Shark cartilage: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le 8 November 2025

Shark cartilage, popularized in the 1980s, became a dietary supplement known for its alleged anti-cancer properties, based on the rarity of this disease in sharks. Shark cartilage is primarily composed of proteins, calcium, phosphorus, collagen, and proteoglycans, of which the chondroitins are the main active components. Shark cartilage is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrated in animal studies. It also has significant anti-angiogenic properties that contribute to its anticancer effects, with studies showing an ability to delay tumor development in animals. Traditionally used as a dietary supplement, shark cartilage is often recommended for its potential to support the treatment of inflammatory conditions, immune disorders, and certain forms of cancer, although its effectiveness in these areas requires further clinical studies.

Family or group:

Aquatic organisms

Active ingredients:

Calcium

Phosphorus

Chondroitin

Collagen

Squalamine

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.

One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.

No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Cancer
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Shark cartilage, once popular among cancer patients, has produced overall disappointing results in clinical trials involving advanced cancers. Promising preclinical studies did not translate to the clinic, raising questions about bioavailability and the active principles responsible for its antiangiogenic effect. For example, a study of 60 people with various advanced cancers showed no effect of orally administered shark cartilage (1 g/kg) on tumor growth or quality of life. Another large study of patients with advanced breast and colorectal cancers also showed no improvement in survival or quality of life. However, smaller preliminary studies sometimes reported positive effects, such as tumor regression, improved appetite, or reduced pain. Research with Neovastat (AE-941), a standardized extract of shark cartilage, showed inhibitory effects on tumor growth and metastasis mainly in animal models, with a few clinical studies indicating a significant survival benefit, notably in patients with unresectable advanced-stage lung cancer.

Posologie

Orally

500 - 4500 mg

Phase I/II trial of the safety and efficacy of AE-941 (Neovastat) in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer
Chemoradiotherapy with or without AE-941 in stage III non-small cell lung cancer: a randomized phase III trial
Neovastat (AE-941) in refractory renal cell carcinoma patients: report of a phase II trial with two dose levels
Evaluation of shark cartilage in patients with advanced cancer: a North Central Cancer Treatment Group trial
Phase I/II trial of the safety and efficacy of shark cartilage in the treatment of advanced cancer

Osteoarthritis
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Preliminary clinical research indicates that topical application of a preparation containing 140 mg of shark cartilage, 50 mg of chondroitin sulfate, 30 mg of glucosamine sulfate, and 32 mg of camphor per gram, used as needed for up to 8 weeks, reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis. However, symptom relief is likely due to the anti-irritant effect of camphor rather than the shark cartilage.

Posologie

By mouth

140 mg

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee

Properties

Anticancer

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels, a process regulated by inducers and inhibitors. It is critical for development, reproduction, and repair, but it also predominates in many pathological conditions. Solid tumors require angiogenesis to grow beyond 1-2 mm in diameter. Angiogenesis inhibitors are being studied to treat cancer. Cartilage is an avascular tissue and contains substances that prevent blood vessel growth, making it a target for anti-angiogenesis research. Shark cartilage has anti-angiogenic properties, which are important in the fight against cancer because they prevent the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Shark cartilage extracts block vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathways and matrix metalloproteinases, two key mechanisms of angiogenesis. Studies have shown that Neovastat, a product derived from shark cartilage, inhibits cell proliferation and vascularization in various experimental models, and delays tumor development in animal models. In addition, it protects against the effects of chemotherapy, improving therapeutic outcomes while reducing side effects such as weight loss.

Usages associés

Cancer

Antiangiogenic and antimetastatic properties of Neovastat (AE-941), an orally active extract derived from cartilage tissue
Low molecular weight fraction of shark cartilage can modulate immune responses and abolish angiogenesis

Anti-inflammatory

Shark cartilage is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, revealed in animal studies. It acts by inhibiting IL-1-induced synthesis of PGE2, a process crucial in inflammatory reactions. Studies also suggest that shark cartilage could suppress airway inflammation by downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), offering a potential new therapeutic application for treating bronchial asthma. In addition, extracts of this cartilage have been shown to induce TH1-type inflammatory cytokines and reduce TH2 cell responses, which may be beneficial for hypersensitive individuals.

Usages associés

Osteoarthritis

Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of nutraceuticals from Sasha's Blend in a cartilage explant model of inflammation
Neovastat (AE-941) inhibits the airway inflammation via VEGF and HIF-2 alpha suppression

Immunostimulant

Shark cartilage stimulates cellular and humoral immune responses, as demonstrated in laboratory studies. It contains a complex mixture of constituents that confer these immunostimulant properties.

Effect of shark cartilage derived protein on the NK cells activity

Safe dosage

Adult: 400 mg - 4,500 mg

In clinical research, orally administered shark cartilage has been given as a liquid, powder, or capsules. AE-941 (Neovastat) is a derivative of shark cartilage that has been evaluated in clinical trials. It is a natural component of shark cartilage composed of a mixture of proteins with a molecular weight of less than 500 kilodaltons.

Interactions

Médicaments

Immunosuppressant: low interaction

In vitro data suggest that shark cartilage may stimulate immune responses.

Contraindications

Allergies: contraindicated

Use is not recommended for people with an allergy to shellfish or fish.

Conseil scientifique