Angiogenesis occurs in the healthy body for healing wounds and for restoring blood flow to tissues after injury or insult. It also occurs in females during menstruation and pregnancy. A normal, healthy body balances the times when angiogenesis will be switched "on" or "off". In many serious diseases states, the body loses control over angiogenesis. Angiogenesis-dependent diseases result when new blood vessels either grow excessively or insufficiently. Shark cartilage has been studied extensively for its ability to prohibit angiogenesis in both animals and humans. Shark cartilage also contains chondroitin which is a glycosaminoglycan formed in the body. Chondroitin is used for the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissue, primarily within the cartilage matrix. In addition, chondroitin protects existing cartilage by reducing water loss from the matrix and by inhibiting the enzymatic breakdown of the cartilage. This may be one explanation for the jointsupportive properties attributed to shark cartilage.

INDICATIONS Shark Cartilage may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals wishing to supplement their diet with shark cartilage.