* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Cartilage extracts are just what you think they are - from sharks, the fins are typically used. The cartilage is then pulverized, powdered and packed into capsules.
Claims:
Cures/Prevents Cancer
Promotes wound healing
Relieves Arthritis pain and stiffness
Theory:
Cartilage has been linked to healing of connective tissue injuries since the middle part of the century (much as HCP/gelatin, glucosamine and chondroitin are today). In the early 1980s, cartilage extracts became a popular alternative treatment for reducing the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Today, the most common use of cartilage supplements is as a cancer treatment. As the theory goes, cartilage supplements inhibit tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels) and "choking off" the blood supply that the tumor needs to survive and grow. This popular (but unproven) theory generated a wave of media attention in the 1980's following publication of a popular pseudo-scientific book entitled, "Sharks Don't Get Cancer" (but they really DO).
Scientific Support:
Although there is certainly no shortage of testimonials for "miracle" cartilage products that "cure" cancer, the scientific evidence for such effects is lacking. Despite shark and bovine cartilage supplements being touted as "cancer cures," careful scientific study in people with advanced tumors have shown these claims to be wildly optimistic at best and completely bogus in many cases. It is estimated that more than 100,000 U.S. cancer victims have tried shark cartilage, either alone or in conjunction with standard chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the majority of studies which have tested shark cartilage on cancer patients have found little or no effect in slowing disease or improving quality of life. In one recent study, 60 patients with various cancers saw no improvements in tumor size or disease stage.
An interesting 1983 report in the prestigious journal, Science, however, indicates that shark cartilage does indeed contain compounds which can inhibit tumor angiogenesis. This means that something in cartilage prevents the growth of new blood vessels toward tumors, thereby restricting tumor growth (the inhibitor is probably not a typical protein, but may be a heat-stable proteoglycan). Whatever this factor happens to be, it turns out that there is quite a lot of it in shark cartilage compared to cartilage from mammalian sources (such as cows). A major problem with the shark cartilage theory of tumor prevention, however, has always been that there was no good clinical proof that this anti-angiogenesis factor could even get into the body when consumed as a dietary supplement.
However, studies reported in 1999-2000 suggests that oral administration of liquid cartilage extract delivers a similar anti-angiogenesis effect in humans that has been observed in lab animals and test tube studies. In one study, subjects (29 healthy males) received either a placebo or a liquid shark cartilage extract (7ml or 21ml) each day for 3-4 weeks. Midway through the supplementation period (day 12), a special sponge was inserted subcutaneously (under the skin of each subject's arm) and removed on Day 23. Researchers then counted the number of cells which had grown into the sponge as an indirect measurement of angiogenesis. Results from the study found that cell density was significantly lower in subjects who had received the liquid cartilage extract compared to subjects who had received the placebo. These results are the first to show that the anti-angiogenic component of cartilage extracts is bioavailable in humans by oral administration and that oral intake of such extracts can actually reduce blood vessel growth in the body. The next step will be to conduct controlled clinical trials in cancer patients to see whether cartilage extracts can indeed "choke off" cancerous tumors and live up to the claims made for many of the supplement currently on the market.
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Directions
Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with meals.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in childproof, tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
