Shark Cartilage: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Family or group:
Aquatic Organisms
Active ingredients:
Calcium
Phosphorus
Chondroitin
Collagen
Squalamine
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Shark cartilage, once popular among cancer patients, has yielded overall disappointing results in clinical trials with advanced cancers. Promising preclinical studies have not translated clinically, raising questions about the bioavailability and active principles responsible for its antiangiogenic effect. For instance, a study of 60 individuals with various advanced cancers showed no effect of orally administered shark cartilage (1 g/kg) on tumor growth or quality of life. Another major study on patients with advanced breast and colorectal cancers also showed no improvement in survival or quality of life. However, smaller preliminary studies have occasionally reported positive effects, such as tumor regression, improved appetite, or reduced pain. Research with Neovastat (AE-941), a standardized shark cartilage extract, has shown inhibitory effects on tumor growth and metastasis primarily in animal models, with some clinical studies indicating a significant survival advantage, notably in patients with advanced unresectable lung cancers.
Posologie
Oral
500 - 4500 mg
Chemoradiotherapy with or without AE-941 in stage III non-small cell lung cancer: a randomized phase III trial
Neovastat (AE-941) in refractory renal cell carcinoma patients: report of a phase II trial with two dose levels
Evaluation of shark cartilage in patients with advanced cancer: a North Central Cancer Treatment Group trial
Phase I/II trial of the safety and efficacy of shark cartilage in the treatment of advanced cancer
Osteoarthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research indicates that the topical application of a preparation containing 140 mg of shark cartilage, 50 mg of chondroitin sulfate, 30 mg of glucosamine sulfate, and 32 mg of camphor per gram, used as needed for up to 8 weeks, reduces osteoarthritis symptoms. However, symptom relief is likely due to the anti-irritant effect of camphor rather than shark cartilage.
Posologie
Oral
140 mg
Properties
Anticancer
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, a process regulated by inducers and inhibitors. It is critical for development, reproduction, and repair, but also dominates many pathological conditions. Solid tumors require angiogenesis to grow beyond 1-2 mm in diameter. Angiogenesis inhibitors are studied for cancer treatment. Cartilage is an avascular tissue and contains substances that prevent blood vessel growth, making it a target for anti-angiogenesis research. Shark cartilage possesses anti-angiogenic properties, crucial in the fight against cancer, as it prevents the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Shark cartilage extracts block vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathways and matrix metalloproteinases, two key mechanisms of angiogenesis. Studies have shown that Neovastat, a product derived from shark cartilage, inhibits cell proliferation and vascularization in various experimental models, and delays tumor development in animal models. Moreover, it protects against the effects of chemotherapy, improving therapeutic outcomes while reducing side effects such as weight loss.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Shark cartilage is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, revealed in animal studies. It works by inhibiting IL-1-induced PGE2 synthesis, a crucial process in inflammatory reactions. Studies also suggest that shark cartilage could suppress airway inflammation by downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor, offering a new potential therapeutic application for treating bronchial asthma. Additionally, extracts from this cartilage have shown they can induce TH1-type inflammatory cytokines and reduce TH2 cell responses, which can be beneficial for hypersensitive individuals.
Usages associés
Immunostimulant
Shark cartilage stimulates cellular and humoral immune responses, as demonstrated in laboratory settings. It contains a complex mixture of constituents that confer these immunostimulant properties.
Safety dosage
Adult: 400 mg - 4500 mg
In clinical research, orally administered shark cartilage has been given in liquid or powder or capsule forms. AE-941 (Neovastat) is a shark cartilage derivative that has been evaluated in clinical trials. It is a natural component of shark cartilage consisting of a mixture of proteins with a molecular weight below 500 kilodaltons.
Interactions
Médicaments
Immunosuppressant: Weak interaction
In vitro data suggest that shark cartilage may stimulate immune responses.
Contraindications
Allergies: Prohibited
Use is discouraged for individuals with allergies to shellfish or fish.
