How It Works
Bottom Line: There is no proof that bovine cartilage can treat cancer or HIV.Relatively little laboratory experimentation has been done with bovine cartilage. The use of cartilage products against cancer partially stems from the theory that since cartilage does not contain blood vessels, it must contain substances that would prevent the growth of blood vessels around tumors, a process known as angiogenesis. There is some laboratory support for the anti-angiogenic properties of
shark cartilage, but almost none for bovine cartilage. Catrix®, a bovine cartilage product, was used in a laboratory experiment against isolated samples of several cancer cell lines, with positive results at high doses. However, there is still little evidence that these anti-cancer effects can take place in the human body.
Because bovine cartilage supplements may contain the same specialized proteins that make up human cartilage, they might assist with the resynthesis of cartilage in people with osteoarthritis. This theory has not been borne out in humans in clinical trials, however. It has been suggested that bovine cartilage can enhance immune response as well, but this effect has not been shown in humans.
Purported Uses
To reduce swelling associated with arthritis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To prevent and treat cancer
Although a few laboratory studies supported this use, there is no proof that bovine cartilage is safe or effective for treating cancer.
To treat HIV and AIDS
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To stimulate the immune system
No scientific evidence supports this use.
Research Evidence
Cancer treatment:
In the mid 1980s, a series of patient case reports were published describing the use of Catrix®, a bovine cartilage product, in patients with different types of solid tumors. Catrix® was given both orally and by subcutaneous injection for up to 11 years. The physicians reported 19 cases of complete response, ten cases of partial response, and one case of stable disease. However, most of the patients received conventional therapy (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation therapy) soon before, after, or at the same time as their treatment with Catrix®. Therefore, it is difficult to weed out which positive effects were from Catrix® and which were from conventional therapy.
In a 1985 study of bovine cartilage Catrix-S® in patients with progressive metastatic cancer, nine patients were given weekly subcutaneous injections of Catrix-S®. One patient, who had renal cell carcinoma that had metastasized to the lung, had a complete response (tumor disappearance). The other eight patients experienced disease progression. Because this study is so small, it is not very helpful in establishing what the overall effectiveness of Catrix® would be for treating advanced cancer; it is difficult to tell if this one patient's experience was by chance, or is something that could be replicated in other patients. Therefore, larger clinical trials are needed.
Warnings
Bovine cartilage should not be confused with shark cartilage.
This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting
Altered sense of taste
Fatigue
Upset stomach
Fever
Dizziness
Swelling of the scrotum
When injected, swelling and redness at the injection site
Common Name
Bovine tracheal cartilage (BTC)
Brand Name
Catrix-S®, Catrix®, Psoriacin®, Rumalon®
Clinical Summary
Derived from the cartilage, usually the trachea, of cows. This product should not be confused with shark cartilage Bovine cartilage is used to prevent and treat cancer and treat HIV/AIDS; it may be administered by both oral and parenteral routes. Several in vitro studies suggest bovine cartilage may have antitumor and immunoregulatory effects (2) (3) (6). Few published clinical trials demonstrate its efficacy (4) (5). Nausea and vomiting are commonly reported adverse events. Other effects reported include changes in taste perception, fatigue, dizziness, and dyspepsia. Inflammation and irritation at injection sites are common following parenteral administration. No drug interactions are known.
Purported uses
- Arthritis
- Cancer prevention
- Cancer treatment
- HIV and AIDS
- Immunostimulation
Constituents
Acidic mucopolysaccharide complex: Glycosaminoglycans, primarily chondroitin sulfate, polysaccharides
(1)
Mechanism of Action
Immunoregulatory effects are believed to enhance antibody responses to T-independent and T-dependent antigens, indicating that its activity is due in part to a direct effect on B cells or an indirect effect mediated by macrophages. It is believed to support the resynthesis of cartilage in osteoarthritis.
(2)
Warnings
Adverse Reactions
Common: Nausea and vomiting are the primary adverse effects.
Reported: Altered sense of taste, fatigue, dyspepsia, fever, dizziness, and edema of the scrotum following treatment with Catrix® bovine cartilage product
Common (parenteral only): Inflammation and redness at injection site
(3) (4) (5)
Herb-Drug Interactions
None reported
Literature Summary and Critique
Bovine cartilage data is inconclusive and mostly testimonial. Further research is needed in cancer.
Durie BG, et al. Antitumor activity of bovine cartilage extract (Catrix®) in the human tumor stem cell assay. J Biol Response Mod 1985;4:590-5.The human tumor assay system used three human tumor cell lines and fresh biopsy specimens from 22 patients with malignant tumors. In vitro efficacy was demonstrated with high dose, continuous exposure to Catrix®, particularly against the 8226 human myeloma cell line as well as ovarian, pancreatic, colon, testicular, and sarcoma biopsy specimens. The level of sensitivity was less than or equal to 30% survival of colon growth in vitro. Since the in vitro concentrations may be achievable in vivo, the results justify more detailed in vitro evaluation as well as potential clinical trials.
Prudden JF. The treatment of human cancer with agents prepared from bovine cartilage. J Bio Response Mod 1985;4:551-84.Case report series presented on oral and subcutaneous administration of specific preparations of Catrix®. Responses were observed following full dose therapy over prolonged courses of therapy, up to 11 years. Nineteen cases of complete response, 10 cases of partial response, and 1 case of stable disease were documented. Eighteen patients received conventional therapy within one year of bovine cartilage treatment. Nine patients received concurrent conventional therapy in addition to study medication. An additional 7 patients received conventional therapy both prior to and during treatment period. It is difficult to interpret efficacy from this series due to variations in treatment, dose, route of administration, and reporting of data.
Romano, CF et al. A phase II study of Catrix-S in solid tumors. J Biol Response Mod 1985;4:585-9.Catrix-S® was administered by weekly subcutaneous injection (5-7.5 g/week) to nine patients with progressive metastatic malignancy. One complete response was seen in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the lung. Eight patients experienced disease progression. No undue toxicity was noted.
References
