Cartilage (cartilage)

Table of Contents

Other names

Bovine Cartilage
Shark Cartilage
Chicken Sternum Cartilage
Hydrolyzed Cartilage Extract

Synopsis

Cartilage is a flexible, connective tissue found throughout the human body, playing a critical structural and cushioning role in the joints, rib cage, ears, nose, bronchial tubes, and spinal discs. Unlike bone, cartilage is avascular (lacks blood vessels), which means it heals slowly and relies on surrounding fluids for nutrient exchange. It is composed primarily of chondrocytes (cartilage cells), collagen fibers, and proteoglycans, which provide strength, elasticity, and resistance to compression.

There are three main types of cartilage:

  • Hyaline cartilage – the most common; found in joints, nose, and trachea
  • Elastic cartilage – provides flexibility; found in the ears and epiglottis
  • Fibrocartilage – tough and dense; found in intervertebral discs and the menisci of the knee

Functions of cartilage include:

  • Cushioning joints and reducing friction during movement
  • Supporting structure in areas like the nose, ears, and windpipe
  • Absorbing shock and distributing weight in load-bearing joints
  • Forming the template for bone growth in fetal development and growing children

Nutritional and Therapeutic Relevance:

Cartilage health is closely tied to joint integrity, mobility, and aging-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Supplements and nutrients that support cartilage include:

  • Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – components of cartilage matrix, often used for joint support
  • Collagen (especially Type II) – helps rebuild cartilage structure
  • Hyaluronic acid – supports lubrication and shock absorption
  • MSM, vitamin C, manganese, and anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric – aid in cartilage repair and inflammation reduction

Historical Use:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, cartilage-rich broths and animal-derived extracts (e.g., trachea, shark cartilage) have been used to strengthen joints, support bones, and rebuild tissues. Shark and bovine cartilage became popular in 20th-century alternative medicine, particularly for joint and immune health.

Today, cartilage continues to be a focal point in integrative medicine and sports nutrition, especially for managing arthritis, joint degeneration, and mobility issues. Nutritional strategies aim to preserve and repair cartilage, slow its degradation, and reduce inflammation to improve joint comfort and function across all stages of life.

Uses: Health Conditions

Arthritis (Traditional)
Cartilage Damage (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
Spinal Disks (Traditional)
Tendonitis (Traditional)

Body Systems

Joints (Science)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Science)
Structural System (Science)
Immune System (Traditional)