What
is Shark Cartilage?
For many years Shark's Fin, considered a delicacy in Asian
countries, has been consumed for its purported ability to
promote health, retard aging, and prevent disease. Today,
research is showing that Shark Cartilage supplementation
may help people suffering from a number of inflammatory
and degenerative diseases, including: hemorrhoids, psoriasis,
ulcerative colitis, acute skin allergies, rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis, and even cancer.
The shark, one of the most dangerous creatures in the sea,
is certainly one of the most remarkable creatures on the
face of the earth. The shark appears to be the only creature
with a natural immunity to practically every disease known
to man including cancer. Sharks heal quickly; In fact, even
though sharks have five sets of teeth they can form new
ones if needed. Sharks are also the only animals with a
skeleton comprised entirely of cartilage; a tough, bone
like tissue that makes up 6% to 8% of their gross weight.
It is this cartilage skeleton that scientists now believe
is responsible for the shark's super immunity.
How does it work?
Shark Cartilage appears to work through the activity of
at least four complex proteins contained in the cartilage.
The proteins appear to inhibit the development of new blood
capillaries needed to feed a fast growing tumor. Without
a feeding network, a tumor can't grow and existing tumors
may wither when their fragile blood vessels break down and
are not replaced. Normal blood vessels are sturdy and last
for years; whereas, tumor blood vessels are very fragile.
Other processes are involved, such as the inhibition of
cell division and immune system stimulation, however it
seems that the main action comes by inhibiting new blood
vessel development.
Can Shark Cartilage really help people suffering with arthritis?
Dr. Stephen Freedman, marine biologist and immunobiochemist
at the University of Utah, is particularly interested in
the anti-inflammatory aspects of Shark Cartilage. Dr. Freedman
cites exciting scientific research on using shark cartilage
supplements in the successful treatment of arthritis. These
experiments were conducted in Belgium and by Mote Labs in
Florida. Shark cartilage was found to be overwhelmingly
effective in relieving joint pain and inflammation.
A dozen elderly arthritic patients with severe knee pain
were treated with Shark Cartilage by Dr. Joseph Orcasity,
M.D., a consultant at the University of Miami Medical School.
He reported that after four weeks of taking Shark Cartilage,
most patients exhibited greater mobility with reduced pain
and swelling.
Dr. Alien Pressman, a prominent sports nutritionist, routinely
uses Shark Cartilage in his healthy and active patient population,
as an adjunct in the treatment of lower back and joint pains.
He reports that using Shark Cartilage as a treatment is
becoming widely accepted in the medical community. In his
acutely injured patients he finds an almost immediate reduction
in pain and swelling and a marked increase in the range
of limb motion.
What about cancer?
Sharks don't get cancer, even when exposed to potent cancer
causing chemicals. Research suggests that the reason sharks
don't get cancer is because their skeletons are made of
cartilage, not bones. Cartilage unlike bone, has no blood
vessels. Some researchers believe that cancerous tumors
need a network of blood vessels in order to grow. Sharks,
which do not have a blood system in their skeletons to feed
tumors, therefore, they are practically cancer free.
According to William Lane, Ph.D., co-author of "Sharks
Don't Get Cancer," people suffering from cancer may
benefit from Shark Cartilage supplementation. Lane, among
others, believes that supplementation of Shark Cartilage
can inhibit blood vessel development, preventing new tumors
and starving existing ones.
The theory that tumors need blood vessels to nourish them
is not new. In fact, it was first stated by a Harvard researcher,
Judah Folkman, in 1971. Then in the mid 1970's researchers
from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology concluded
that calf cartilage could inhibit the growth of solid tumors.
In 1985 John Prudden, M.D., a Harvard-trained surgeon, published
a major clinical study involving 35 patients which reached
the conclusion that cartilage could inhibit tumor growth.
In addition, research conducted in Mexico and Costa Rica,
has also provided encouraging but preliminary and anecdotal
results. In one test, seven of eight patients taking Shark
Cartilage experienced a reduction of tumors from 30 to 100
percent.
While studies have shown that Shark Cartilage may help
in cases of cancer there is still more research to be done.
At this time, it is in no way suggested that cancer patients
abandon the currently accepted therapeutic approaches to
treatment. However, based on scientific research the use
of Shark Cartilage, along with traditional therapies, may
prove to be a valuable weapon in the war on cancer.
Is Shark Cartilage safe?
Yes. Shark Cartilage has no known toxicity. However, if
you are pregnant, nursing a baby, recovering from recent
surgery or have a heart or circulatory condition consult
a health professional before using Shark Cartilage.
How much should I take?
You should take two capsules before meals three times a
day, or as directed by your health care professional. The
reason it is suggested that Shark Cartilage be taken on
an empty stomach is because it is believed that Shark Cartilage
may be partially damaged by major exposure to stomach acids.
On an empty stomach, the cartilage will pass through the
stomach quickly with minimum damage from the acid. However,
if Shark Cartilage is taken on a partial or full stomach
it will not be rendered completely ineffective.
