Antler Velvet News, Information, & Research

Several studies show a positive correlation between consistent use of velvet antler and cardiovascular health. Human subjects who used antler were able to endure larger work loads and experienced a shorter recovery time between exercises. One study suggested that daily use of chondroitin sulfate A – a key element of antler velvet – can reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks and stroke by more than 400 percent. Many participants with high or low blood pressure also showed changes in blood pressure toward normal.

Other studies reported an increase in heart strength and volume of blood pumped, while cardiac output, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, central venous pressure and other parameters remained unchanged. Researchers suggest that the polysaccharides in antler may reduce the blood’s tendency to clot, improving circulation, decreasing stroke risk and boosting general cardiovascular health.

Russian and Japanese researchers have concentrated on an alcohol extract of antler called pantocrin or rantarin, discovering that the extract appears to lower blood pressure in both human subjects and laboratory animals.

Additional studies indicate that use of antler significantly cut the cholesterol level in laboratory animals.

Velvet antler has long been used in Asia and Russia to treat a variety of ailments and as a general tonic.

A Russian study indicated that the amino acids, polypeptides and other compounds found in antler velvet increased the survival rate of mice with cancerous tumors as much as 40 percent. In addition, a study conducted by the East-West Research Institute (Kyung Hee University, Korea) and the Korean Food and Drug Administration found that mice with tumors lost less weight and suffered lower levels of kidney damage than those treated with the frequently-prescribed anti-cancer drug cis-Platin (CDDP). Velvet antler also appeared to boost the effectiveness of CDDP when used in conjunction with the cancer drug. Those mice given a combination of antler extract and CDDP survived longer and had fewer side effects than mice given CDDP alone.

A study by Kim, et al., also noted that velvet antler appears to increase neutrophil levels in mice, which boost the body’s ability to fight injuries and disease.

A New Zealand study found compelling evidence that extracts of antler velvet stimulated the human immune system, as measured by increased white blood cell production.

Although use of the velvet antler extract pantocrin during World War II by Russian physicians provides anecdotal evidence of velvet antler’s healing powers, a more recent study by Bubenik found that antler velvet supplements helped heal epidermal wounds in rats.

Clinical studies also indicate that velvet antler functions as an antidepressant and mood regulator. A study by Chen, et al., for example, found that velvet antler inhibits monoamine oxidase activity in the liver and brain tissues of aged mice. Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors prevent breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin. Antler apparently allows these vital neurotransmitters to be available longer to the brain structure, enhancing mood.

Other studies by both Fisher and Wang indicate that antler may increase testosterone levels and can help prevent some conditions associated with aging. In addition, Russian researchers claim that compounds found in antler can ease the effects of menopause in women, and can be used as to speed recovery of surgical patients.

The history of antler velvet as a medicinal substance stretches back thousands of years. Although the most well-documented ancient uses come from China and the Far East, other cultures from Northern Europe and Northern Asia to North American and ancient Rome have also benefited from the use of antler as a tonic and for treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including:

Even today, antler extract compounds are listed in the pharmacopoeia of the former USSR Health Ministry as "tonic drugs."

Velvet antler has been a staple of Traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years as a wellness tonic to strengthen bones and tendons, nourish the blood, reduce swelling and to treat impotence.

The use of antler velvet dates to the Han Dynasty 206 BC to 220 AD. for treating impotence, menoxenia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dizziness, insomnia, amnesia, wounds, pain and arthritis. Antler velvet is also mentioned in the chief authority on early Chinese pharmacology, the Pen Ts’ao Kang Mu. This 16^th century medical classic lists a variety of antler preparations including powders, pills, extracts, tinctures and ointments. Several modern compilations of Chinese medical preparations still contain numerous antler uses.

Prior to recent times, velvet antler was offered in whole stick form. Retailers sold antler by the slice, and consumers made their own medicine at home, often mixing velvet antler with other traditional medicines. Consumers could judge the quality of the antler by the stick’s size, color, smell and general appearance.

Today the antler trade remains strong in Asia, with China producing nearly 100 tons of dried velvet antler annually. Velvet antler is also an important crop in Russia, with significant exports to Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, however, North American elk antler is prized throughout Asia because it is considered by many to be more potent than the more commonly available deer antler.

Each part of the elk antler velvet contains different compounds with a variety of properties. However, many velvet antler manufacturers only use the lower calcified portions of the antler, which are considerably cheaper to purchase than the upper sections, but also contain significantly less cartilaginous tissue. Velvet antler processed in whole form appears to provide the widest selection of chemical compounds associated with the benefits claimed in the research cited.

Several studies indicate that heating can reduce or destroy the beneficial properties of velvet antler. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the product is not heated during processing. However, many manufacturers of low-grade velvet antler products burn the velvet portion of the antler off before processing, because it’s less labor-intensive than non-heat-producing methods. Some widely-used grinding methods may also produce heat, reducing the effectiveness of the product.

Because of its dried properties, elk antler is not prone to contaminates such as yeast, molds, chloroforms, E. coli and salmonella. However, standards outlined by the North American Elk Breeders Association, and practiced by premium processors, recommend laboratory testing to ensure sanitation of the product.