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Shark Cartilage Powder

Also known as: Shark cartilage, Shark cartilage extract, Shark cartilage powder, Shark Cartilage

Overview

Shark cartilage is derived from the cartilaginous skeleton of sharks and is marketed as a dietary supplement with purported anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and joint health properties. It contains a mix of compounds, including chondroitin sulfate, glycosaminoglycans, and bioactive peptides. Commonly used for conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, and as a complementary therapy for cancer, the research on shark cartilage is largely inconclusive and often of poor quality. Most studies suffer from significant limitations, including small sample sizes, high dropout rates, and inconsistent results. The quality of available evidence does not support its widespread use for any of its claimed benefits.

Benefits

There is no robust evidence to support the use of shark cartilage for any of its claimed benefits. Studies on cancer patients have consistently shown no improvement in survival or quality of life. Some studies suggest anti-inflammatory properties, but these are based on animal and in vitro data rather than robust clinical trials. A phase 1/2 trial showed some improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, but the high dropout rate and small sample size limit the interpretation of these findings. There is no clear evidence of benefits for any specific population, including those with cancer, arthritis, or psoriasis. The few positive findings are often statistically significant but clinically insignificant due to the small sample sizes and high variability in outcomes.

How it works

The exact mechanism of action of shark cartilage is unclear, but it is thought to involve the inhibition of neovascularization and the modulation of inflammatory pathways. However, studies have also shown that shark cartilage can induce a Th1-type inflammatory cytokine response, which could be detrimental in certain conditions. It may interact with the immune system, potentially leading to pro-inflammatory responses. There is limited data on the absorption and bioavailability of the active components in shark cartilage, and no specific molecular targets have been identified and consistently validated.

Side effects

Shark cartilage has been associated with several adverse effects, including diarrhea, dyspnea, leukopenia, neutropenia, and bone pain. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea are common. Respiratory issues like dyspnea, hematological abnormalities such as leukopenia and neutropenia are uncommon. Severe toxicities including bone pain have been reported in some studies. There is limited data on drug interactions, but it may interact with immunosuppressive therapies due to its immunomodulatory effects. Patients with underlying inflammatory diseases or those on immunosuppressive therapy should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with compromised immune systems should avoid using shark cartilage due to the lack of safety data.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose for shark cartilage due to the lack of consistent efficacy data. Studies have used a wide range of doses (e.g., 24 g to 96 g per day), but none have been proven effective. The maximum safe dose is not well defined, but higher doses have been associated with more severe side effects. No specific timing recommendations are supported by the available evidence. No form-specific recommendations can be made due to the inconsistent results across different forms (powder, extract, etc.). The bioavailability of shark cartilage components is not well understood.

FAQs

Is shark cartilage safe to use?

Users should be cautious due to the potential for adverse effects such as diarrhea, dyspnea, and bone pain, and the lack of proven benefits. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Who should avoid shark cartilage?

Shark cartilage can induce pro-inflammatory responses and may not be suitable for individuals with inflammatory diseases. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid it.

What results can I expect from taking shark cartilage?

Users should not expect significant health benefits based on the current evidence. Studies have not shown improvements in survival or quality of life for cancer patients.

When is the best time to take shark cartilage?

There is no recommended timing or administration schedule supported by robust evidence. Studies have used various dosages without consistent results.

Does shark cartilage prevent cancer?

The misconception that sharks rarely get cancer and thus their cartilage has anti-cancer properties is not supported by scientific evidence. Studies have shown no improvement in cancer outcomes.

Research Sources

https://www.drugs.com/npp/shark-cartilage-extract.html – Drugs.com provides a general overview of shark cartilage extract, including its uses, potential side effects, and interactions. It notes the lack of strong scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for most conditions and highlights the need for caution due to potential adverse effects.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005614.pub2/references – The Cochrane Library provides a database of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This link leads to references related to shark cartilage, indicating the availability of comprehensive analyses on its effects, though the specific content requires further exploration within the Cochrane database.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25600427/ – This PubMed entry likely contains a study or review related to shark cartilage. PubMed is a database of biomedical literature, and this entry would provide access to the abstract and potentially the full text of the research, offering insights into the study's methodology and findings.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15912493/ – This PubMed entry likely contains a study or review related to shark cartilage. PubMed is a database of biomedical literature, and this entry would provide access to the abstract and potentially the full text of the research, offering insights into the study's methodology and findings.
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/909.html – MedlinePlus provides consumer-friendly information about shark cartilage, including its uses, effectiveness, safety, and potential interactions. It emphasizes the lack of strong scientific evidence supporting its benefits and advises caution due to potential side effects.