Shark Cartilage - 750 mg 100 caps

• Description

Description:

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Cartilage (Bovine and Shark)

What does it do? Cartilage, derived from shark and bovine (cow) sources, is a type of connective tissue comprised of mucopolysaccharides, protein substances, calcium, sulfur, and collagen. Early research in the 1950s and 1960s, using chips of bovine cartilage inserted into wounds, demonstrated that cartilage enhances wound healing.1 2 Since then, cartilage has been investigated for its potential role in regulating immune function and stopping the growth of tumors.3 The role of shark cartilage in inhibiting angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels) is hypothesized to be beneficial in halting the growth and spread of cancer.4 A few studies suggest that individuals with cancer may benefit from cartilage supplements;5 6 however, well-designed research is lacking, and many experts question the use of cartilage in this regard. A similar situation is seen with the use of cartilage in individuals with arthritis.

Where is it found? Cartilage is derived from either sharks or cows.

Cartilage has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Who is likely to be deficient? Since it is not an essential nutrient, cartilage is not associated with deficiency states.

How much is usually taken? Anyone who is interested in taking bovine or shark cartilage supplements should consult a nutritionally oriented doctor for advice.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Reports have suggested that some people should not use a cartilage supplement?this concern is based only on theory, not clinical evidence. This would include those people with cardiovascular disease, women who are planning to be or are pregnant, nursing mothers, anyone having or having had surgery within thirty days, and athletes training intensely. None of these contraindications has been proven, however. The calcium in the huge amount of shark cartilage taken by some people with cancer (greater than 50 grams per day) could lead to toxicity. However, remarkably few instances of actual calcium toxicity have been reported.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with cartilage.

References:

1. Prudden JF, Allen J. The clinical acceleration of healing with a cartilage application. JAMA 1965;192:352?56.

2. Prudden JF, Wolarsky E. The reversal by cartilage of the steroid-induced inhibition of wound healing. Surg Gyn Obstet 1967;125(7):109?13.

3. Prudden JF. The treatment of human cancer with agents prepared from bovine cartilage. J Biol Res Mod 1985;4:551?84.

4. Lee A, Langer R. Shark cartilage contains inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis. Science 1983;221:1185?87.

5. Lane AW, Contreras E Jr. High rate of bioactivity (reduction in gross tumor size) observed in advanced cancer patients treated with shark cartilage material. J Naturopathic Med 1992;3:86?88.

6. Prudden JF. The treatment of human cancer with agents prepared from bovine cartilage. J Biol Resp Modif 1985;4:551?84.