Deer Velvet

Generic name: Cervi Parvum, Cervus Elaphus L. (Wapiti), Cervus Nippon T., Rusa Unicolor Swinhoei
Brand names: Antler Velvet, Deer Velvet, Lu Rong, Velvet Antler

Usage of Deer Velvet

Very few quality randomized and double-blind controlled clinical trials of velvet antler exist in the literature.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor activity

Experimental data

Identification of potential bioactive peptides and proteins extractable from deer velvet antler (fermented and unfermented) was conducted in silico. A number of potential angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor candidates were identified from the fermented and unfermented samples, with significant ACE inhibitory activity (P<0.001) cOnfirmed in vitro alongside the positive control, Captopril. Effects were unchanged subsequent to simulated GI digestion.(Haines 2019)

Anti-inflammatory effects

Animal and in vitro data

Anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated in rats.(Allen 2008) An in vitro comparative study investigated anti-inflammatory effect differences between velvet antler water extracts from 2 different deer species, the Formosan sambar deer indigenous to Taiwan and the red deer. Extracts from both species significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) production, with the sambar deer extract demonstrating a stronger effect. Neither extract was found to be cytotoxic at doses tested. Anti-inflammatory activity of the sambar deer extract was found to significantly decrease (P<0.05) over 6 months, but it was not affected by temperature (−20°, 4°, and 25°C).(Kuo 2018)

Antioxidant effects

Animal and experimental data

Antioxidant effects of sika deer antler velvet protein and its 2 purified protein components (SDAP1 and SDAP2) have been demonstrated in vitro, as well as in a Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity mouse model(Wang 2020) and with a synthetic velvet antler protein in a cholestatic mouse model.(Li 2020)

Arthritis

Animal data

In a study comparing elk-derived velvet with placebo treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis, improved objective and subjective measures were reported for deer velvet.(Moreau 2004) In a lumbar facet-joint osteoarthritis–like mouse model, 4-week administration of velvet antler polypeptide extracted from red deer antler led to partial improvement in osteophyte formation and significantly increased articular cartilage formation in the facet joint (P<0.05).(Xie 2019)

Clinical data

Two studies (N=208) investigating the efficacy of elk velvet antler supplementation on rheumatoid arthritis showed no effect, while a study evaluating effects on osteoarthritis (N=53) reported symptomatic relief among participants. The trials may have been underpowered to detect effects due to small sample sizes.(Gilbey 2012, Percival 2001, Syrotuik 2005)

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity

Animal and in vitro data

Oral administration of 2 purified protein components (SDAP1 and SDAP2) isolated from sika deer velvet antler significantly reduced gentamicin-induced increases in renal index, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in mice; the higher dose (60 mg/kg) produced a greater effect than the 15 mg/kg dose (P<0.01 for each measure vs control). Pathological changes (ie, tubular focal lesions, tubular swelling, interstitial edema) were also improved with both SDAP1 and SDAP2 at both doses tested. In vitro testing demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and reduced reactive oxygen species by the parent deer velvet antler protein as well as both purified protein components. The mechanism involved significantly increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by all 3 interventions (P<0.01).(Wang 2020)

Endothelial revascularization

Experimental data

Velvet antler protein extracts enhanced proliferation and migration of rat endothelial progenitor cells in vitro without affecting tube formation, resulting in enhanced endothelial wound healing capabilities compared to untreated controls.(Xiao 2017)

Growth-promoting/Wound-healing effects

In vitro laboratory studies have examined mechanisms by which antlers seasonally regenerate both bone and nerve tissues.(Adams 1979, Garcia 1997, Gray 1992) Expression of neurotropin-3 mRNA in the growing process has been studied.(Takikawa 1972) Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) appear to be important mediators for antler growth.(Elliott 1992, Elliott 1993)

Animal data

Limited studies on the growth-promoting effects of deer velvet have been conducted in tadpoles and chicks, with equivocal findings.(Percival 2001) A preparation of deer velvet improved induced whiplash-type injury in rats and rabbits by enhancing glycolysis in nervous tissue.(Sadighi 1994, Takikawa 1972)

Hematopoietic effects

In vitro data

In an in vitro study, fermented deer antler extract did not directly affect hematopoiesis, but contributed to hematopoiesis by stimulating the production of hematopoietic factors.(Park 2015)

Hepatoprotective effects

Animal and in vitro data

A synthetic version of sika deer velvet antler polypeptide was produced and administered orally in a cholestatic liver injury mouse model. After a 5-day prophylactic and 7-day treatment regimen, both the low and high doses (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) of the synthetic velvet antler polypeptide significantly improved serum ALT (P<0.01), total bile acid (P<0.05 to P<0.01), and total bilirubin (P<0.01), which were increased in the cholestatic controls. Survival was also significantly prolonged (P<0.01). Safety was demonstrated by the lack of hepatotoxicity in healthy control mice administered velvet antler polypeptide 20 mg/kg/day for 2 months. Per in vitro experiments, the mechanism involved strong antioxidant activity and marked reduction in reactive oxygen species, as well as stabilization of the blood-bile barrier permeability.(Li 2020)

Performance enhancement

Clinical data

Four clinical trials have published findings of deer velvet supplementation on performance, muscle size, and strength; however, the largest of the trials (N=46) was possibly underpowered and found no effect of supplementation; only 1 small trial (N=32) suggested a positive effect on body composition, strength, and maximal aerobic and anaerobic performance with supplementation.(Gilbey 2012, Percival 2001)

Other uses

A role for deer antler velvet extract in protecting against neurodegeneration in an Alzheimer disease model has been demonstrated experimentally with significant reductions observed in amyloid-beta-induced deposition, aggregation, and toxicity.(Du 2022)

Deer Velvet side effects

Data regarding adverse reactions with velvet antler are lacking. Areas of potential concern include drug residues, possible deleterious androgenic effects on fetuses and neonates, and allergic reactions.(Dalefield 1999) A case of liver injury considered probably related to a deer antler extract herbal blend has been reported in 38-year-old male with a history of Testosterone drug-induced liver injury.(Yousef 2021)

Humans who consume antler velvet (believed to be the primary location of prion propagation) as a nutritional supplement are at risk for exposure to prions. In one study, the transmission of CWD prions in antler velvet from 2 naturally affected elk to mice in 2 transgenic models demonstrates that this tissue contains low, but detectable, amounts of CWD prions.(Angers 2009, Wiedemer 2021) A case of confirmed Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease that is believed to be related to consumption of deer antler velvet supplements has been documented in a 61-year-old Caucasian male.(Wiedemer 2021)

Before taking Deer Velvet

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Deer Velvet

Limited studies are available to provide guidance, and standardization of preparations is lacking.

Warnings

Toxicity studies of deer antler powder in rats have been conducted. A 2 g/kg dose did not result in mortality or adverse events on a short-term (14 days) basis. In a 90-day study in rats, a 1 g/kg/day regimen also resulted in no observable, important adverse effects with deer velvet versus control, except for a minor, but significant, difference in liver weight.(Zhang 2000)

What other drugs will affect Deer Velvet

None well documented.

A possible interaction of velvet antler with morphine has been reported. Velvet antler has inhibited the development of tolerance to repeated doses of morphine in mice. It has been suggested that velvet antler may be useful for prevention and treatment of the adverse actions of morphine.(Kim 1999, Zhang 2000)

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