Cartilage is a structurally supportive material in the body. Bovine (cow) cartilage is occasionally used as a medication.
For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, skin diseases such as scleroderma and psoriasis, herpes infection, and brain cancer, bovine cartilage is taken by mouth or injected beneath the skin.
The theory behind the use of cartilage products for cancer treatment is that because cartilage lacks blood vessels, it must contain substances that prevent the growth of blood vessels around tumors, a process known as angiogenesis. Because bovine cartilage supplements may include the same specific proteins found in human cartilage, they may help with cartilage re-synthesis in osteoarthritis patients. It’s also been hypothesized that bovine cartilage can boost immunological function, although more studies and evidence is needed.
It’s uses
- Cancer prevention and treatment
Bovine cartilage has been shown to have anticancer properties in small trials. However, no bigger research have been carried out.
- To treat AIDS (not enough evidence)
- In order to boost the immune system
- To decrease the swelling associated with arthritis. There isn’t enough evidence to back up this claim.
Immune-modulatory effects are thought to boost antibody responses to both T-independent and T-dependent antigens, implying that bovine cartilage’s action is partly owing to a direct influence on B cells or an indirect effect via macrophages. Bovine cartilage is also thought to aid cartilage re-synthesis in osteoarthritis. It has anticancer and immune-modulatory properties, according to in vitro research. It may have anticancer effects, according to clinical data.
Side effects
- Stomach ache
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Scrotal swelling
- Swelling and redness at the injection site are common side effects.
