Shark Cartilage by Douglas Laboratories

LIKELY INEFFECTIVE

• Cancer. Most clinical research shows that oral shark cartilage is not beneficial in people with advanced cancer. Details: Most clinical research shows that taking shark cartilage orally offers no benefit in people with advanced, previously-treated cancer, including breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and brain cancers, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (2015,6716,6717,13086,17102,74731). These studies used shark cartilage powder (Cartilade, Cartilage USA; Benefin, Lane Labs) at doses of 1-1.3 grams/kg daily or 96 grams daily (2015,6717,13086) and shark cartilage extract (AE-941, Neovastat) (17102). Studies of shark cartilage in less advanced cancer have not been published.

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although there is interest in using oral shark cartilage for AMD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shark cartilage for this condition.
• Diabetic retinopathy. Although there is interest in using oral shark cartilage for diabetic retinopathy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shark cartilage for this condition.
• Kaposi sarcoma. It is unclear if oral shark cartilage is beneficial in patients with Kaposi sarcoma. Details: There is anecdotal evidence that taking shark cartilage orally, 3.75-4.5 grams daily divided into 3 doses, might decrease cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma lesions and increase histological regression (4938). Prospective clinical research is needed to confirm this finding.
• Osteoarthritis. Topical shark cartilage has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a topical preparation of shark cartilage 140 mg, chondroitin sulfate 50 mg, glucosamine sulfate 30 mg, and camphor 32 mg per gram, as needed for up to 8 weeks, reduces osteoarthritis symptoms. However, any symptom relief is most likely due to the counterirritant effect of camphor and not the other ingredients (10327).
• Psoriasis. It is unclear if topical shark cartilage is beneficial in patients with psoriasis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with plaque psoriasis shows that applying a specific solution of a shark cartilage extract (AE-941, Neovastat) topically, 30-240 mL to affected areas daily for up to 12 weeks, can improve the appearance of plaques and reduce itching when compared with baseline (4893,10399).
• Renal cell carcinoma. It is unclear if oral shark cartilage is beneficial in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific solution of shark cartilage extract (AE-941, Neovastat), 60-240 mL daily orally, seems to increase survival in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (4894,10900). However, no further clinical evidence has been published, and this specific extract is no longer being evaluated for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although there is interest in using oral shark cartilage for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shark cartilage for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate shark cartilage for these uses.

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POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Shark cartilage has been used with apparent safety in clinical trials lasting up to 24 weeks (2015,4893,4938,6709,6716,6717,13086,74741) and for up to 40 months in patients with advanced cancer (10900,17102). ...when used topically and appropriately, short-term. Shark cartilage appears to be safe when applied topically for up to 8 weeks (74729).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, shark cartilage might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that shark cartilage might stimulate immune responses (74692,74700,93050). This effect has not been reported in humans.

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General ...Orally, shark cartilage is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Constipation, dizziness, dyspepsia, erythema, fatigue, hypotension, nausea, taste disturbance, and vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Altered consciousness, decreased motor strength, decreased sensation, generalized weakness, hepatitis, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and peripheral edema.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, shark cartilage can cause hypotension and peripheral edema (2014,2015,6716,10900).

Endocrine ...Orally, shark cartilage can cause hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and hypercalcemia (2014,2015,6716,10900,74724).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, shark cartilage can cause taste disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, cramping, and bloating (2014,2015,6716,10900,74724,74730,74731).

Hepatic ...Orally, shark cartilage can cause acute hepatitis, with symptoms including low-grade fever, jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, right upper quadrant tenderness, and elevated liver enzymes (2012).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, shark cartilage can cause decreased motor strength, generalized weakness, and decreased performance (2014,2015,6716,10900).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, shark cartilage can cause dizziness, altered consciousness, decreased sensation, and fatigue (2014,2015,6716,10900,74725).

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