Since cartilage is a body tissue in which no blood vessels are present, researchers guessed that certain molecules isolated from shark cartilage could inhibit the growth of blood vessels. This action, called anti-angiogenesis, was seen when shark cartilage was directly applied to tumors in a test tube. However, when these extracts were given by mouth (how all over-the-counter shark cartilage supplements are taken), no anti-tumor effect has occurred in mice or in humans.
You have a history of liver disease (In one patient, prolonged use of shark cartilage was associated with liver dysfunction, which reversed upon discontinuation of the supplement).
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) was reported in one patient with type II diabetes.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop the following symptoms: fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or yellowing of the whites of the eyes. These may indicate serious liver problems.