Processing and utilization of shark cartilage

Abstract

Shark cartilage contains a substance that inhibits the growth of new blood vessels and restricting the growth of tumor. Angiogenesis is a condition for the growth of a tumor and able to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels. Earlier, cartilage was considered as a possible natural source of antiangiogenic compounds due to its known a vascular nature. In recent time cartilage has multiple uses in certain health problems such as asthma, diabetic problem, allergies, acne, phlebitis, peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids, arthritis, psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma, rheumatism, AIDS etc. Today, various forms of shark cartilage are available in market which includes shark cartilage powder, cartilage pills and shark cartilage extract. Thus, the objective of this review is to describe the main basic and clinical investigations about shark cartilage.