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Cleaned, dried, and powdered bovine cartilage is a supplement that helps accelerate wound
healing and reduce inflammation. Like shark cartilage, it has been shown to be helpful for
psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
VitaCarte from Phoenix
BioLabs contains pure bovine cartilage from range-raised, hormone-free cattle.
Bovine cartilage is mainly comprised of the protein collagen and proteoglycans.
Proteoglycans are composed of a core protein to which polysaccharides, known as
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or mucopolysaccharides, are attached. The main glycosaminoglycan
in bovine cartilage is chondroitin sulfate.
In 1976, Judah Folkman and his colleagues reported on the isolation of a factor from the
scapular cartilage of calves that inhibited the growth of new blood vessels supporting
implanted tumors in rabbits. It also stopped the growth of the tumors.
Subsequently, it was found that factors in shark cartilage had similar effects (see
Shark Cartilage). Bovine cartilage, marketed as a nutritional supplement and for other
indications, is primarily derived from bovine trachea.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Bovine cartilage has putative antitumor and anti-arthritic actions. Topical bovine
cartilage may have wound-healing activity.
The mechanism of the putative antitumor activity of bovine cartilage is unknown. Substances
in bovine cartilage may have some anti-angiogenic activity. It has been suggested that
chondroitin sulfate in bovine cartilage may have immunomodulatory activity and that such
activity may play some role as well.
Bovine cartilage's putative anti-arthritic activity may be accounted for, in part, by
the presence of chondroitin sulfate.
Topical bovine cartilage appears to have wound-healing activity by stimulating granulation
within the wound, thus establishing a matrix that induces wound repair.
CAUTIONS
Bovine cartilage supplements are contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to
any component of a bovine cartilage-containing product.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using bovine cartilage supplements.
Those with renal failure or liver failure should exercise caution in the use of bovine
cartilage. People with heart problems should consult with their health care practitioner before
taking bovine cartilage.
Those with cancer who wish to try bovine cartilage must do so under medical supervision.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
These are occasional reports of gastrointestinal complaints, such as nausea, bloating
and diarrhea. Also, fatigue has been associated with the use of this supplement.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Bovine cartilage is available in capsules and powders and in combination products.
There are no typical doses. Bovine cartilage is also available as a wound dressing and
as a dermatologic cream for skin care.
SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS
Powder and Capsules
DESCRIPTION
Boost Your Health With Bovine Cartilage
-- by Sally Ezuclaire Osborne
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