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Shark Cartilage

Also known as: Sphyrna lewini, Hammerhead Shark, Squalus acanthias, Spiny Dogfish Shark, Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, Shark cartilage, Spiny dogfish shark, Shark Cartilage

Overview

Shark cartilage is a dietary supplement derived from the cartilage of various shark species, including the hammerhead and spiny dogfish shark. It has been marketed for its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Shark cartilage contains bioactive compounds like proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. While it has been investigated for conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis, the research supporting its benefits is generally weak and inconsistent. Studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating potential benefits in joint function recovery in animal models, but many clinical trials failing to demonstrate significant improvements in overall survival, quality of life, or disease progression in humans. The quality of evidence is variable, and some studies have methodological limitations.

Benefits

The primary claimed benefits of shark cartilage, such as anti-cancer effects and significant improvements in inflammatory conditions, are not supported by robust evidence. Studies have consistently shown no improvement in overall survival or quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Some studies suggest potential benefits in joint function recovery and pain relief in osteoarthritis models, but these findings are not conclusive and are primarily observed in animal models. For example, a study using fish cartilage hydrolysate (similar to shark cartilage) in a rat model of osteoarthritis showed a trend towards faster pain relief and joint function recovery, but no significant difference in cartilage lesion severity. Clinical significance and long-term benefits are lacking.

How it works

Shark cartilage is thought to act through antiangiogenic effects and the modulation of inflammatory cytokines. However, these mechanisms are not well understood and have been shown to be pro-inflammatory in some studies. It interacts with the immune system by inducing a Th1-type inflammatory cytokine response in human leukocytes, leading to the production of interferon-γ and chemokines like MCP-1 and RANTES. Components of shark cartilage, such as collagen type II alpha 1 protein, have been shown to induce cytokine responses. The absorption and bioavailability of shark cartilage components are not well studied, and oral preparations are commonly used despite limited data on their bioavailability.

Side effects

Shark cartilage is associated with several adverse effects. Common side effects include GI distress, nausea, and taste alterations. Uncommon side effects include allergic reactions, such as occupational asthma from shark cartilage dust, and cases of hepatitis. Rare side effects include hypercalcemia, particularly in patients with renal disease or cancer, and severe toxicities such as diarrhea, dyspnea, leukopenia, neutropenia, and bone pain. Coadministration with calcium supplements or thiazide diuretics may increase calcium levels, posing a risk of hypercalcemia. Use is contraindicated in patients with coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, renal disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or cancer. Avoid use in pregnancy and lactation due to lack of safety and efficacy data. Caution is advised in pediatric and older adult populations due to potential toxicity from mercury and cadmium content.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose for shark cartilage, as its efficacy is not supported by robust evidence. Commercial doses range from 0.5 to 4.5 g/day, given in 2 to 6 divided doses, but these dosages are not based on evidence of efficacy. The maximum safe dose is not well defined, but high doses (up to 96 g/day) have been associated with severe adverse effects in clinical trials. Oral preparations should be taken on an empty stomach, and acidic fruit juices should be avoided for 15 to 30 minutes before and after administration. Topical preparations containing 5% to 30% shark cartilage are available, but their efficacy is not well established.

FAQs

Is shark cartilage safe to use?

Shark cartilage should be used with caution due to its potential adverse effects and lack of proven benefits. It contains potential toxins like mercury and cadmium, which could pose health risks.

Who should avoid taking shark cartilage?

It is important to avoid use in contraindicated populations, such as those with coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, renal disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or cancer. Pregnant and lactating women should also avoid it.

What are the expected results from using shark cartilage?

There is no robust evidence to support significant health benefits from using shark cartilage. Claims of anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory effects are not well-supported by scientific research.

How should shark cartilage be taken?

Follow the recommended dosing guidelines on the product label, but be aware that these are not based on evidence of efficacy. Oral preparations should be taken on an empty stomach.

Is it true that sharks rarely get cancer because of their cartilage?

The misconception that sharks rarely get cancer due to their cartilage content is not supported by scientific evidence and does not translate to human health benefits.

Research Sources

https://www.drugs.com/npp/shark-cartilage-extract.html – This source provides a general overview of shark cartilage, including its uses, side effects, and drug interactions. It highlights that shark cartilage has been investigated for various conditions, but the evidence supporting its benefits is generally weak and that it is associated with several adverse effects and potential health risks.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.2244 – This study investigates the potential benefits of fish cartilage hydrolysate (similar to shark cartilage) in a rat model of osteoarthritis. The findings showed a trend towards faster pain relief and joint function recovery, but no significant difference in cartilage lesion severity, suggesting limited efficacy.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009436.pub2/full – This Cochrane review assesses the effectiveness of shark cartilage for cancer treatment. The review concludes that there is no reliable evidence to support the use of shark cartilage for improving survival or quality of life in cancer patients, highlighting the lack of clinical benefit.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25600427/ – This study investigates the pro-inflammatory effects of shark cartilage on human leukocytes. The findings indicate that shark cartilage induces a Th1-type inflammatory cytokine response, potentially posing health risks due to its pro-inflammatory nature.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15912493/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examined the effects of shark cartilage on patients with incurable breast or colorectal cancer. The study found no improvement in overall survival or quality of life, and quality of life variables were significantly worse with shark cartilage supplementation in the short term.