Shark Cartilage  The major compounds in shark cartilage are proteoglycans and glycoproteins (large molecules with protein and carbohydrate components), as well as protein and calcium salts. Shark cartilage is promoted mainly as an alternative to conventional cancer treatment, but some forms are being studied for use along with standard therapies. Continued Below

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Shark Cartilage naturally contains anti-angiogenesis factors, and enhances the immune system.

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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.

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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.

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The shark is one of the most remarkable creatures on the face of the earth. Existing virtually unchanged for 250 million years, shark's are unique in that they have a natural immunity to almost every disease known to man. When a shark is wounded, it heals quickly. The shark is the only animal with a skeleton comprised entirely of cartilage which accounts for between 6 and 8% of its body weight. Rich in mucopolysaccharides.

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Shark Cartilage

Shark cartilage is a dietary supplement made from the dried and powdered cartilage of a shark; that is, from the tough material that composes a shark's skeleton.

Shark cartilage is claimed to combat and/or prevent a variety of illnesses, most notably cancer.

It is often marketed under the names Carticin, Cartilade, or BeneFin.

A derivative of it named Neovastat was tested by AEterna Zentaris as an angiogenesis inhibitor and showed promising results in animals.

Two clinical trials of Neovastat were completed in 2007, showing negative results.

 

The benefits of this supplement have not been scientifically proven, nor has shark cartilage been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, its pervasive use is due to the incorrect notion that sharks do not get cancer.

This idea became popular with the best-selling book Sharks Don't Get Cancer by Dr. William Lane, published in 1992.

This assertion even appears in the film on sharks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (although the aquarium does not endorse the use of shark cartilage). *

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* Read the Current article in Wikipedia with references and links October 16, 2010

* Shark cartilage. (2010, May 16). In Wikipedia,

The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 05:36, October 16, 2010,

** Read the article in Wikipedia with references and links August 6, 2012

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Read the entire article at cancer.org

Shark Cartilage

Other common name(s): Carticin, Cartilade™, BeneFin™, Neovastat (AE-941)

Scientific/medical name(s): none

Description

Shark cartilage is extracted from the heads and fins of sharks. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is found in the skeletal systems of many animals, including humans. Sharks' skeletons are made up almost entirely of cartilage. The major compounds in shark cartilage are proteoglycans and glycoproteins (large molecules with protein and carbohydrate components), as well as protein and calcium salts. Shark cartilage is promoted mainly as an alternative to conventional cancer treatment, but some forms are being studied for use along with standard therapies.

Overview

Most shark cartilage products are sold as dietary supplements in the form of pills or powders. Most have not been tested for effectiveness, safety, or to verify the purity of ingredients. Available scientific evidence does not support claims that shark cartilage supplements sold as food supplements are an effective treatment for cancer, osteoporosis, or any other disease. One shark cartilage product, called AE-941, is in the early phases of development as an investigational new drug.

Although some laboratory and animal studies have shown that some components in shark cartilage have the ability to slow the growth of new blood vessels, these effects have not been proven in humans. The few small clinical studies of shark cartilage products published to date have not shown any benefit against cancer. Further clinical trials of the supplements and of a purified cartilage extract are currently under way.

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How is it promoted for use?

Supporters believe that shark cartilage supplements or cartilage from other animals, such as cows, can slow or stop the growth of cancer (see also Bovine Cartilage). According to its supporters, shark cartilage contains proteins that stop angiogenesis, the process of blood vessel development. Tumors need a network of blood vessels to survive and grow, so cutting off the tumor's blood supply starves it of nutrients, causing it to shrink or disappear. Some supporters also claim that shark cartilage can help against other diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, psoriasis, macular degeneration, and inflammation of the intestinal tract.

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Additional resources

More information from your American Cancer Society

The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).

Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Dietary Supplements: How to Know What Is Safe

The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management

Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management

Placebo Effect

Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer

Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

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References

Batist G, Patenaude F, Champagne P, et al. Neovastat (AE-941) in refractory renal cell carcinoma patients: report of a phase II trial with two dose levels. Ann Oncol. 2002;13:1259-1263.

Berbari P, Thibodeau A, Germain L, et al. Antiangiogenic effects of the oral administration of liquid cartilage extract in humans. J Surg Res. 1999;87;108-113.

Ebube NK, Mark W, Hahm H. Preformulation studies and characterization of proposed chondroprotective agents: glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate. Pharm Dev Technol. 2002;7:457-469.

Ernst E, Cassileth B. How useful are unconventional cancer treatments? Eur J Cancer. 1999;35:1608-1613.

Federal Trade Commission. FTC v Heritage Health Products Company (suit filed April 16, 2004). Accessed at: www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/heritagehealth/040427stipheritagehealth.pdf on June 11, 2008.

Federal Trade Commission. Complaints. Accessed at: www.ftc.gov/os/1998/09/9723071.cmp.htm, www.ftc.gov/os/1999/09/bodysystemcmp.htm, and www.ftc.gov/os/2001/08/formorcmp.htm on July 11, 2007.

Finkelstein JB. Sharks do get cancer: few surprises in cartilage research. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005;97:1562-1563.

Food and Drug Administration. Company ordered to halt sales of unapproved drugs, reimburse buyers. FDA Consumer Magazine, September-October 2004. Accessed at: www.fda.gov/fdac/departs/2004/504_upd.html#sales on June 11, 2008.

Loprinzi CL, Levitt R, Barton DL, et al, and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group. Evaluation of shark cartilage in patients with advanced cancer: a North Central Cancer Treatment Group trial. Cancer. 2005;104:176-182.

Lu C, Lee JJ, Komaki R, et al. A phase III study of Æ-941 with induction chemotherapy (IC) and concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage III non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (NCI T99-0046, RTOG 02-70, MDA 99-303). J Clin Oncol, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings Part I. Vol 25, No. 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: 7527.

Medline Plus. Herbs and supplements: Shark cartilage 2006. Available at: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-sharkcartilage.html. Accessed July 11, 2007. Content no longer available.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. About herbs: Shark cartilage. 2006. Accessed at: www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69374.cfm on June 11, 2008.

Miller DR, Anderson GT, Stark JJ, Granick JL, Richardson D. Phase I/II trial of the safety and efficacy of shark cartilage in the treatment of advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1998;16:3649-3655.

Ostrander GK. Cheng KC. Wolf JC. Wolfe MJ. Shark cartilage, cancer and the growing threat of pseudoscience. Cancer Research. 2004;64:8485-8491.

National Cancer Institute Physician Data Query (PDQ). Cartilage (Bovine and Shark). 2006. Accessed at: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cartilage/healthprofessional on June 11, 2008.

Raloff J. A fishy therapy: A thriving but controversial dietary supplement. Science News Online. 2005; 167(10):154. Accessed at: www.sciencenews.org/articles/20050305/bob9.asp on July 11, 2007. Content no longer available.

Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation.

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Shark Cartilage

Shark cartilage has long been valued by traditional herbalists in China, where it has been consumed for centuries as shark fin soup.

Shark cartilage contains mucopolysaccharides, a family of complex carbohydrates including the now well-known chondroitin sulfate.

Shark Cartilage is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus.

 

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