Natural Products

Shark Cartilage

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Indications with proof that it is not effective:
  Advanced cancer
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Arthritis – Osteoarthritis
  Cutaneous Kaposi Sarcoma
  Diabetic retinopathy
  Enteritis
  Psoriasis
  Renal cell carcinoma
  Wound healing

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
• Adverse Effects: Not Frequent

What is it?

Shark cartilage is obtained from three species of shark found in the Pacific Ocean. The cartilage is cut, cleaned, crushed and then dried. The dried crushed cartilage is then reduced to a fine powder, sterilized and encapsulated. Some have attributed anticancer properties to this product. It was thought that shark cartilage could inhibit the growth of new vessels required to nourish a growing tumor. However, recent studies have shown that it is not effective in the treatment of advanced cancer. Up to now, the results from investigations in humans have been quite disappointing.

Shark cartilage is made up of about 40% proteins, 5-20% glycoaminoglycans as well as calcium salts.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

There is no evidence that shark cartilage is effective in any indications. The use of shark cartilage cannot be recommended for any indications.

Doses vary greatly: from 500 to 4500 mg per day. It is usually administered with food, in 2 to 6 divided doses.

Is it safe?

• Shark cartilage is usually not associated with any severe toxicity. However, it may leave a bad taste in the mouth or present an offensive odor. It can cause nausea, vomiting, stomachache and constipation.
• If shark cartilage does have the properties claimed, it should not be used following myocardial infarction or surgery. Since there is no safety data available concerning its use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, pregnant and lactating women should avoid shark cartilage.
• There are no known drug interactions.

References

1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
2. Peirce, Andrea. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, APha, 1999
3. Facts & Comparisons, The Lawrence review of natural products, 1998
4. Passeportsanté.net. Requin (cartilage). http://www.passeportsante.net