Plant Comparison
Witch Hazel 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
Witch Hazel and Turkey tail: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Witch Hazel | Turkey tail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| 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 astringent and anti-inflammatory constituents.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents of the bark and leaf.
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
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (supports irritated/atopic skin); Relief of haemorrhoid symptoms (astringent and anti-inflammatory)
Astringent for skin irritation and minor inflammation of the skin and oral mucosa (tannins), applied topically; Relief of haemorrhoid symptoms (astringent and anti-inflammatory)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Vulnerary for minor wounds, bruises and insect bites
inferred from anticancer action
Relief of haemorrhoid symptoms (astringent and anti-inflammatory)
Astringent for skin irritation and minor inflammation of the skin and oral mucosa (tannins), applied topically
Astringent for skin irritation and minor inflammation of the skin and oral mucosa (tannins), applied topically
Astringent for skin irritation and minor inflammation of the skin and oral mucosa (tannins), applied topically
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
For topical use. Do not apply to deep wounds, serious burns or severe rectal bleeding - these need medical care.
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.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree with broad, oval, wavy-toothed leaves, asymmetrical at the base. Unusually, it flowers in late autumn to winter after the leaves have fallen, bearing clusters of small, spidery, bright yellow flowers with narrow, crinkled, ribbon-like petals. The woody seed capsule matures the following autumn and explosively ejects its seeds ('snapping hazelnut').[14]
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
Native to woodland understorey and forest margins of eastern North America; widely cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal shrub.[14]
Grows on dead, dying or fallen hardwood logs, stumps and branches in woodlands worldwide, including Europe, Asia and North America.
Harvesting
Bark is stripped from branches (not the main trunk, to avoid harming the plant) and leaves are picked in summer; both are dried for use, or steam-distilled together with twigs to produce distilled witch-hazel water, the most common commercial form.[14]
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
Witch hazel has a long Native American and, after adoption by European settlers, worldwide reputation as a topical astringent and anti-inflammatory remedy for skin irritation, minor wounds, bruises, insect bites and haemorrhoids, and as a soothing wash for irritated skin and mucous membranes.[14]
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 on Hamamelis virginiana L., cortex gives, for cutaneous use, tincture at a strength corresponding to 5-10% in semi-solid preparations several times daily, or a dry extract (5-7.7:1, ethanol 30% m/m) at a strength corresponding to 1.3% as an ointment several times daily; for anorectal use, a decoction of 5-10 g per 250 mL up to 3 times daily as impregnated dressings. For topical use only. 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
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Skowrońska, W., Pawłowska, K.A., Obrębski, M., Piwowarski, J.P. et al (2025) 'Chemical composition, skin microbiota metabolism, antimicrobial potential and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel bark (Hamamelis virginiana L.)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 353(Pt B), pp. 120433. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.120433 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120433 - Piazza, S., Martinelli, G., Vrhovsek, U., Masuero, D. et al (2022) 'Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Acne Effects of Hamamelis virginiana Bark in Human Keratinocytes', Antioxidants (Basel), 11(6), pp. 1119. doi:10.3390/antiox11061119 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061119 - Janarthanam, V.A., Rajan, P.S.S., Panda, S.P., Panigrahy, U.P. et al (2025) 'Hamamelitannin from Hamamelis virginiana Attenuates Ethanol-Induced Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in Danio rerio Larvae', Molecular Biotechnology, 68(5), pp. 2369-2385. doi:10.1007/s12033-025-01502-9 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-025-01502-9 - Piazza, S., Martinelli, G., Magnavacca, A., Fumagalli, M., Pozzoli, C., Terno, M., Canilli, L., Angarano, M., Maranta, N., Dell'Agli, M. and Sangiovanni, E (2022) 'Unveiling the Ability of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) Bark Extract to Impair Keratinocyte Inflammatory Cascade Typical of Atopic Eczema', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(16), pp. 9279. doi:10.3390/ijms23169279 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169279 - Amendola, I., Viegas, D.J., Freitas, E.T., Oliveira, J.R., Santos, J.G., Oliveira, F.E., Lagareiro Netto, A.A., Marcucci, M.C., Oliveira, L.D. and Back-Brito, G.N (2024) 'Hamamelis virginiana L. extract presents antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects, absence of cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory action, and potential to fight infections through the nitric oxide production by macrophages', Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias, 96(1), pp. e20200031. doi:10.1590/0001-3765202320200031 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202320200031 - Habtemariam, S (2002) 'Hamamelitannin from Hamamelis virginiana inhibits the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-induced endothelial cell death in vitro', Toxicon, 40(1), pp. 83-88. doi:10.1016/s0041-0101(01)00195-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0041-0101(01)00195-7 - Natella, F., Guantario, B., Ambra, R., Ranaldi, G., Intorre, F., Burki, C. and Canali, R (2021) 'Human Metabolites of Hamamelis virginiana (Extract) Modulate Fibroblast Extracellular Matrix Components in Response to UV-A Irradiation', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 747638. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.747638 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.747638 - Dauer, A., Rimpler, H. and Hensel, A (2003) 'Polymeric proanthocyanidins from the bark of Hamamelis virginiana', Planta Medica, 69(1), pp. 89-91. doi:10.1055/s-2003-37022 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2003-37022 - Vennat, B., Pourrat, H., Pouget, M.P., Gross, D. and Pourrat, A (1988) 'Tannins from Hamamelis virginiana: identification of proanthocyanidins and hamamelitannin quantification in leaf, bark, and stem extracts', Planta Medica, 54(5), pp. 454-457. doi:10.1055/s-2006-962499 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-962499 - Duckstein, S.M., Lorenz, P. and Stintzing, F.C (2012) 'Conversion of phenolic constituents in aqueous Hamamelis virginiana leaf extracts during fermentation', Phytochemical Analysis, 23(6), pp. 588-597. doi:10.1002/pca.2359 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.2359 - Sanchez-Tena, S., Fernandez-Cachon, M.L., Carreras, A., Mateos-Martin, M.L., Costoya, N., Moyer, M.P., Nunez, M.J., Torres, J.L. and Cascante, M (2012) 'Hamamelitannin from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) displays specific cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells', Journal of Natural Products, 75(1), pp. 26-33. doi:10.1021/np200426k Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/np200426k - Theisen, L.L., Erdelmeier, C.A.J., Spoden, G.A., Boukhallouk, F., Sausy, A., Florin, L. and Muller, C.P (2014) 'Tannins from Hamamelis virginiana bark extract: characterization and improvement of the antiviral efficacy against influenza A virus and human papillomavirus', PLoS One, 9(1), pp. e88062. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0088062 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088062 - Cheesman, M.J., Alcorn, S.R., White, A. and Cock, I.E (2023) 'Hamamelis virginiana L. Leaf Extracts Inhibit the Growth of Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria', Antibiotics, 12(7), pp. 1195. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12071195 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12071195 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Hamamelis virginiana L., cortex/folium/aqua (Hamamelidis cortex)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/hamamelidis-cortex Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/hamamelidis-cortex - (2025) 'Hamamelis virginiana L. in Skin Care: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Cosmetological Applications', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules30132744 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132744 - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Benefits, Safety, Uses'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/witch-hazel/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/witch-hazel/
- 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.