Shark liver oil is an oil obtained from the livers of sharks. It has been used for centuries as a folk remedy to promote the healing of wounds and as a remedy for respiratory tract and digestive system problems. It is still promoted as a dietary supplement, and additional claims have been made that it can treat other maladies such as cancer, HIV, radiation sickness, swine flu, and the common cold.^[rx][rx] To date, none of these claims has been medically validated and shark liver oil (alone) is not a medication prescribed or utilized by American physicians.^[rx] However, it is a component of some moisturizing skin lotions^[rx] and hemorrhoid medications.^[rx][rx]

Shark liver oil is derived from the preserved livers of shark species such as Galeorhinus zyopterus and Hypoprion brevirostrist which belong to the family Pleuonectidae and order Selachii.  The livers are cleaned at first and then minced. After that, it is placed in a pot which is at 800C. With the dehydrating agent, the oil is treated and kept for dehydration in a vacuum. At last, the oil is being centrifuged to eliminate materials. This oil has a high content of alkylglycerols that is also found in bone marrow and mother’s milk. The oil is comprised of Vitamin A, squalene, pristine, Omega-3 fatty acids, triglycerides, fatty alcohols, and glycerol ethers.

Shark liver oil facts

Shark liver oil has been used for centuries for enhancing the immune system.  It has compounds such as squalene and alkylglycerols in adequate amounts along with Vitamin E. It is used to boost the immune system that assists in healthy aging. It is used to support immunity at the time of pregnancy, improve vascular health, and lower muscle wasting.

It is used as a dietary supplement for the enhancement of the immune system and counteracts infection. The study has shown its cardiac, anti-cancerous, anti-depressive, anti-psychotic, anti-parkinsonism, and anti-Alzheimer activity. This oil is soluble in chloroform, solvent ether, and light petroleum ether and is insoluble in water. Other common names for Shark liver oil are: Shark oil, Aceite de Hígado de Tiburón, Cetorhinus maximus, Basking Shark Liver Oil, Centroporus squamosus, Dog Fish Liver Oil, Deep Sea Shark Liver Oil, Huile de Foie d’Aiguillat, Foie de Requin, Huile de Foie de Requin, Grands Fonds,  Huile de Requin, Huile de Foie de Requin Pèlerin, Shark Liver, Shark Oil, Sqaulus acanthias and Squalene.

History

Shark liver oil is used as an aid for the people living in Sweden and on the coasts of Norway for hundreds of years. It was used to treat the healing of wounds and as an aid for treating respiratory tract problems and maintaining digestive health. A young Swedish doctor found in 1950 that the extracts of bone marrow speed up the recovery of White blood cells. Alkylglycerols are an active ingredient found in the extract of bone marrow.

The secret of deep-sea Shark got revealed in the late 1800 in Japan. The study shows that the fishermen in Suruga Bay drank cups of oil that have been derived from shark’s liver. The daily intake of Shark’s liver oil got a new experience of newfound vigor and health. It was considered to be a cure-all. They believed that it was an effective treatment of constipation and cancer.

An expert chemist named Dr. Mitsumaro Tsujimoto in 1906 found that the villagers extracted oil from the shark livers which is named squalene as it is derived from Squalid. His discovery shows various health benefits which were helpful for Japanese people. He was provided an Imperial Award in honor of his achievement in Japan.

Health Benefits of Shark liver oil

Shark liver oil has a high content of Vitamin A. It also possesses Squalene, Alkyglycerol, Squalamine, fatty acids such as DHA, Omega 3, and EPA. It stimulates the immune system. Some health benefits are discussed below:

1. Prevent cold

Shark liver oil is helpful for people having weak immune systems and is usual for infections such as flu and cold. It has squalene that promotes immune health and forms antibodies that helps to counteract the diseases. It provides protection against fungal and bacterial infections. It also provides relief from respiratory problems, lymph node swelling, and alimentary canal irritation.

2. Prevent cancer

Shark liver oil helps to counteract cancers such as lung, breast, skin, and brain by obstructing the supply of blood to the tumor cells. This oil has a high content of squalamine and alkylglycerols which helps to enhance the immune system. It also persuades apoptosis of tumor cells.

3. Lowers pain

This oil is an excellent source of squalene and triterpene that promotes the immune system, relieves arthritic pain and prevents infection. It has a high content of squalene in comparison to palm oil, olive oil, wheat germ oil, and rice bran oil. It helps to lower pain to a greater extent. It lowers the level of blood sugar and blood pressure and is an aid for diabetes and hypertension.

4. Antioxidant activity

Shark liver oil has antioxidant properties that make the person look young and is a beauty supplement.  It possesses rejuvenating properties. It lowers free radical damage and promotes skin complexion. It is used in cosmetics due to the high content of Omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Used in lip balm

This oil could be added to lip balms that prevent the lips from being chapped and also moisturize them. It also provides relief from canker sores.

6. Treat ailments

Alkyglycerol provides relief from cold and is also used in cancer therapy. It is used to treat arthritis, asthma, and psoriasis.

7. Sound sleep

This oil is an effective tool for providing sound sleep.

Traditional uses

• It is used to promote the immune system, counteract infections and also assist in healing wounds.
• It is used to treat problems related to the digestive systems such as nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and respiratory tract.
• It is also used as a treatment for HIV, cancer, swine flu, radiation illness and the common cold.
• It is used to treat leukemia.
• It is helpful for treating arthritis, asthma, and skin inflammations such as psoriasis.
• It could be added to lip balms in order to moisturize and prevent the lips from chapping.
• It also assists in healing canker sores.
• It is a cure for serious health conditions such as chronic fatigue and AIDS.

Shark Liver Oil Effectiveness

Shark liver oil is proven to be effective in managing or helping to manage the following medical conditions due to its nutritional contents:

• Ataxia (a degenerative nervous system disease)
• Ataxia associated with a vitamin E deficiency
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Vitamin E deficiency

Shark liver oil may be effective for the following conditions, though further research is needed:

• Age-related maculopathy and age-related macular degeneration, eye conditions
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Anemia
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Beta-thalassemia
• Cancer-related fatigue
• Cancer chemotherapy side effects
• Cancer-associated anorexia
• Chemotherapy
• Cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity
• Connective tissue diseases and disorders
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• Eclampsia
• Huntington’s disease
• Dyspraxia ( a wide range of developmental disorders)
• Granuloma annulare (chronic skin condition)
• Infertility
• Intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleeding)
• Leukemia
• Malignant melanoma
• Melanoma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Pre-eclampsia
• Physical performance
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Sunburn
• Radiation-induced fibrosis
• Radiation
• Sun exposure
• Skin cancer
• Thalassemia
• Sunburn
• Retrolental Fibroplasia

Risks Associated With Shark Liver Oil

There are certain risks, side effects, or complications that can be directly or indirectly contributed to a person taking shark liver oil supplements. Some of the following conditions can be potentially serious and should be addressed and evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

High blood pressure patients and bleeding. There have been multiple human studies done that suggest a small reduction in blood pressure in those people who take certain types of omega-3 fatty acids. This is good news for patients with hypertension (high blood pressure)  It may be necessary to take higher doses to experience the healthful benefits, namely a significant reduction in blood pressure, however. At higher doses, shark liver oil can cause an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore it is necessary to consult with a medical professional prior to taking any type of supplement.

Hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. Scientific studies have shown that people who take excessive amounts of shark liver oil experience a worsening in low-density lipoprotein levels, which is the “bad” cholesterol. Taking shark liver oil regularly can cause a spike in your triglyceride levels, as well.

Secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and interactions with heart disease medications.  Most human studies report that regular consumption of shark liver oil can reduce the risk of non-fatal heart attacks, fatal heart attacks, and sudden cardiac death. Most people studied were also using standard heart medications and while there are benefits to shark liver oil, there is also an increased risk of side effects from traditional heart medications and therapies.

Safety of Shark Liver Oil

The United States Food and Drug Administration does not strictly govern nor regulate herbs or supplements so there is no guarantee of safety, strength or purity and the side effects may vary.  There are certain people who may benefit from taking shark liver oil supplements and there are others who may experience potentially serious side effects. For this reason, everyone should read the product label and consult with a physician prior to taking any supplement, even if it seems natural or people have told you that it has health benefits.

People who have allergies or are hypersensitive to fish should not take shark liver oil or omega-3 fatty acid products derived from fish.  There have been reported cases of anaphylaxis and skin rash in people who are allergic to nuts or certain alpha-linolenic acid or omega-3 fatty acid (both contained in shark liver oil supplements) products that are obtained from nuts they are allergic to.

The appropriate dose of shark liver oil depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for shark liver oil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on hy labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Overdose should be avoided because it could lead to nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
• Seafood allergic patients should avoid its use.
• It could increase the risk of bleeding.
• It worsens the level of low-density lipoprotein.
• It might increase the side effect of heart medications and therapies.
• Due to lack of information, pregnant and lactating women should avoid its use.

References

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