ANTI-ANGIOGENIC COMPOUND
Anti-angiogenic property refers to the inhibition of blood vessels that supply nutrients to the cancer cells. Since cartilage is an avascular tissue, it is considered to be a natural source of anti-angiogenic compound. Some in-vitro studies have reported that the mechanism of action of anti-angiogenic property is by the inhibition of cell proliferation.
CARTILAGE
An integral part of the skeletal structure of shark is cartilage. Cartilage is a dense form of connective tissue. The major compounds in shark cartilage are glycosaminoglycans, including chondroitin sulphate, calcium, collagen, phosphorus and other minerals. As a component of cartilage, chondroitin sulphate has been researched as a supplement that could support repair of damaged cartilage or as an agent to prevent progression of osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulphate is important to maintain elasticity of the cartilage in joints.
CALCIUM
Calcium is an essential dietary mineral. It is present mainly in skeleton, which provides structural support for the body. Calcium is also necessary for muscle contractions, nerve cell signalling, and blood clotting. Calcium deficiency is known to lead to osteoporosis and is very common, with an estimated 20% of the worldwide population being calcium deficient.
PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus is the second most plentiful mineral in your body. The first is calcium. Your body needs phosphorus for many functions, such as filtering waste and repairing tissue and cells. Phosphorus also helps to keep your bones strong and healthy, manage how your body stores and uses energy, and to move your muscles.
CALCIUM HYDROXYAPATITE
When calcium and phosphorus are naturally present in the right ratio of approximately 2:1, they then form a crystalline structure called hydroxyapatite. Calcium hydroxyapatite from fish bone is considered the most bioavailable form of calcium.
COLLAGEN
Fish collagen is a complex structural protein that helps maintain the strength and flexibility of skin, ligaments, joints, bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, gums, eyes, nails and hair. Fish collagen is a Type One collagen, which is the most abundant collagen in the human body. Type One is best known for providing the foundation for beautiful skin, strong connective tissues and sturdy bones. Fish collagen has recently shown its ability to increase the body’s own natural collagen reproduction.
(Refer “Effects of fish collagen peptides on collagen post-translational modifications and mineralization in an osteoblastic culture system”, National Institute of Health September 2013).
GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN
Researchers have found that shark cartilage is rich in glycosaminoglycans(GAGs).
Scientist have long known the vital role glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play in the production and maintenance of the body’s living tissues in both humans and animals.
The complex carbohydrates provide essential structural components for the cell walls, mucous membranes and the connective tissue of bones, teeth, tendons and cartilage.
VITAMIN D3 & VITAMIN K2 (MK-7)
Vitamin D3 helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and helps the calcium to form in the bone matrix.
Vitamin K2 helps to bind calcium to proper places like bone matrix.
Vitamin K2 activates the GLA protein, which inhibits the formation of calcium in arterial walls. Vitamin K2 also activates a protein called osteocalcin that is produced by osteoblast cells. Osteocalcin helps to take calcium from the blood circulation and bind it to the bone matrix. Osteocalcin influences bone mineralization through its ability to bind to the mineral component of bone, hydroxyapatite, which in turn makes the skeleton stronger and less susceptible to fracture.
(Refer “Proper Calcium Use: Vitamin K2 as a Promoter of Bone and Cardiovascular Health” Integrative Medicine February 2015).