Coral
Scientific names: Goniopora species, Madrepora species, Porites species
Alternate names: Calcium Carbonate Matrix, Calcium de Corail, Corail, Corail de Mer, Corail Marin, Coral Calcium, Coralline Hydroxyapatite, Espèce Goniopora, Espèce Madrepora, Marine Coral, Matrice de Carbonate de Calcium, Sea Coral
Actions: Dental, Musculoskeletal
Background
Coral is a sea animal similar to sea anemone. Unlike sea anemone, coral produce a skeletal structure that contains calcium. Some coral live in colonies that form coral reefs. Don't confuse coral with coral root (Corallorhiza odontorhiza).
Coral is most commonly used by surgeons as a surgical replacement for bone. It is also used as a calcium supplement, for cancer, for heart disease, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Coral is most commonly used by surgeons as a surgical replacement for bone. It is also used as a calcium supplement, for cancer, for heart disease, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if coral is safe. Some coral products contain lead.
When used as a bone substitute: Coral is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in surgery as a bone substitute. Some people might get an infection, but this is a possibility in any surgery.
When used as a bone substitute: Coral is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in surgery as a bone substitute. Some people might get an infection, but this is a possibility in any surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if coral is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
- Use as a surgical replacement for bone. Coral can be used in place of bone for spinal fusions and bone tumors. It can also be used in dental, facial, and other surgeries. Coral offers some advantages over bone transplants. It has a lower rate of infection and doesn't carry the risk of transmitting HIV, hepatitis, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Calcium supplementation.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Cancer.
- Heart disease.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of coral depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coral. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Coral interacts with any medicines. Before taking Coral, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Surgeons use coral as a replacement for bone. It seems to allow the body to grow new bone in its place.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/04/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 18/09/2014 18:00:22. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
