Also sold as Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, PSK, PSP
A medicinal mushroom whose standardised extracts are used alongside cancer treatment in parts of Asia — consumer capsules are a different, weaker story.
TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 3Take as a defined course
Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.
Evidence strength
30/100Weak
WEAKLIMITEDMODERATESTRONGVERY STRONG
What the evidence supports: outcomes as an adjunct to chemotherapy with standardised PSK extract in some cancers.
This scores how well-supported the claim above is — not how much benefit you personally would get. A high score on a narrow claim does not extend to everything the product is marketed for.
How long to take it
Clinical use only under oncology supervision; consumer use is not well studied.
Who it's actually for
People undergoing cancer treatment should only use it with their oncologist's agreement.
Safe upper limit
Unverified
No formal upper limit; clinical extracts are dosed around 3 g daily
Generally well tolerated. The clinical extract PSK is a standardised product, not the same as supermarket capsules. It may affect immune function, so check before combining with immunosuppressants or chemotherapy.