179. Ground shark cartilage ointment is popular for its role in fast wound recovery. The active
ingredient primarily responsible for this function is:
A. N-acetylglucosamine
B. Hydroxyproline
C. Dihydroxyproline
D. 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)

Introduction

Ground shark cartilage ointment is widely used in alternative and complementary medicine, particularly for its purported ability to aid fast wound recovery. While various components are present in shark cartilage, one key ingredient stands out for its contribution to healing and tissue regeneration.

What Is Shark Cartilage?

Shark cartilage is a structural tissue extracted from sharks. It is composed mainly of proteins, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), many of which have bioactive properties. It has been used in topical applications for anti-inflammatory purposes and to enhance wound healing.

Active Ingredient Responsible for Wound Recovery

Among the various components, N-acetylglucosamine is the primary active ingredient responsible for enhancing wound healing in shark cartilage ointments.

Why N-acetylglucosamine?

• It is a precursor to glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid, which are essential for maintaining and repairing connective tissue.

• It promotes skin cell proliferation and migration, which are crucial steps in the wound healing process.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and facilitate faster tissue repair.

• It contributes to the formation of extracellular matrix, crucial for new tissue growth.

Elimination of Other Options

Let’s briefly review the other options and why they are not primarily responsible in this context:

• Hydroxyproline and Dihydroxyproline: These are important in collagen stability but are not the main active ingredients in shark cartilage-based ointments.

• 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA): Found in melanin synthesis and marine adhesive proteins, but not linked to wound healing in cartilage-based products.

Conclusion

The active ingredient in ground shark cartilage ointment that plays a critical role in fast wound recovery is:

A. N-acetylglucosamine