Calcium carbonate matrix

Related Terms

Anthozoa (class), Bio-Eye? hydroxyapatite implant, calcium carbonate matrix, carbonate bone replacement graft (BRG), coral carbonate, coral grafts, Coral WaterT, coralline, Goniopora species, hydroxyapatite, natural coral, natural coral calcium, NC (porites), sea coral calcite.
Note: This review does not include a detailed description of calcium.

Background

Corals are sea animals that grow in colonies. Corals are most often found in tropical oceans and are known as reef builders because they secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton.
Natural and man-made coral are currently being studied for use in bone grafts. Coral has been shown to increase bone strength when incorporated into surrounding bone.
Although coral may be useful as a bone graft substitute, researchers state that more long-term information on safety and effectiveness is needed. Coral has been associated with an increased rate of infection and may cause problems in those who have or are prone to kidney stones.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Coral may strengthen bone. Natural and man-made coral are currently being studied for use as substitutes for bone grafts.

 C


Coral may strengthen bone. Natural and man-made coral are currently being studied for use as substitutes for bone grafts.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for coral.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Coral, which contains calcium, may theoretically interact with blood pressure medications called calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil or diltiazem).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Bizette C, Raul JS, Orhan B, et al. [Results of cervical interbody fusion with coral grafts]. Neurochirurgie 1999;45(1):4-14.
Boutault F, Cantaloube D, Testelin S, et al. [Role of coral blocks in cheek augmentation surgery. Prospective study of 23 patients]. Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 1997;42(3):216-222.
Jordan DR, Gilberg S, Mawn L, et al. The synthetic hydroxyapatite implant: a report on 65 patients. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998;14(4):250-255.
Marchac D, Sandor G. Use of coral granules in the craniofacial skeleton. J Craniofac Surg. 1994;5(4):213-217.
Martov AG. [The place of supravesical endourology in the modern combined treatment of urolithiasis]. Urol Nefrol (Mosk) 1994;(6):5-9.
Mercier J, Piot B, Gueguen P, et al. [The coral orbital floor. Its value in traumatology. The results of a multicenter study of 83 cases]. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 1996;97(6):324-331.
Schulz A, Hilgers RD, Niedermeier W. The effect of splinting of teeth in combination with reconstructive periodontal surgery in humans. Clin Oral Investig. 2000;4(2):98-105.
Vuola J, Bohling T, Kinnunen J, et al. Natural coral as bone-defect-filling material. J Biomed Mater Res. 2000;51(1):117-122.