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Historical Overview of Shark Liver Oil: Shark liver oil is not new to mankind. It dates back to the time when fishermen from many a nation were aware of the curative properties of deep-sea shark livers.  Japanese fishermen used the term `samedawa` or `cure all` for shark liver oil when they fished in deep waters hundreds of years ago. In China, the mention of shark liver oil has been made in an ancient pharmaceutical book called `Honzukomuko`.
In the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden shark liver oil was traditionally used externally by fishermen to heal wounds and to protect the skin from the ravages of days in the sun and hauling in nets with wet hands. It was also used internally to provide stamina and heal irritations of the respiratory and digestive systems. Even the Spanish seamen regularly consumed shark liver oil and called it `oil of the great fish`. They felt that it gave them stamina and improved their immunity against cold and illness.
Procurement of Shark Liver Oil: Shark liver oil is obtained from sharks caught for food purposes, living in cold and deep oceans. It refers to the oil obtained from the liver of a variety of sharks. It appears in a yellow to brown colour and is considered to contain thirty times as much vitamin A as cod liver oil. Shark liver oil is available in the form of capsules to be consumed orally or gel for external application.
Composition and Health Benefits: Shark liver oil is rich in `alkylglycerols` which are naturally found in mother`s milk and bone marrow. It also contains omega 3 fatty acids, squalene, triglycerides, vitamin A and D and fatty alcohols. All these compounds present in the shark liver oil have peculiar properties. `Alkylglycerols` is known to stimulate immune functions of the body and provide protection against uncontrolled cell growth. As a natural bacteria fighter `alkylglycerols` are able to stimulate the T cells which are highly sensitized to the bacteria-infected macrophage, and thus the body is able to destroy the bacteria. As an antifungal this compound is beneficial because it is known to increase the production of certain cytokines which help stem the growth of fungus.
Health Benefits of Shark Liver Oil: `Squalene` is an antioxidant, and is known to keep human skin soft and healthy. The chemical present in this compound has the ability to react with water, combining with oxygen and releasing oxygen. Hence it has impact on the skin because the human body produces very small amounts of `squalamine`. Omega 3 fatty acids help in lowering the cholesterol levels in the body. Triglycerides present in the oil are a natural source of energy. `Squalamine` another compound in this oil has been recently discovered. Researchers have found that it blocks the formation of blood vessels that feed tumours thus effectively starving them to death. Besides, it also has traces of copper and zinc.
Manifold benefits: The health benefits of shark liver oil are manifold. It helps to strengthen the immune system, hay fever, eases joint pains from arthritis. Shark liver oil helps to maintain healthy skin and hair. It benefits by reducing cholesterol in the body and helps to prevent deep vein thrombosis caused by prolonged sitting for long periods without much physical activity. It makes blood less likely to clot. Shark liver oil has an antioxidant property that helps to protect the body from toxic substances. It is known to provide relief to asthma patients and other allergy sufferers. In wound healing cases it helps prevent scarring. Shark liver oil has been shown to be of great benefit to people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, helping them in restoring their energy.
Shark Liver Oil and Cancer Treatment: In many parts of Europe shark liver oil is widely used along with conventional cancer treatment. It is sold as a dietary supplement in America. It is believed that the natural compounds present in shark liver oil lessen the side effects of conventional cancer treatment. As a dietary supplement it is widely used to boost the immune system, fight off infections and heal wounds.
Shark liver oil and complications: Although shark liver oil is widely used but the issue of potential toxicity has not been well researched. Some mild digestive problems such as nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea have been reported. It is advised that one should consult a doctor before taking the supplements and not rely only on this type of treatment. Conventional medical care should not be avoided. Doctors have often advised patients not to exceed the recommended doses and not to take it for prolonged periods because it may cause overproduction of blood platelets. Extended use can also lead to the tendency of the blood to clot.
Other Uses: Shark liver oil is used a source of vitamin A in biochemical research. Shark liver oil has been used as a lubricant in the aviation industry. It is also used in the cosmetic industry and sometimes in the tanning process.
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