Shark cartilage.

Date: Thu, 30 May 1996 11:03:24 +0100
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: Paul Iannone <pi2.LOOP.COM>
Subject: Re: HERB Digest - 21 May 1996 to 22 May 1996

>>I have been using shark cartilege for the pain I experience due to a fusion of my 6 & 7 vertebrae; as distasteful as it is for me, thinking of this as an animal product no doubt in question, I feel guilty about using it, but darn it, it's the only thing that has releived me in years. I am wondering if there is any alternative at all; I would prefer an herbal supplement that causes the kind of healing that shark cartilege causes, but fear that nothing else contatins the special proteins. Any recommendations?
>You need not feel guilty about using the thing that does the job. There's really nothing else in the plant kingdom that equals those in the animal kingdom. Each has its purpose. Sometimes compromise is necessary. By the way, sharks are in no way endangered.

Sorry, Anita, that is wrong, wrong, wrong. Sharks for shark cartilage are being fished to extinction in Southeast Asia. Shark cartilage SHOULD be boycotted if a substitute can be found, and, yes, calf cartilage products are available, and serve the same purpose.

From: Paul Iannone <pi2.LOOP.COM>

>> Shark cartilage SHOULD be boycotted if a substitute can be found, and, yes, calf cartilage products
>Does Gelatin (Knox or other similar brand) serve the same purpose as the calf cartilage?

No, not at all. These chondroitins are very specific materials. You have to note that sharks are all cartilage...they have no bones. Thus they are the pefect source for cartilage chemicals, would it be that they aren't being fished off the map in places to feed this market.

From: Paul Iannone <pi2.LOOP.COM>

>Paul-concerning cartilege-why would calf's cartilege be better???

Because it isn't right to extinguish the sharks in Southeast Asia when there is a substitute right here in the U.S. that is going to waste.