Shark cartilage
Scientific names: Squalus acanthias, Sphyrna lewini
Alternate names: AE-941, Cartilage de Requin, Cartilage de Requin du Pacifique, Cartilago de Tiburon, Collagène Marin, Extrait de Cartilage de Requin, Liquide de Cartilage Marin, Marine Collagen, Marine Liquid Cartilage, MSI-1256F, Neovastat, Pacific Shark Cartilage, Poudre de Cartilage de Requin, Shark Cartilage Extract, Shark Cartilage Powder
Actions: Antiangiogenic, Antiarthritic, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Fibrinolytic, Immune stimulation, Media supplement
Background
Shark cartilage is the tissue that provides support for fins in sharks (Squalus acanthias). It mainly comes from sharks caught in the Pacific Ocean.
Shark cartilage became a popular medicine in the 1970s. But its popularity led to a decline in shark numbers. It was previously suggested that sharks don't get cancer, so consuming their cartilage might help prevent cancer in humans. But it is now clear that sharks do get cancer, and research hasn't shown benefits for cancer in humans.
People use shark cartilage for cancer, scaly itchy skin (psoriasis), osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence supporting these uses.
Don't confuse shark cartilage with bovine cartilage, or with chondroitin, which can be sourced from shark cartilage.
Shark cartilage became a popular medicine in the 1970s. But its popularity led to a decline in shark numbers. It was previously suggested that sharks don't get cancer, so consuming their cartilage might help prevent cancer in humans. But it is now clear that sharks do get cancer, and research hasn't shown benefits for cancer in humans.
People use shark cartilage for cancer, scaly itchy skin (psoriasis), osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence supporting these uses.
Don't confuse shark cartilage with bovine cartilage, or with chondroitin, which can be sourced from shark cartilage.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Shark cartilage is possibly safe when used for up to 40 months. It can cause a bad taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and constipation.
When applied to the skin: Shark cartilage is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks.
"Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Shark cartilage might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using shark cartilage.
High calcium levels (hypercalcemia): Shark cartilage contains calcium and might increase calcium levels. Do not use shark cartilage if you already have high calcium levels.
When applied to the skin: Shark cartilage is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if shark cartilage is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use."Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Shark cartilage might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using shark cartilage.
High calcium levels (hypercalcemia): Shark cartilage contains calcium and might increase calcium levels. Do not use shark cartilage if you already have high calcium levels.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
- Cancer. Taking shark cartilage by mouth does not benefit people with advanced, previously treated cancers, including breast, colon, lung, prostate, and brain cancer.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of shark cartilage might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Shark cartilage can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking shark cartilage along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Calcium: Shark cartilage contains calcium and might raise calcium levels. Using it along with calcium supplements might make calcium levels too high.
Interactions with foods
Acidic fruit juices such as orange, apple, grape, or tomato, can lower the strength of shark cartilage. If shark cartilage is added to a fruit juice to improve flavor, it should be consumed right away.
Products
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Per 10 g:
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Per 8 g:
RRP: $33.95$28.86Save: 15%
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Per 20 mL:
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Per tablet (Watermelon):
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A) 600 μg
- Mecobalamin (Vitamin B12) 0.4 μg
- Malpighia glabra ext. 24.31 mg
- Cholecalciferol 1.25 μg equiv. vitamin D3 50 IU
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate 1.85 mg equiv. vitamin E 2.24 IU
- Zinc citrate 2.93 mg equiv. zinc 1 mg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 190 μg equiv. thiamine 150 μg
- Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium (Activated B2) 190 μg equiv. riboflavin 150 μg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 2 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 1.09 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 1 mg equiv. calcium 90 μg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P) 220 μg equiv. pyridoxine 150 μg
- Calcium folinate (Activated folate) 32.5 μg equiv. folinic acid 30 μg
- Menaquinone 7 (Vitamin K2) 8.75 μg
- Choline bitartrate 60.78 mg equiv. choline 25 mg
- Chromic chloride hexahydrate 19 μg equiv. chromium 3.75 μg
- Ferric pyrophosphate 8.94 mg equiv. iron 2.5 mg
- Magnesium amino acid chelate 162.5 mg equiv. magnesium 32.5 mg
- Potassium iodide (Iodine) 29.4 μg equiv. iodine 22.5 μg equiv. potassium 6.9 μg
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RRP: $39.95$31.97Save: 20%
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Per 10 g (Manuka Honey, Ginger & Cinnamon):
390 g Manuka Honey, Ginger & Cinnamon
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Per 10 g
- Theobroma cacao (Cocoa powder) 5.5 g
- Magnesium
- Hydrolysed collagen
- Ceratonia siliqua (pod) powder (Carob)
- Natural vanilla flavour
- Coconut medium-chain triglyceride (Coconut MCT)
- Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)
- Thaumatin
- Hippophae rhamnoides
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
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Per 5.5 g (Berry):
- Hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides 2.87 g
- Beta vulgaris powder
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Punica granatum
- Hyaluronic acid sodium salt (Sodium hyaluronate) 115.5 mg
- Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry)
- Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry)
- Fermented Prebiotic Isomalto-oligosaccharides (Fermented prebiotic IMO)
- Natural flavours
- Silicon dioxide
- Haematococcus pluvialis
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Berry flavour
- Luo Han Guo (fruit) ext. (Monk fruit)
- Ribes nigrum
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RRP: $63.99$57.59Save: 10%
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RRP: $54.95$43.96Save: 20%
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Per 10 g (Coconut & Lemon Myrtle):
RRP: $32.99$28.04Save: 15%
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Per 8 g:
- Chicken, bones
- Chicken, roasted
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
- Tapioca
- Rosmarinus officinalis ext.
- Nutritional yeast flakes (Dried yeast)
- Piper nigrum (seed) powder
- Allium cepa
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RRP: $57.99$52.19Save: 10%
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Per 8 g:
- Chicken, bones
- Chicken, roasted
- Allium schoenoprasum dry
- Allium sativum powder
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pink Himalayan crystal salt
- Rosmarinus officinalis ext.
- Nutritional yeast flakes (Dried yeast)
- Allium cepa powder
- Piper nigrum (seed) oil
- Tapioca
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Per 6 g (Green Apple):
- Green banana starch 654 mg
- Wheatgrass powder 654 mg
- Hordeum vulgare (leaf) powder (Barley) 654 mg
- Green lentil
- Mung bean (sprout)
- Spinacia oleracea
- Acacia sp. 1.99 g
- Bacillus subtilis 1 billion CFU
- Brassica oleracea var. acephala (leaf) powder (Kale)
- Cucurbita pepo (seed)
- Linseed
- Chia (seed)
- Cynara scolymus
- Taraxacum officinale (root)
- Petroselinum crispum
- Chlorella vulgaris 450 mg
- Apple flavour
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk fruit)
- Agave sp.
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) 228 mg
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Per 10 g:
- Chicken, bones
- Chicken collagen peptides
- Nutritional yeast flakes (Dried yeast)
- Sweet potato powder
- Cucurbita pepo
- Sea salt
- Apple cider vinegar
- Tasmannia lanceolata
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Per 4 g:
- Beta vulgaris powder
- Fragaria ananassa (juice) powder (Strawberry)
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Ribes nigrum powder
- Punica granatum powder
- Silicon dioxide
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyll)
- Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry)
- Fermented Prebiotic Isomalto-oligosaccharides (Fermented prebiotic IMO)
- Natural pomegranate flavour
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This monograph was last reviewed on 24/03/2025 11:00:00 and last updated on 16/09/2014 21:29:37. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
