Three plant pathogenic fungi and five bacteria were used to test the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Stereum ostrea’s liquid culture filtrate, water, and ethanol extract (solid culture). To determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), we studied 5~300 mg/ml concentrations against bacteria and fungi separately. The MIC was 10 mg/ml for Bacillus subtilis and 40 mg/ml for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum miyabeanus. Staphylococcus aureus was the most inhibited bacterium by liquid culture filtrate, which was more effective against Gram positive than Gram negative bacteria (20 3 mm) bacterium. Both ethanol and water extracts demonstrated efficacy against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, with ethanol extract being less effective than water extract. In water and ethanol extract, inhibition zones were 23. 6 and 21. 0 mm (S. aureus) and 26. 3 and 22. 3 mm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), respectively. For plant pathogenic fungi, the highest and lowest percent inhibition of mycelial growth (PIMG) was found 82. 8 and 14. 4 against C. miyabeanus and Botrytis cinerea in liquid culture filtrate, respectively. In water extract, the PIMG was found to be the highest 85. 2 and lowest 41. 7 for C. miyabeanus and C. gloeosporioides, respectively. The inhibitory effect of ethanol extract was better against C. miyabeanus than C. gloeosporioides and B. cinerea. Among 3 samples, water extract was the best against tested pathogenic fungi. This study offers that the extracts isolated from S. ostrea contain potential compounds which inhibit the growth of both bacteria and fungi.
Stereum ostrea is one of the colorful mushroom belongs to Stereaceae, Basidiomycota. The fungus S. Ostrea, which resembles Trametes versicolor but has a tough, leathery texture, is inedible and is commonly referred to as the “false turkey tail.” Like the True turkey tail, S. ostrea has somewhat fuzzy cap that displays zones of brown and reddish brown colors. The S. Ostrea is characterized by its relatively large size and propensity to form individual fruit bodies that resemble sliced funnels rather than flat, laterally fused ones. It grows in dense overlapping clusters and is saprophytic on dead hardwoods. It is found all over the world (Kuo, 2005). This fungus has long been used for folk remedies even without any knowledge of which compounds are responsible. Although there is a growing body of evidence from ethnobotanical uses of this mushroom to treat plant and human diseases, scientific proof is still lacking. Recently, a culture broth of the fungus Stereum sp. was used to isolate several novel compounds, including a sesquiterpene, three aromatic compounds, and the well-known compound methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoate. Together with the known compound, the three new aromatic compounds were also elucidated, and the novel sesquiterpene was found to be stereumone. The combination of these compounds showed evident nematocidal activity against nematode Panagrellus redivivus (Li et al. , 2006). In a previous study, we examined the antimicrobial properties of nine wild mushrooms in Korea and discovered that the liquid culture filtrate of S. ostrea (Imtiaj and Lee, 2007).
We thoroughly examined the liquid culture filtrates, water, and ethanol extract of the solid culture of this mushroom in order to identify the potent antimicrobial compounds, anticipating that the cultures would contain the same compounds as the fruiting body. Here, we reported antibacterial and antifungal activities of S. ostrea.
So you’re out foraging for mushrooms, and you come across a beautiful, colorful fungus that looks like a miniature turkey tail. You get excited, thinking you’ve stumbled upon a treasure trove of health benefits. But hold on, my friend, before you go gobbling it up, you need to be sure it’s not the false turkey tail, a lookalike that might not be as beneficial as its true counterpart.
What is False Turkey Tail?
The false turkey tail, scientifically known as Stereum ostrea, is a common mushroom that often gets mistaken for the real turkey tail (Trametes versicolor). Both grow on fallen logs and tree stumps of deciduous trees, and both have colorful, concentric rings on their caps. However, there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart.
How to Identify False Turkey Tail
The most important difference between the two mushrooms is their underside. The true turkey tail has tiny pores, while the false turkey tail has a smooth, hairless underside. The false turkey tail also tends to curve upwards at the edges, while the true turkey tail has a more flat growth pattern.
Is False Turkey Tail Poisonous?
The good news is that neither the false turkey tail nor the true turkey tail are poisonous. However, the false turkey tail doesn’t have the same health benefits as the true turkey tail.
Health Benefits of True Turkey Tail
The true turkey tail is a powerhouse of health benefits. It contains polysaccharopeptide and polysaccharide-K, which have been shown to:
- Boost the immune system
- Enhance digestion
- Stabilize cortisol levels
- Fight free radicals
- Promote a healthy inflammatory response
- Support liver health
Can You Eat False Turkey Tail?
While the false turkey tail isn’t poisonous, it’s not particularly tasty either. It has a tough, leathery texture that makes it unsuitable for human consumption.
Where to Find True Turkey Tail
If you’re interested in trying the real turkey tail, you can find it growing on fallen logs and tree stumps in deciduous forests. However, it’s important to be able to identify it correctly, so you don’t accidentally pick the false turkey tail.
How to Take True Turkey Tail
The best way to get the health benefits of turkey tail is to take it in supplement form. Look for supplements that are made from the fruiting body of the mushroom, not the mycelium. Also, make sure the supplement has a high beta-glucan content, as this is the compound responsible for most of the mushroom’s health benefits.
So, the next time you’re out foraging for mushrooms, be sure to keep an eye out for the false turkey tail. While it’s not poisonous, it’s not the real deal either. If you’re looking for the health benefits of turkey tail, stick to the real thing and enjoy its many benefits.
Collection of crude extract
The fungus S. ostrea was cultured both in potato dextrose broth (PDB) and PDA medium separately. PDA and PDB cultures were incubated for 30 days at 25°C and 140–150 rpm, respectively, on a rotary shaker. Following the incubation period, the solid culture was dried in fume hood (HK-FH1800, Korea), powdered, and then extracted in distilled water and 1% ethanol (1% g: 2015 ml) separately for 2 hours at 2025 E24%83. The liquid culture, water extract, and ethanol extract were filtered through two layers of Whatman No. 2 to produce filtrates. 1 filter paper. The 3 filtrates were concentrated by a rotary evaporator (Eyela, Tokyo Rikakikai Co. Ltd. , Japan) until semi-solid state substances were obtained. The semi-solid state substances were then freezing dried at -80℃ (Operon, Korea).
Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)
The goal of the MIC test was to determine the sample’s lowest concentration at which the tested microorganisms could not grow. The sample was tested using a modified method outlined by Hirasawa et al. against five bacteria and three phytopathogenic fungi. , 1999. Distinct concentrations of water extract (~300 mg/ml) were diluted in sterile distilled water and subjected to individual testing using the filter paper disc method. Initially, a high concentration of the extract was used in the test, and it was then diluted until no inhibitory zone was detected. The sterile paper discs (8 mm diameter, Toyo Roshi Kaisha Ltd. Japan) were soaked in 50 µl of the aliquot and then added to a plate containing 104~6 CFU/ml of bacteria and 104~5 spores/ml of fungi seeds. To allow the extract to properly diffuse into the medium, the bacterial and fungal cultures were first incubated at 4°C for 12 hours. They were then incubated at 37°C and 25°C, respectively. After incubation of all cultures, inhibitions of bacterial and fungal growth were observed. Each experiment was done in 5 replicates.
How to Identify Turkey Tail Mushrooms ( and distinguish from false lookalikes )
FAQ
Can you eat false turkey tail?
Are there any poisonous turkey tail lookalikes?
Can turkey tails harmful?
Is false turkey tail poisonous?
False turkey tail is not considered toxic. Like turkey tail, this mushroom is not considered ‘edible’ because of its taste and texture. Still, it’s unlikely to harm you if you accidentally use it in tea or a tincture. One study on Stereum ostrea showed potential for antibacterial and antifungal properties in false turkey tail.
Is it safe to eat the tail of a fish?
Is it safe to eat the tail of a fish. The tails and fins from large fish can be smoked and boiled to help draw out meat and juices, but small fins can be fried or baked as a crispy snack, much the same way as skins.
What is false turkey tail?
The False Turkey Tail is not used for very much. Although it is a gorgeous mushroom when fresh, it has been largely overlooked by humans. Its tough texture makes it unsuitable for human consumption, although one study found that extracts from S. ostrea had antifungal and antibacterial properties.