Bovine Cartilage

How does Bovine Cartilage work?

Bovine cartilage might work by providing components to support the rebuilding of cartilage in people with osteoarthritis. It might also help reduce swelling and help wounds heal more effectively.

Are there safety concerns?

Bovine cartilage seems safe for use as a medicine. It can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, swelling, local redness, and itching.

There is some concern about the possibility of catching "mad cow disease" (bovine spongiform encephalitis, BSE) or other diseases from products that come from animals. "Mad cow disease" does not appear to be transmitted through cartilage products, but it is probably wise to avoid animal products from countries where mad cow disease has been found.

Do not use bovine cartilage if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Dosing considerations for Bovine Cartilage.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

APPLIED TO THE SKIN (USED TOPICALLY):

• For itchiness near the anus (anal pruritus): A 5% cream applied two or more times daily.
• For acne: A 5% cream applied at least twice daily after washing.
• For soreness in the gum after a tooth is pulled: Powdered bovine cartilage mixed with salt water to form a paste, packed into the dry socket following tooth extraction.

USED RECTALLY:

• As a stool softener for hemorrhoids and cracked skin around the anus: 2.2 grams of bovine cartilage in the form of a 2% suppository inserted at least three times daily along with 100 mg of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) taken by mouth twice daily.

INJECTED UNDER THE SKIN (GIVEN SUBCUTANEOUSLY):

• Healthcare providers give bovine cartilage by injection (shot) under the skin for osteoarthritis and psoriasis.

INJECTED INTO THE MUSCLE (GIVEN INTRAMUSCULARLY):

• Healthcare providers give bovine cartilage by injection (shot) into the muscle for osteoarthritis.