The characterization of blue shark (<i>Prionace glauca</i>) cartilage potential as nature-derived drug material

Abstract Shark’s cartilage contains several health-promoting substances, with glucosamine and chondroitin being key components. This study examined the proximate, mineral, amino acid, and chondroitin sulfate content of blue shark (Prionace glauca) cartilage, focusing on how different cartilage diameters affect these characteristics. Using a Complete Randomized Design, the experiment included three treatments based on cartilage diameter: small (A, 1-2 cm), medium (B, 2.1-3 cm), and large (C, 3.1-4 cm), each with four replications. Observed parameters included proximate composition, amino acid profile, mineral content, and chondroitin sulfate levels. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by a Least Significant Difference test. The highest protein content (46.20%) was found in the smallest diameter cartilage (A). The cartilage contained 10 essential and 8 non-essential amino acids, with arginine (6.16%) and glycine (10.91%) being the most abundant in the largest cartilage (C). The highest calcium (184,500 ppm) and phosphorus (89,450 ppm) levels were also found in the largest cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate was most abundant (11.54%) in the medium-sized cartilage (B). ANOVA results showed no significant effect of cartilage diameter on any parameter (P&gt;0.05), suggesting that cartilage size does not determine its potential as a natural health supplement.