Plant Comparison
Licorice root vs Turkey tail
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Licorice root and Turkey tail: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, immune support, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Licorice root | Turkey tail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Cold & flu | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Immune support | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The principal sweet-tasting compound, about 50 times sweeter than sucrose; responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiviral and gastroprotective activity and also for the pseudoaldosteronism risk on prolonged high-dose use.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial polyphenols, including the skin-lightening compound glabridin.
Minor supporting constituents of the root.
The principal immunomodulating constituents, forming the basis of PSK/PSP extracts.
Protein-bound polysaccharide complex studied extensively as an adjunct immunotherapy.
Minor antioxidant constituents.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid prolonged use of whole licorice root in large doses. May cause pseudoaldosteronism (hypertension, oedema, hypokalaemia). Contraindicated in hypertension, renal failure, liver disease, hypokalaemia, and pregnancy. DGL form is safer for prolonged gastric use. Interactions with antihypertensives, diuretics, and corticosteroids.
Duke (2002) rates licorice as ++ and documents extensive activities. Glycyrrhizin (the key compound) has anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antiviral, and adrenal-stimulant properties. Duke highlights an important safety concern: chronic use of licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism — sodium retention, potassium loss, edema, and hypertension — due to glycyrrhizin's inhibition of cortisol metabolism. This effect is typically seen with >50 g licorice/day for more than 6 weeks. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) avoids this side effect. Dose: 5–15 g dried root daily. Contraindicated in hypertension, kidney disease, low potassium, liver cirrhosis, and in combination with diuretics or corticosteroids (Duke, 2002).
Generally very safe and well tolerated. Rare cases of digestive upset or allergic reaction. No significant known drug interactions at normal doses. The PSK pharmaceutical form is used safely alongside standard cancer treatments. Suitable for most adults.
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Botanical Description
Herbaceous perennial legume with pinnately compound leaves of small, oval, slightly sticky leaflets. Pale blue-violet to lilac pea-like flowers are borne in loose spikes, followed by small, flattened, oblong pods. The sweet-tasting rhizome and root system, brownish-grey outside and bright yellow inside, is the medicinal part, spreading extensively underground via stolons.[1]
Bracket fungus (not a true plant) forming thin, tough, fan-shaped, overlapping shelves on dead or decaying hardwood, with a velvety, concentrically zoned upper surface in bands of brown, tan, cream, blue-grey and rust, and a white, minutely pored underside.
Habitat
Grows in dry, sunny, deep-soiled sites, riverbanks and open scrub; native to the Mediterranean region and Western to Central Asia, and cultivated widely for its root.[1]
Grows on dead, dying or fallen hardwood logs, stumps and branches in woodlands worldwide, including Europe, Asia and North America.
Harvesting
The root and rhizome are dug in autumn from plants at least three to four years old, when glycyrrhizin content is highest, then cleaned and dried; sold whole, cut, or as processed extract.[1]
Fresh brackets are harvested by cutting from the wood; for medicinal use the tough fruiting body is typically dried and then decocted (simmered) for a long time, or extracted, since the beneficial polysaccharides are not well-extracted by simple infusion.
Traditional Uses
Licorice root is one of the oldest and most widely used herbs in the world, with a documented history across Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek and European traditional medicine as a soothing demulcent and expectorant for coughs and sore throat, a gastroprotective remedy for stomach discomfort and ulcers, and a harmonising, sweetening addition to herbal formulas.[1]
Turkey tail has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (as yun zhi) and is one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms, with standardized polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP) extracts used clinically in Japan and China alongside conventional cancer treatment to support immune function.[11, 12, 13]
Preparations
Dried fruiting body simmered in water for an extended period (often 1-2 hours) to extract the beta-glucan polysaccharides, then strained.
Standardized polysaccharide-K (PSK) or polysaccharopeptide (PSP) extract, the pharmaceutical-grade forms used in clinical research.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives, for adults and elderly, 1.5-2 g of the comminuted root in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion or decoction 2 to 4 times daily, taken one cup after meals; a soft extract (DER 1:0.4-0.5) at 32 mg 2-3 times daily, not exceeding 160 mg daily, is also listed. The monograph directs that it is NOT to be used for more than 4 weeks, and is not recommended under 18 years - the duration limit matters because prolonged licorice use causes pseudoaldosteronism (sodium and water retention, potassium loss, raised blood pressure). Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is preferred where prolonged use is intended. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical research on PSK commonly uses around 3 g daily in divided doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Pastorino, G., Cornara, L., Soares, S., Rodrigues, F. and Oliveira, M.B.P.P (2018) 'Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review', Phytotherapy Research, 32(12), pp. 2323-2339. doi:10.1002/ptr.6178 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6178 - Nazari, S., Rameshrad, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2017) 'Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review', Phytotherapy Research, 31(11), pp. 1635-1650. doi:10.1002/ptr.5893 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5893 - El-Saber Batiha, G., Magdy Beshbishy, A., El-Mleeh, A., Abdel-Daim, M.M. and Prasad Devkota, H (2020) 'Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae)', Biomolecules, 10(3), pp. 352. doi:10.3390/biom10030352 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10030352 - Wahab, S., Annadurai, S., Abullais, S.S., Das, G., Ahmad, W., Ahmad, M.F., Kandasamy, G., Vasudevan, R., Ali, M.S. and Amir, M (2021) 'Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice): a comprehensive review on its phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical evidence and toxicology', Plants, 10(12), pp. 2751. doi:10.3390/plants10122751 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122751 - Markina, Y.V., Kirichenko, T.V., Markin, A.M., Yudina, I.Y., Starodubova, A.V., Sobenin, I.A. and Orekhov, A.N (2022) 'Atheroprotective effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L', Molecules, 27(15), pp. 4697. doi:10.3390/molecules27154697 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154697 - Jafari, F., Jafari, M., Moghadam, A.T., Emami, S.A., Jamialahmadi, T., Mohammadpour, A.H. and Sahebkar, A (2021) 'A review of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) effects on metabolic syndrome', Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1328, pp. 385-400. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_25 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_25 - Schmid, C., Dawid, C., Peters, V. and Hofmann, T (2018) 'Saponins from European licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra)', Journal of Natural Products, 81(8), pp. 1734-1744. doi:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00022 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00022 - Kalani, K., Chaturvedi, V., Alam, S., Khan, F. and Srivastava, S.K (2015) 'Anti-tubercular agents from Glycyrrhiza glabra', Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(11), pp. 1043-1049. doi:10.2174/1568026615666150317223323 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026615666150317223323 - Frattaruolo, L., Carullo, G., Brindisi, M., Mazzotta, S., Bellissimo, L., Rago, V., Curcio, R., Dolce, V., Aiello, F. and Cappello, A.R (2019) 'Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of flavanones from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) leaf phytocomplexes: identification of licoflavanone as a modulator of NF-kB/MAPK pathway', Antioxidants, 8(6), pp. 186. doi:10.3390/antiox8060186 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8060186 - Eltahir, A.O.E., Omoruyi, S.I., Augustine, T.N., Luckay, R.C. and Hussein, A.A (2024) 'Neuroprotective effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra total extract and isolated compounds', Pharmaceuticals, 17(7), pp. 852. doi:10.3390/ph17070852 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17070852 - Dastagir, G. and Rizvi, M.A (2016) 'Review - Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (liquorice)', Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 29(5), pp. 1727-1733. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Review%20-%20Glycyrrhiza%20glabra%20L.%20%28liquorice%29 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2013) 'Community herbal monograph on Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and/or Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. and/or Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., radix'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-glycyrrhiza-glabra-l-andor-glycyrrhiza-inflata-bat-andor-glycyrrhiza-uralensis-fisch-radix-first-version_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-glycyrrhiza-glabra-l-andor-glycyrrhiza-inflata-bat-andor-glycyrrhiza-uralensis-fisch-radix-first-version_en.pdf - Asl, M.N. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2008) 'Review of pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza sp', 22(6), pp. 709--724. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Review%20of%20pharmacological%20effects%20of%20Glycyrrhiza%20sp. - Fiore, C. et al (2008) 'A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe', 99(3), pp. 317--324. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.015 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.015 - WHO (1999) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=WHO%20Monographs%20on%20Selected%20Medicinal%20Plants - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Takahashi, K., Yoshino, T., Maki, Y., Ishiuchi, K., Namiki, T., Ogawa-Ochiai, K., Minamizawa, K., Makino, T., Nakamura, T., Mimura, M. and Watanabe, K (2019) 'Identification of glycyrrhizin metabolites in humans and of a potential biomarker of liquorice-induced pseudoaldosteronism', Archives of Toxicology, 93(11), pp. 3111-3119. doi:10.1007/s00204-019-02588-2 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-019-02588-2 - Penninkilampi, R., Eslick, E.M. and Eslick, G.D (2017) 'The association between consistent licorice ingestion, hypertension and hypokalaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Human Hypertension, 31(11), pp. 699-707. doi:10.1038/jhh.2017.45 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2017.45 - Wu, T., Yang, J., Xia, J. and Sun, G (2024) 'Effects of licorice functional components intakes on blood pressure: a systematic review with meta-analysis and network toxicology', Nutrients, 16(21), pp. 3768. doi:10.3390/nu16213768 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213768 - af Geijerstam, P., Joelsson, A., Radholm, K. and Nystrom, F.H (2024) 'A low dose of daily licorice intake affects renin, aldosterone, and home blood pressure in a randomized crossover trial', The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 119(3), pp. 682-691. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011
- Pilkington, K., Wieland, L.S., Teng, L., Jin, X.Y. and others (2022) 'Coriolus (Trametes) versicolor mushroom to reduce adverse effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy in people with colorectal cancer', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11(11), pp. CD012053. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012053.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012053.pub2 - Habtemariam, S (2020) 'Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy', Biomedicines, 8(5), pp. 135. doi:10.3390/biomedicines8050135 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8050135 - Fritz, H., Kennedy, D.A., Ishii, M., Fergusson, D. and others (2015) 'Polysaccharide K and Coriolus versicolor extracts for lung cancer: a systematic review', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 14(3), pp. 201-211. doi:10.1177/1534735415572883 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735415572883 - Tsang, K.W., Lam, C.L., Yan, C., Mak, J.C. and others (2003) 'Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer', Respiratory Medicine, 97(6), pp. 618-624. doi:10.1053/rmed.2003.1490 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1053/rmed.2003.1490 - Ng, T.B (1998) 'A review of research on the protein-bound polysaccharide (polysaccharopeptide, PSP) from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor (Basidiomycetes: Polyporaceae)', General Pharmacology, 30(1), pp. 1-4. doi:10.1016/s0306-3623(97)00076-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-3623(97)00076-1 - Kowalczewska, M., Piotrowski, J., Jedrzejewski, T. and Kozak, W (2016) 'Polysaccharide peptides from Coriolus versicolor exert differential immunomodulatory effects on blood lymphocytes and breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in vitro', Immunology Letters, 174, pp. 37-44. doi:10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.010 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.010 - Jedrzejewski, T., Piotrowski, J., Kowalczewska, M., Wrotek, S. and Kozak, W (2015) 'Polysaccharide peptide from Coriolus versicolor induces interleukin 6-related extension of endotoxin fever in rats', International Journal of Hyperthermia, 31(6), pp. 626-634. doi:10.3109/02656736.2015.1046953 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/02656736.2015.1046953 - Scarpari, M., Reverberi, M., Parroni, A., Scala, V. and others (2017) 'Tramesan, a novel polysaccharide from Trametes versicolor. Structural characterization and biological effects', PLoS One, 12(8), pp. e0171412. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0171412 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171412 - Lysakowska, P., Sobota, A. and Wirkijowska, A (2023) 'Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production - A Review', Molecules, 28(14), pp. 5393. doi:10.3390/molecules28145393 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145393 - Wang, K.F., Sui, K.Y., Guo, C. and Liu, C.Z (2017) 'Quorum sensing molecule-farnesol increased the production and biological activities of extracellular polysaccharide from Trametes versicolor', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 104(Pt A), pp. 377-383. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.06.053 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.06.053 - Chu, K.K., Ho, S.S. and Chow, A.H (2002) 'Coriolus versicolor: a medicinal mushroom with promising immunotherapeutic values', 42(9), pp. 976--984. doi:10.1177/0091270002042009004 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270002042009004 - Standish, L.J., Wenner, C.A., Sweet, E.S., Bridge, C., Nelson, A., Martzen, M., Novack, J. and Torkelson, C (2008) 'Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer', 6(3), pp. 122--128. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Trametes%20versicolor%20mushroom%20immune%20therapy%20in%20breast%20cancer - Wasser, S.P (2011) 'Current findings, future trends, and unsolved problems in studies of medicinal mushrooms', 89(5), pp. 1323--1332. doi:10.1007/s00253-010-3067-4 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-010-3067-4 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Macalester College, Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area 'Turkey Tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor)'. Available at: https://www.macalester.edu/ordway/biodiversity/inventory/turkeytailfungus/ Traditional / reference
https://www.macalester.edu/ordway/biodiversity/inventory/turkeytailfungus/ - Missouri Department of Conservation 'False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea)'. Available at: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/false-turkey-tail Traditional / reference
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/false-turkey-tail - Kuo, Michael 'Stereum ostrea (False Turkey Tail)'. Available at: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/stereum_ostrea.html Traditional / reference
https://www.mushroomexpert.com/stereum_ostrea.html
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.