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 reported ability of shark cartilage to inhibit 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 people with cancer may benefit from cartilage supplements;⁵ ⁶ however, well-designed research yielded negative results, and many experts question the use of cartilage in this regard. A similar situation is seen with the use of cartilage in people with osteoarthritis.

There is one case report of a man with Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of skin cancer) whose lesion disappeared after taking shark cartilage for nine months, in the amount of 3.75 to 4.5 grams per day⁷

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

Rating	Health Concerns
	Karposi's sarcoma Osteoarthritis Prostate cancer (shark cartilage)
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

How much is usually taken? Bovine cartilage is typically recommended at 3 grams three times per day. Shark cartilage is typically taken in much higher amounts (e.g., 60–100 grams per day orally or by enema). These amounts are based on animal and anecdotal evidence, and their safety and efficacy have not been confirmed by controlled clinical trials. Not only is toxicity information on this amount of shark cartilage lacking, but the amount of calcium to be found in this amount of shark cartilage exceeds the 2–2.5 grams per day that is commonly considered to be the upper limit of safe intake.

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 concerns have been proven in clinical trials, however. Because shark cartilage contains calcium, people who ingest large amounts of shark cartilage (60–100 grams per day) may be consuming excessive amounts of this mineral. However, no cases of calcium toxicity resulting from the ingestion of shark cartilage 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;192:352–6.

2. Prudden JF, Wolarsky E. The reversal by cartilage of the steroid-induced inhibition of wound healing. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1967;125:109–13.

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;221:1185–7.

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;3:86–8.

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

7. Hillman JD, Peng AT, Gilliam AC, Remick SC. Treatment of Kaposi sarcoma with oral administration of shark cartilage in a human herpesvirus 8-seropositive, human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative homosexual man. Arch Dermatol 2001;137:1149–52.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.