Shark liver oil
![Sharks typically targeted for their liver oil include the school and gulper shark, and the basking shark (pictured).[1] All three of these species have been assessed by the IUCN as Vulnerable due to overfishing.[2][3][4]](/uploads/202502/10/Cetorhinus_maximus_by_greg_skomal5720.JPG)
Shark liver oil is an oil obtained from the livers of sharks. It has been used for centuries as a folk remedy to promote the healing of wounds and as a remedy for respiratory tract and digestive system problems. It is still promoted as a dietary supplement, and additional claims have been made that it can treat other maladies such as cancer, HIV, radiation illness, swine flu and the common cold. To date, none of these claims has been medically validated and shark liver oil (alone) is not a medication prescribed or utilized by American physicians. However, it is a component of some moisturizing skin lotions, and some hemorrhoid medications.