A breakthrough revelation has been made by a team of Queensland researchers on the impact of the ancient Chinese fungus on prostate tumors developing in animals. After probing the colorful mushroom in Hong Kong two years ago, the team, in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong and Provital Pvt. Ltd., came to the conclusion that turkey tail mushroom can prove to be a sure shot solution for shoving off the risk of prostate cancer in mice.

Confirming the preliminary finding, the lead author from the Queensland University of Technology, Dr. Patrick Ling, claimed that the compound, polysaccharopeptide (PSP), extracted from the turkey tail mushroom, thwarts the progress of prostate cancer stem cells and further, inhibits tumour formation in mice.

For the study, the joint team injected PSP for 20 weeks in transgenic mice, and found that PSP-induced mice were observed with no tumor in comparison to others.

Asserting the anti-cancer properties of PSP, Dr. Ling claimed, "Our findings support that PSP may be a potent preventative agent against prostate cancer, possibly through targeting of the prostate cancer stem cell population".

Even though preliminary results were convincing enough, the team is of the view that mere consumption of the exotic mushroom can never suffice the purpose.