phase. Different receptors, different directions. Chaga 2 g in the morning, Coriolus 2 g before noon. Duration: 8-12 weeks, the full October-March season.
Pair with:Chaga
Coriolus + Reishi: immunity and sleep at the same time
Best after a prolonged infection. Coriolus supports the microbiota and the Th1 profile, Reishi regulates the HPA axis and supports nocturnal regeneration. Coriolus 2 g before noon, Reishi 1-2 g in the evening. Duration: 8 weeks, seasonally or after an infection.
Pair with:Reishi
Coriolus + Cordyceps: convalescence after overexertion
Cordyceps regenerates ATP and energy economy, Coriolus rebuilds immunity. Indicated for a prolonged infection, overtraining, post-COVID fatigue syndrome. Cordyceps 1 g in the morning, Coriolus 2 g before noon; both mushrooms are stimulating, so avoid them after 2 pm. Duration: 12 weeks.
Pair with:Cordyceps
Coriolus + Tremella: Yin regeneration after antibiotics
After a long antibiotic course (especially a repeated one) a double need arises: rebuilding the microbiota (Coriolus) and rebuilding Lung Yin and Jin Ye after fever and a dry cough (Tremella). The classic indication is post-COVID or after bronchitis treated with antibiotics. Coriolus 2 g in the morning, Tremella 1 g in the evening with dinner. Duration: 8-12 weeks.
Pair with:Tremella
Coriolus + Lion’s Mane: the gut-brain axis
Coriolus modulates the microbiota (the gut endpoint), Lion’s Mane supports NGF and BDNF production (the brain endpoint). Indicated for prolonged antibiotic therapy with „brain fog" and a decline in concentration. Coriolus 2 g in the morning, Lion’s Mane 1-2 g in the morning or in split dosing. Duration: 8-12 weeks.
Pair with:Lion’s Mane
Coriolus in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In the Chinese tradition yun zhi (雲芝) is classed in the Zhi category, fungi strengthening vitality, which also includes Ling Zhi (Reishi, 靈芝). Li Shizhen in „Ben Cao Gang Mu" (1578) placed it in the „shang yao" category, the highest-class tonics, safe for long-term use. It tonifies Spleen Qi, removes Dampness, clears Heat and toxins, soothes chronic cough and strengthens Wei Qi.
Unlike most mushrooms, Coriolus is not recommended continuously but cyclically (8-12 weeks, 2-3 times a year, most often autumn-winter and early spring). The classical Materia Medica indicates four situations where the fruiting body is contraindicated: Spleen Yang deficiency (a sensation of cold, watery diarrhoea, oedema, which the slightly cool nature may deepen), acute febrile infections in the wei or qi phase without toxic Dampness, Lung Yin deficiency without Dampness (Tremella and Lily Bulb act more precisely) and autoimmune diseases in flare (the Wei Qi-stimulation mechanism may intensify the attack on one’s own tissues).
This is a frame of cultural observation, not a medical diagnosis. Concepts such as Qi, Wei Qi or meridian do not correspond one to one with Western anatomy or physiology.
| Taste | sweet, bland (淡 dan) |
| Nature | slightly cool (微寒 wei han) |
| Meridians | Spleen, Lung, Liver |
| Action | tonifies Spleen Qi, removes Dampness, clears Heat and toxins, soothes chronic cough, strengthens Wei Qi |
| Category | Qi tonic and detoxifier (补气解毒 bu qi jie du) |
Contraindications and interactions
Absolute contraindications
Status after organ transplant with active immunosuppression (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, everolimus, sirolimus). Coriolus stimulates cellular immunity, which may weaken the efficacy of the medication and increase the risk of rejection.
Active autoimmune diseases in flare: MS in relapse, RA in an active phase, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis in flare, Hashimoto’s with active TSH fluctuation. Th1 stimulation may worsen the state.
Children under 18 (no safety studies).
Known allergy to mushrooms of the Polyporaceae family (itching, oedema, cough, dyspnoea).
Requires consultation with a doctor
Autoimmune diseases in remission (stable Hashimoto’s, RA in remission, psoriasis without flare, stable MS): sometimes used under the supervision of a rheumatologist or immunologist with marker monitoring.
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines (warfarin, NOAC, clopidogrel, aspirin at cardiology doses): PSK and some polysaccharide fractions may influence platelet adhesion; the effect is mild but requires INR monitoring.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy in course: no supplementation should be started without the treating physician’s knowledge, and the decision is taken solely by the oncologist.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no adequate RCTs in this population; in practice we advise waiting until breastfeeding has ended.
Planned surgery: stop at least 14 days before the procedure (possible mild effect on platelets).
Possible side effects and safe serving
Reported rarely: mild gastrointestinal discomfort in the first week (bloating, softer stool from a rapid microbiota shift, usually resolving in 5-7 days; the dose can be divided into 2-3 portions), mild, transient „pre-infection" symptoms in weeks 1-2 (fatigue, a heavy head, irritability), and rare allergic reactions (itching, oedema, flushing) in people hypersensitive to mushrooms (then stop and contact a doctor).
In the cited RCTs effective doses are 1200-9000 mg/day. The maximum tolerated dose in the Phase I study (Torkelson 2012) was 9 g/day without serious adverse effects. In long-term practice most often 1200-3600 mg/day in line with the microbiome RCT (Pallav 2014).
Evidence verdict
Honest about what is known
We also show what is not proven. This is a dietary supplement, not a medicine.
2
Strong evidence
confirmed composition
5
Preliminary
in vitro and animal studies
3
Not proven
no human studies
Reviewed by
Mateusz Rosa · Doctor of Acupuncture (WFAS)
Version 1.0 · Updated: 21 June 2026 · Subject-matter reviewer: Mateusz Rosa, founder of Aloha Fungi, TCM therapist (8 years of practice), Doctor of Acupuncture level A (WFAS 2018).
Based on 12 verified sources
See sources ↓Strength of evidence: an honest qualification of claims
| Claim | Type of evidence | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| PSK and PSP are TLR2 agonists and activate innate immunity | in vitro and animal models, repeatedly confirmed (Saleh 2017, Wenner 2012) | MOCNY |
| PSP modifies the gut microbiota, acting as a prebiotic | RCT n=24, 8 wks, randomised (Pallav 2014) + in vitro (Yu 2013) | MOCNY |
| PSK raises macrophage and NK cell activity in laboratory models | in vitro and animal-model studies | WSTĘPNY |
| Increased NK activity and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes in humans | Phase I RCT n=11 (Torkelson 2012), a trend requiring replication | WSTĘPNY |
| Supports regeneration after antibiotic therapy in healthy humans | RCT Pallav 2014 amoxicillin group, needs larger RCTs | WSTĘPNY |
| Hepatoprotective action (chronic HBV) | open clinical studies in China, no adequately controlled RCT | WSTĘPNY |
| Prophylaxis of HPV-related changes (cervical LSIL) | pilot RCT, small n, requires large-scale studies | WSTĘPNY |
| „Cures" or „prevents" cancers as monotherapy | none; PSK in Japan is an adjunct, never monotherapy; a supplement does not replace oncology | BRAK |
| „Strengthens immunity" universally in healthy people | no hard metrics; „immunity" is not a single measurable parameter | BRAK |
| „Replaces" vaccines or antibiotics | none; the claim is prohibited by regulation | BRAK |
MOCNY = solid evidence · WSTĘPNY = moderate or preliminary · BRAK = unsupported or prohibited by regulation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Coriolus a „medicine"?
- No. Coriolus is a dietary supplement, not a medicine. The fact that the isolated PSK fraction has been the subject of laboratory and clinical research does not mean our extract is a medicine. PSK and our extract are different products (different concentrations, different standardisation, a different regulatory pathway). For help with any illness you go to a doctor, not to a mushroom shop.
- Does Coriolus „strengthen immunity" in everyone?
- Not in everyone and not always. Coriolus modulates immunity, that is, it strengthens it in people with compromised immunity but may worsen the state in people with active autoimmune disease. „Strengthens immunity" is a marketing shorthand. The real mechanism is a shift of the cytokine profile toward Th1, helpful for some and problematic for others. If you have Hashimoto’s, RA, psoriasis or MS, first a TCM consultation, then a dose.
- What dose of Coriolus is optimal?
- It depends on the goal. Seasonal prophylaxis (autumn-winter): 1200-2400 mg/day. Convalescence after antibiotics or a prolonged infection: 2400-3600 mg/day. An intensive immunomodulation protocol: 3600 mg/day. Above 3600 mg we do not go in our practice without a clear clinical indication.
- After how long will I notice an effect?
- The first digestive effects (bowel regularity after antibiotics, less bloating) usually within 2-3 weeks. Immunity effects (a shorter infection, fewer recurrent colds) are visible after a full season (3-4 months of autumn-winter). The full microbiome manifestation is at 8 weeks per the Pallav 2014 protocol. Coriolus is a mushroom of cumulative action, not an acute stimulant.
- Can I combine Coriolus with Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps?
- Yes. The most popular protocols: Coriolus + Chaga (two layers of immunity), Coriolus + Reishi (immunity and sleep after an infection), Coriolus + Cordyceps (convalescence after overexertion), Coriolus + Tremella (Yin after antibiotics), Coriolus + Lion’s Mane (the gut-brain axis). Individual selection during a TCM consultation.
- Can Coriolus be used during oncology treatment?
- This is not a decision to make on your own. During oncology treatment any supplementation is decided solely by the treating oncologist, and we do not encourage starting it without their knowledge. The reason: different treatment regimens act on different immunological pathways, and the interaction with Coriolus is not always neutral. If you wish to discuss it with a doctor, we can prepare a brief literature summary.
- Main contraindications?
- Absolute: post-transplant with immunosuppression, autoimmune diseases in flare, children, mushroom allergy. Requires consultation: autoimmune diseases in remission, anticoagulants, chemotherapy in course, pregnancy and breastfeeding, planned surgery. The full list is in the section above.
- Can Coriolus cause dependence or a rebound effect?
- No. The mechanism of action (TLR2, microbiota, prebiotic effect) does not involve dopaminergic pathways or addiction receptors. After stopping, immunity returns to baseline within a few weeks. Seasonal use 2-3 times a year is safe even long-term.
- Coriolus and long COVID?
- One of the most frequent questions since 2022. The literature contains pilot studies on T. versicolor in COVID-19 (the MACH-19 programme at UC San Diego and UCLA, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04667247, phase 1/2 with a mixture of Trametes versicolor and Fomitopsis officinalis), but RCT results specifically for long COVID are not yet available. In clinical practice we select Coriolus for a post-COVID syndrome with three features: a microbiota disrupted by antibiotics from the acute phase, prolonged convalescence and reduced immunity to further infections. Most often in a protocol with Reishi (sleep) and Tremella (Yin).
- Why a fruiting-body extract, not mycelium on grain?
- The T. versicolor fruiting body contains a PSK and PSP concentration many times higher than the mycelium. Cheaper „Coriolus mycelium" supplements are often mycelium mixed with rice or barley, where the fungal beta-glucan content is below 5% and PSK is in trace amounts. Standardisation above 35% beta-glucans is available only from the fruiting body extracted from beech material. The label „polysaccharides 30%" on cheap products often counts grain starch, which is misleading.
Scientific bibliography
- Pallav K et al. (2014). Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: a randomized clinical trial. Gut Microbes 5(4):458-467. PMID: 25006989.
- Torkelson CJ et al. (2012). Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer. ISRN Oncol 2012:251632. PMID: 22745914.
- Saleh MH et al. (2017). Immunomodulatory Properties of Coriolus versicolor: The Role of Polysaccharopeptide. Front Immunol 8:1087. PMID: 28932226.
- Yu Z et al. (2013). Trametes versicolor extract modifies human fecal microbiota composition in vitro. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 68(2):107-112. PMID: 23435630.
- Wenner CA et al. (2012). Polysaccharide-K augments docetaxel-induced tumor suppression and antitumor immune response in an immunocompetent murine model of human prostate cancer. Int J Oncol 40(4):905-913. PMID: 22179060.
- Standish LJ et al. (2008). Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 7(3):122-129. PMID: 18815143.
- Eliza WL et al. (2012). Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov 6(1):78-87. PMID: 22167330.
- Habtemariam S (2020). Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy. Biomedicines 8(5):135. PMID: 32466253.
- Cui J, Chisti Y (2003). Polysaccharopeptides of Coriolus versicolor: physiological activity, uses, and production. Biotechnol Adv 21(2):109-122. PMID: 14499133.
- Kidd PM (2000). The use of mushroom glucans and proteoglycans in cancer treatment. Altern Med Rev 5(1):4-27. PMID: 10696116.
- Muszynska B et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms: A review. Food Chem 243:373-381. PMID: 29146352.
- Knezevic A et al. (2018). Antioxidative, antifungal, cytotoxic and antineurodegenerative activity of selected Trametes species from Serbia. PLoS One 13(8):e0203064. PMID: 30169542.
The educational content on this page does not replace medical advice. A dietary supplement is not a medicine and should not replace a varied diet or medical consultation. Before starting supplementation, especially with autoimmune diseases, immunosuppression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or when taking medication (particularly immunosuppressive, anticoagulant or chemotherapeutic), consult your treating physician. Aloha Fungi does not claim therapeutic efficacy for any product; the mechanisms described are based on the current state of the literature. All products are dietary supplements notified to the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS).