Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
See book keywords and concepts |
 In addition to collagen and chondroitin sulfate, shark cartilage contains about 5 to 10% water, a large percentage of calcium and phosphate, and other molecules, several of low molecular weight. These appear to possess anti-angiogenic activity, as well as other activities. These substances are being researched as possible therapeutic candidates.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
ACTIONS
Shark cartilage has putative antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anti-atherogenic actions, although these putative actions are so far poorly supported by credible clinical research. |
| For example, it is found in products for bone and joint health that often combine such nutrients as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, soy isoflavones, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, curcumin, boswellia, gelatin, ipriflavone, SAMe and others (see monographs on these substances). There's no evidence yet available that the therapeutic effects of boron are increased by such combinations.
HOW SUPPLIED
Capsules — 3 mg Tablets — 3 mg, 6 mg
LITERATURE
Chapin RE, Ku WW, Kenny MA, Mc Coy H, Gladen B, Wine RN, Wilson R, Elwell MR. The effects of dietary boron on bone strength in rats. |
| The main glycosaminoglycan in bovine cartilage is chondroitin sulfate.
In 1976, Judah Folkman and his colleagues reported on the isolation of a factor from the scapular cartilage of calves that inhibited the growth of new blood vessels supporting implanted tumors in rabbits. It also stopped the growth of the tumors.
Subsequently, it was found that factors in shark cartilage had similar effects (see Shark Cartilage). Bovine cartilage, marketed as a nutritional supplement and for other indications, is primarily derived from bovine trachea. |
| PHARMACOKINETICS
The pharmacokinetics of collagen in bovine cartilage should be similar to those of dietary proteins. See chondroitin sulfate for pharmacokinetics of that substance.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
As with shark cartilage, claims for bovine cartilage include anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Accelerated wound-healing effects are also claimed for oral bovine cartilage. There is little support for these claims. Topical bovine cartilage does appear to aid in wound healing. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The daily dosage recommended for chondroitin sulfate is 1,200 milligrams.
Other supplements may be beneficial as well. For some patients I recommend MSM and SAMe in additional to glucosamine sulfate. You may also want to consider taking antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium, and lipoic acid, or natural herbal antiinflammatories such as bromelain, boswellia, and cat's claw. To help relieve pain—and possibly improve the condition of cartilage—you can apply ointments that contain MSM or capsaicin. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
See book keywords and concepts |
| Also, there is no glucosamine sulfate in chondroitin sulfate.
PHARMACOKINETICS
Pharmacokinetics of glucosamine are derived primarily from animal studies. About 90% of glucosamine administered orally as a glucosamine salt gets absorbed from the small intestine, and from there it is transported via the portal circulation to the liver. It appears that a significant fraction of the ingested glucosamine is catabolized by first-pass metabolism in the liver. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
 You'll see strange names like phosphatidylserine and chondroitin sulfate, mysterious abbreviations like DHEA, or headline-grabbing labels like melatonin and shark cartilage.
How do we classify these other supplements that are neither vitamins, minerals, nor herbs?
There are so many different kinds that they defy a single classification. Since all of them are in some stage of being tested, challenged, advertised, and marketed, however, it seems simplest to call them emerging supplements.
Many of the emerging supplements are almost literally new inventions. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Chondroitin sulfate and cartilage preparations are poorly absorbed.
• Physical therapy and exercise can help relieve osteoarthritis.
• Topically applied menthol or capsaicin preparations can help reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. osteoarthritis are given no treatment. One group of researchers studied the natural course of osteoarthritis of the hip over a ten-year period. At the beginning of the study, all subjects had X-ray changes suggestive of advanced osteoarthritis, yet the researchers reported marked clinical improvement over time. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
 Levels of chondroitin sulfate have been reported to be reduced in joint cartilage affected by osteoarthritis. Possibly as a result, CS may help restore joint function in people with osteoarthritis.17 On the basis of preliminary evidence, researchers had believed that CS did not absorb in humans.18 As a result, double-blind CS research showing reduced symptoms in people with osteoarthritis had been done mostly by injection.19-20 It now appears, however, that a significant amount of CS is absorbable in humans,21 though dissolving CS in water leads to better absorption than swallowing whole pills. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
| Once researchers began to uncover the active components in cartilage, however, they came up with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, Dr. Bucci says. These components, both of which have been used effectively to treat osteoarthritis, are available as separate supplements.
"Thus, the components of shark or bovine cartilage, but not the actual cartilage powder itself, work on arthritis," says Dr. Bucci. "Cartilage powders are much cheaper than purified components. Some manufacturers use cartilage powders and claim that their products have chondroitin. |
Stanley W. Jacob, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Patients have frequently asked my opinion about chondroitin sulfate, another popular nutritional supplement suggested for arthritis. I have not seen patients improve after adding chon-droitin sulfate, however.
MSM often allows patients on medication to reduce the number of pain pills they need and sometimes even eliminate them. If you are on medicarion, always consult your physician first before modifying or stopping a prescription. Some individuals have been taking cortisone for many years for its anti-inflammatory effect. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Glycosaminoglycans
A mixture of highly purified bovine-derived glycosaminoglycans naturally present in the aorta, including dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and related hexosaminoglycans, has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation as well as protecting and promoting normal artery and vein function. |
| The few clinical studies that have been done with orally administered chondroitin sulfate demonstrate that it is less effective than glucosamine sulfate.32-35 Far more impressive results have been achieved with glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is faster acting and provides much greater overall benefit.
Niacinamide
In the 1940s and 1950s, Dr William Kaufman, and later Dr Abram Hoffer, reported very good clinical results in the treatment of hundreds of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis using high-dose niacinamide (i.e. 900-4,000 mg/day in divided doses). |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
| The effect of chondroitin sulfate on bone healing. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1965; 20: 795-801.
2. Kerzberg EM, Roldan EJA, Castelli G, Huberman ED. Combination of glycosaminoglycans and acetylsalicylic acid in knee osteoarthritis. Scand J Rheum 1987; 16: 377.
3. Rovetta G. Galactosamin-oglycuronoglycan sulfate (Matrix) in therapy of tibiofibular osteoarthritis of the knee. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1991; 17: 53-57.
4. Mazieres B, Loyau G, Menkes CJ, et al. Le chondroitine sulfate dans le traitement de la gonarthrose et de la coxarthrose. Rev Rhum Mai Steoartic 1992; 59:466-72.
5. |
| Effects of chondroitin sulfate on snoring characteristics: a pilot study. Curr Ther Res 1998; 59: 234-43.
10. Baggio B, Gambaro G, Marchini F, et al. Correction of erythrocyte abnormalities in idiopathic calcium-oxalate nephrolithiasis and reduction of urinary oxalate by oral glycosaminoglycans. Lancet 1991; 338: 403-5.
11. Cao LC, Boeve ER, de Bruihn WC, et al. Glycosaminoglycans and semisynthetic sulfated polysaccharides: an overview of their potential application in treatment of patients with urolithiasis. Urology 1997; 50: 173-83 [review].
Chromium
1. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Similar, but not nearly as impressive, results to aorta extracts in the treatment of atherosclerosis have been noted with chondroitin sulfate at a daily dose of 3 g (1 g with meals, three times daily).110
Preventing a subsequent stroke
To prevent a subsequent stroke, as well as to promote recovery from a stroke, Ginkgo biloba extract should be added to the program given above for preventing a subsequent heart attack. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
| Injectable forms of chondroitin sulfate have been used in Europe for various types of sports-related injuries to tendons and joints,55'56,57'58 and one uncontrolled study reported reduced pain and good healing in young athletes with chondromalacia patella (a chronic knee irritation) who were given 750-1,500 mg per day of glucosamine sulfate.59
Improved healing from major trauma and surgery has been demonstrated with oral supplements of several grams per day of either arginine (p. 268) and/or glutamine (p. 300),60'61 and ornithine alpha-ketoglu-tarate (p. 319). |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Aortic glycosaminoglycans
A mixture of highly purified bovine-derived glycosaminoglycans naturally present in the aorta, including dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and related hexosaminoglycans, has been shown to protect and promote normal artery and vein function. |
Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |
 Another very important nutrient is chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin is synthesized to glucosamine in your joints. Chondroitin is one of the molecular "cements" or "glues" that holds together cartilage and lets the collagen protein be laid down, forming the actual tissue.
Another interesting finding has been the value of our friend vitamin C. This should be taken as 4,000 mg/day in two or three doses with meals. We have thought about using C for many other problems, but is it also a very important nutrient for the joints. |
| We need to protect these collagen surfaces from the irritative substances which circulate in the blood and ultimately get into the joint...
"Chondroitin sulfate appears to be one of the best treatments for both arthritis and vascular disease. When you take it orally, it actually enters into the body through the intestinal tract and will selectively go to the joints and all the areas of damage in the blood vessels. It not only acts preventively but also will help reverse the diseases that are present. This substance is now available in this country in health food stores. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Comparision of the antiinflammatory efficacy of chondroitin sulfate and diclofenac sodium in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 1996; 23: 1385-1391
36. Kaufman W. The common form of joint dysfunction: its incidence and treatment. Brattleboro, VT: EL Hildreth Co. 1949
37. Hoffer A. Treatment of arthritis by nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Can Med Assoc J 1959; 81: 235-239
38. Jonas WB, Rapoza CP, Blair WF. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis. A pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996; 45: 330-334
39. Harmand MF et al. |
Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |
| Others in Europe are using substances they extracted from the cartilage itself, such as the chondroitin sulfate.
"There is a very large body of literature on the topic, with dozens of human studies and even more with animals. We know how and why these substances work because this is how the body heals itself. So I answer their question about where are the studies with my own question: 'Where's everybody been?' Why have people not read the prodigious literature available? Why don't people just open up their eyes and read?"
AVOIDING CERTAIN FOODS AND CHEMICALS Dr. |
Nicola Reavley
See book keywords and concepts |
 Shark cartilage also contains chondroitin sulfate, which has antiinflammatory properties.
Therapeutic uses
The ability to inhibit angiogenesis means that shark cartilage may be valuable in inhibiting tumor growth,1 and treating eye disorders such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. It has also been used to treat AIDS, arthritis, psoriasis, and bowel inflammation.
Cautions
Shark cartilage should not to be used by anyone who is still growing and needs angiogenesis for blood vessel development. |
Stanley W. Jacob, M.D., Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Patients have frequently asked my opinion abour chondroitin sulfate, another popular nutritional supplement suggested for arthritis. I have not seen patients improve after adding chon-droitin sulfate, however.
MSM often allows patients on medication to reduce the number of pain pills they need and sometimes even eliminate them. If you are on medication, always consult your physician first before modifying or stopping a prescription. Some individuals have been taking cortisone for many years for its anti-inflammatory effect. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
| Test tube and animal studies have found these substances, and others like them, can promote improved tissue healing.49'50,51'52,53 One controlled human study found that wounds healed with greater strength when they were treated topically with a chondroitin sulfate-con-taining powder. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
See book keywords and concepts |
 Recently a new drug has been approved by the FDA that combines a form of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) with chondroitin sulfate (see discussion of that substance elsewhere). This drug (Viscoat) is injected into the eye to protect against corneal loss during cataract surgery and artificial lens implantation.
There are early indications that Viscoat may also be useful in the treatment of arthritis, acting as a long-lasting lubricant when injected into affected joints. More research will have to be done on this issue before Viscoat can be sold for this use, as well. |
John Boik
See book keywords and concepts |
 GAGs exist in four main forms: heparan sulfate and heparin, chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and keratan sulfate. Of these, only hyaluronic acid is not bound to a protein and is not sulfated in its natural form. chains, which appears to facilitate matrix repair by chondrocytes (Hardingham and Fosang, 1992).
Oral administration of polysaccharides may inhibit neoplasia by directly affecting CAMs. |
Stanley W. Jacob, M.D., Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D.
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| In my experience, chondroitin sulfate, another nutritional supplement said to promote healthy cartilage, has not proven to offer any significant clinical benefits. Scientific research indicates that chondroitin is generally not well absorbed.
Perspective # 3—Ephrain Olszewer, M.D.
In Brazil, Efrain Olszewer, M.D., director of the International Preventive Medicine Clinic in Sao Paulo, has been testing MSM on arthritic patients for more than a year.
"We wanted to see if arthritics could be maintained on MSM alone, without any medication such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatories," says Olszewer. |
Ruth Winter, M.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 SODIUM chondroitin sulfate • Present in soft connective tissue, it is abundant in skin arterial walls and heart valves. It is used to reduce fats and as a flexible connector between protein molecules. No known toxicity. SODIUM CITRATE • White, odorless crystals, granules, or powder with a cool salty taste. Stable in air. Used as a sequestering ingredient (see) to remove trace metals in solutions and as an alkalizer in cosmetic products. No known skin toxicity.
SODIUM COCETH SULFATE • See Coconut Oil. SODIUM COCOAMINOPROPIONATE • See Coconut Oil. SODIUM COCOAMPHOACETATE • See Surfactants. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
See book keywords and concepts |
| Substances analyzed in this chapter include:
Aspirin Bee and Flower Pollens BHA and BHT Charcoal chondroitin sulfate Deaner Dextran Sulfate DHEA
DMSO
Experimental Immunomodulators Fruit Acids Gerovital H3 Glandulars Hyaluronic Acid Hyperbaric Oxygen Memory Enhancers Minoxidil and Other Baldness Remedies Oscillococcinum Oxygen Therapies Sanguinaria and Other Plaque Fighters Superoxide Dismutase Testosterone and Steroids Thymic Therapies Transfer Factor
Aspirin
(The Once and Future "Miracle" Drug)
Aspirin, the original "miracle" drug, continues to surprise all of us. |
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