Squalamine
Scientific names: Squalamine
Alternate names: 3-({3-[(4-Aminobutyl)amino]propyl}amino)-7-hydroxycholestan-24-yl Hydrogen Sulfate, Escualamina
Actions: Anti-angiogenesis, Anticancer, Antimicrobial
Background
Squalamine is a chemical found in the stomach and liver of the spiny dogfish shark. Squalamine can also be made in the lab.
Squalamine is a chemical called an aminosterol. It has effects that might prevent bacteria from growing and causing infections. It also might prevent the growth of tumors.
People use squalamine for age-related vision loss, lung cancer, ringworm, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse squalamine with shark cartilage or shark liver oil. These contain squalamine but they are not the same.
Squalamine is a chemical called an aminosterol. It has effects that might prevent bacteria from growing and causing infections. It also might prevent the growth of tumors.
People use squalamine for age-related vision loss, lung cancer, ringworm, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse squalamine with shark cartilage or shark liver oil. These contain squalamine but they are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if squalamine is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied into the eye: Squalamine eye drops are possibly safe when used twice daily for up to 38 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated.
Children: Squalamine is possibly safe in children 6-15 years-old when applied to the scalp in a lotion once daily for up to 3 weeks.
When applied into the eye: Squalamine eye drops are possibly safe when used twice daily for up to 38 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if squalamine is safe when used while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: Squalamine is possibly safe in children 6-15 years-old when applied to the scalp in a lotion once daily for up to 3 weeks.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using squalamine for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of squalamine might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Squalamine interacts with any medicines. Before taking Squalamine, 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.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 29/06/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 15/06/2018 20:08:12. 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.
