Evidence supporting the use of: Animal Tissue
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Animal tissue, particularly in the form of extracts like bovine or porcine cartilage, collagen, and gelatin, has been used both experimentally and clinically to support or treat cartilage damage. Scientific validation exists, mostly at a moderate level, for certain forms of these preparations. For example, hydrolyzed collagen supplements and undenatured type II collagen derived from animal tissues have shown some efficacy in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis and improving joint function in randomized controlled trials. The proposed mechanisms include providing building blocks for cartilage repair and modulating inflammatory responses. Similarly, autologous or allogeneic cartilage grafts and matrix-assisted chondrocyte implantation (MACI)—in which animal-derived scaffolds or tissues are used—are established techniques in orthopedic surgery for cartilage defects.

However, while there are positive findings, the overall evidence is mixed. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest some benefit, particularly for pain reduction and functional improvement, but also note the variability in product quality, study design, and clinical outcomes. There is stronger support for surgical uses of animal tissue in cartilage repair than for oral supplements. Safety concerns, such as disease transmission and immune reactions, must also be considered.

In summary, there is moderate scientific support for using animal tissue or its derivatives in the treatment and support of cartilage damage, particularly within a clinical or surgical context.

More about Animal Tissue
More about Cartilage Damage

Products containing Animal Tissue

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.