Shark cartilage for arthritis

Information on Shark Cartilage

Numerous trials tried to prove the effectiveness of shark cartilage for the treatment of numerous different types of medical conditions, including arthritis. Some people actually swear, by this remedy, without any proof. Those same people claim that shark cartilage is actually a miracle cure for arthritis and countless other different types of medical conditions.

The medication can get quite expensive. There has been extensive research that tried to show whether using shark cartilage can provide those who suffer from multiple different types of joint problems with precious relief.

The common belief comes from the fact that sharks cannot get cancer. Their skeletal structure contains very strong cartilage, which is rich in different nutrients. Various health supplements exploit those facts, selling the idea that shark cartilage is very beneficial for human health.

Arthritis and Shark Cartilage

Cartilage is a connective type of tissue, and it can be found in most animals. When the animal grows, the cartilage usually turns into bones, but the skeletal structure of sharks consists of cartilage exclusively. Cartilage usually consists of collagen, chondrocytes, sugar, protein, and certain other types of compounds.

Certain studies claim that shark cartilage can be of great help when it comes to the reduction of inflammatory conditions often associated with arthritis problems. There are also claims that shark cartilage may also be beneficial in the facilitation of the free movement of the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to articular cartilage destruction. Shark cartilage polysaccharide (SCP) is a biodegradable, biocompatible, nontoxic, non-immunogenic and non-inflammatory polysaccharide that may be used in treating RA.

The anti-RA activities of SCP given orally to rats are investigated here for the first time.
SCP treatment group were administered with SCP-1, SCP-2 in the dosage of 9 mg/day for 24 days. The effect of SCP-1 and SCP-2 on the body weight, paw swelling, morphological changes of ankle and IL-6, IL-12 secretion in RA rats are examined.
On day 24, there were no obvious differences in BMI between positive, SCP-1 and SCP-2 group. The swelling degree of SCP-1 and SCP-2 group was less serious than model group. X-ray revealed that SCP-1, SCP-2 group owned normal joint alignment and more smooth and tidy articular surface.
The SCP-1 and SCP-2 have inhibitory effect on IL-6 (430.3 ± 25.6 pg/mL, 439.1 ± 35.9 pg/mL) and IL-12 (63.9 ± 20.1 pg/mL, 64.9 ± 14.1 pg/mL) secretion, which showed significant differences with model group (612 ± 72.3 pg/mL, 230.1 ± 29.2 pg/mL), but still higher than normal group (361.8 ± 47.1 pg/mL, 34.2 ± 15.1 pg/mL) and lower than positive group (418.1 ± 42.5 pg/mL, 90.2 ± 17.8 pg/mL). Especially, when the concentration of SCP was 125 ?g/mL, the contents of IL-6 (431.1 ± 43.3 pg/mL, 401.7 ± 55.7 pg/mL) and IL-12 (63.2 ± 12.3 pg/mL, 52.3 ± 8.7 pg/mL) were lowest.

✓ Fact confirmed: Effects of shark cartilage polysaccharides on the secretion of IL-6 and IL-12 in rheumatoid arthritis Yang Chuan-Ying, Zheng Lei; 2012 Sep 20.

Reportedly, some components of shark cartilage can be of great help in boosting the immune system. Shark cartilage is a good source of different types of minerals and amino acids, which are very beneficial for the overall health of human beings.

It is also rich in mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans which are efficient in healing torn ligaments and rejuvenating different types of tissues in the human body. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are very efficient in decreasing pain, improving the range of joint movement, reducing swelling, and decreasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

It can be purchased in different forms, such as powder, capsules, and paste. One does not require a prescription to purchase shark cartilage supplements in any of their different forms.

Possible Side Effects

Shark cartilage may also be affiliated with certain types of side effects. Minor side effects may include nausea and stomach pain. Some other side effects may include skin rash and certain other allergic reactions.

People who suffer from different types of heart or kidney problems should avoid taking shark cartilage supplements. The same can be said for pregnant and breastfeeding women.