What is Shark Derivatives used for?
Anticancer Early claims were made that extracts of shark cartilage inhibited tumors. The rationale includes the fact that sharks rarely get cancer, that sharks are cartilaginous fish and that cartilage is avascular (without blood vessels) and contains agents that inhibit vascularization (blood vessel genesis). The reasoning then follows that sharks do not get cancer because the inhibited vascularization prevents the formation of tumors. Hence, giving it to humans may inhibit tumor angiogenesis and cure cancer. The active principle(s) has not been found, although some believe it might be a protein. The shark cartilage was thought to be a cancer control agent. Several studies have been done on various sharks, but none have proven this theory. Clinical studies must be undertaken to prove any of the anticancer effects of shark derivatives. Other uses Squalamine has been used as a potent antibiotic with fungicidal and antiprotozoal activity.
