Velvet deer antler

Related Terms

Androstenedione, anti-complementary polysaccharide (DWA-2), antler, antler velvet, ash, bone, Cervidae (family), calcified cartilage, cartilage, Cervus elaphus,Cervus nippon, chondroitin sulfate, deer (Cervus elaphus), deer velvet, dehydroepiandrosterone, dermis, elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), estradiol, European red deer (Cervus elaphus L.), lipids, pantocrin, pilose antler of Cervus nippon, progesterone, protein, red deer, Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphusnelsoni), rulondin, Sika deer, Temminck, testosterone, velvet antler, velvet deer antler.

Background

Deer velvet, also referred to as antler velvet, refers to antlers that have been removed during the growth stage, when they are covered with soft velvet-like hair. After removal, the antlers are dried and ground. In Western countries, the ground powder is sold as a dietary supplement that purportedly improves sexual function and overall energy, decreases stress, and strengthens the body. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), deer velvet has been used as a yang tonic for the endocrine and immune systems, energy metabolism, growth, and sexual function.
There is currently insufficient available clinical evidence to support the use of deer velvet for any medical use. High-quality clinical studies are needed before safety can be assessed and firm conclusions can be made.

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 *


Historical uses of deer antler include enhancing energy, stamina, and strength. Preliminary human research showed that deer antler powder may increase some measures of strength and endurance. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Historical uses of deer antler include enhancing energy, stamina, and strength. Preliminary human research showed that deer antler powder may increase some measures of strength and endurance. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


In both traditional and popular use, deer velvet has a reputation as an aphrodisiac that may improve sexual energy by potentially strengthening and balancing the body and restoring overall energy. Preliminary human research showed a lack of effect of deer velvet on sexual functioning in middle-aged men. Additional research is required before conclusions can be drawn.

 D


In both traditional and popular use, deer velvet has a reputation as an aphrodisiac that may improve sexual energy by potentially strengthening and balancing the body and restoring overall energy. Preliminary human research showed a lack of effect of deer velvet on sexual functioning in middle-aged men. Additional research is required before conclusions can be drawn.

 D
* 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)
For sexual function in men, four 250-milligram capsules of ground deer velvet have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.

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
Deer velvet may interact with androgens, energy-enhancing agents, estrogens, hepatotoxic agents, muscle-strengthening agents, progesterone, and sexual-enhancing agents.

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

Bubenik GA, Miller KV, Lister AL, et al. Testosterone and estradiol concentrations in serum, velvet skin, and growing antler bone of male white-tailed deer. J Exp Zoolog A Comp Exp Biol 2005;303(3):186-192.
Conaglen HM, Suttie JM, Conaglen JV. Effect of deer velvet on sexual function in men and their partners: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arch Sex Behav 2003;32(3):271-278.
Hemmings SJ, Song X. The effects of elk velvet antler consumption on the rat: development, behavior, toxicity and the activity of liver gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2004;138(1):105-112.
Kropotov AV, Lisakovskaia OV, Khotimchenko IuS. [Seasonal features of the effect of adaptogens on sex behavior of experimental animals]. Eksp Klin Farmakol 2001;64(6):60-62.
Sleivert G, Burke V, Palmer C, et al. The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2003;13(3):251-265.
Wang BX, Zhao XH, Qi SB, et al. Stimulating effect of deer antler extract on protein synthesis in senescence-accelerated mice . Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 1988;36(7):2593-2598.
Zhang H, Wanwimolruk S, Coville PF, Schofield et al. Toxicological evaluation of New Zealand deer velvet powder. Part I: acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2000;38(11):985-990.
Zhao QC, Kiyohara, H, Nagai T, et al. Structure of the complement-activating proteoglycan from the pilose antler of Temminck. Carbohydr Res. 6-16-1992;230(2):361-372.