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PSP (Polysaccharopeptide)

Moderate
Protein-bound polysaccharide

Mechanism of Action

PSP is a protein-bound polysaccharide (~100 kDa) isolated from the COV-1 strain of T. versicolor in China. Like PSK, it activates innate immune cells via TLR-2 and Dectin-1 receptors, but with a distinct protein moiety and carbohydrate composition. PSP stimulates T-lymphocyte proliferation, enhances IL-2 and IFN-γ production, augments NK cell activity, and promotes leukocyte recovery following chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. It also demonstrates direct antiproliferative activity against various cancer cell lines through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction.

Research Notes

Turkey TailMushroom

PSP was developed by Prof. Qing-yao Yang (Shanghai, 1983) from the COV-1 strain. Multiple Chinese RCTs (n=650+ total across studies) have shown PSP improves quality of life, immune parameters (WBC count, CD4/CD8 ratio), and symptom burden in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (Kidd, 2000, Alternative Medicine Review). A Phase I trial (Torkelson et al., 2012, ISRN Oncology) at Bastyr University showed Turkey Tail supplementation (3–9 g/day) improved immune status in breast cancer patients post-radiation, with enhanced NK cell activity and CD8+ T-cell counts. Derived from MYCELIUM of the COV-1 strain.

Found In 1 Herb

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail

Mushroom

3D Molecular Structure

Protein-bound polysaccharide
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PSP (Polysaccharopeptide)

Protein-bound polysaccharideComplex carbohydrate polymers that modulate immune response

Representative pattern: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Atoms
Carbon
Oxygen

Live Research

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.