Velvet Antler - NutraPedia

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Velvet Antler: An Overview

1) Studied Conditions

Velvet antler has been studied for a variety of health conditions, which include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Physical endurance and strength enhancement
  • Immune system support
  • Anti-aging effects
  • Sexual function improvement

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research on the effectiveness of velvet antler in treating health conditions has shown mixed results. While some studies suggest potential benefits, the evidence is generally considered insufficient to conclusively determine its efficacy. Further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

3) Health Benefits

Velvet antler is believed to offer several health benefits, including:

  • Supporting joint health
  • Enhancing physical performance
  • Boosting the immune system
  • Potential anti-inflammatory effects
  • Possibly aiding in recovery post-exercise

4) Downsides

While velvet antler is generally considered safe when used in moderation, some potential downsides include:

  • Allergic reactions in some individuals
  • Possible hormone-like effects that could be contraindicated in hormone-sensitive conditions
  • Limited scientific evidence to support many of the claimed benefits
  • Concerns about animal welfare and ethical considerations in the harvesting process

5) Genetic Variations and Effects

As of the current scientific understanding, there is limited research on the interaction between velvet antler and specific genetic variations in humans. Therefore, it is not possible to conclusively state whether it is beneficial or harmful for any particular genetic variations. Individuals may respond differently to velvet antler, and this could potentially be influenced by genetics, but more research is needed to understand these relationships.

Velvet Antler Research Summaries

Effects of Elk Velvet Antler Supplementation

Research on Fischer 344 rats indicates that a diet containing 10% powdered elk velvet antler (EVA) does not cause birth defects or impact growth and developmental milestones. It also suggests potential liver benefits without affecting glucose balance. Further investigation into a potential androgenic effect is warranted due to observed decreases in liver gammaGT activity, especially in male rats.

Deer Antler Velvet and Athletic Performance

A study on 38 active male participants showed that supplementation with deer antler velvet in extract or powder form did not enhance erythropoiesis or aerobic capacity, although the powder form improved knee extensor strength and endurance.

Impact on Chondrocytes and Osteoblast Precursors

Velvet antler polypeptides (VATP) from deer have been found to promote the growth of chondrocytes and osteoblast precursors, aiding in the healing of fractures.

Pharmacokinetics of Anesthetic in Elk Velvet Antler

A new method for detecting residues of the anesthetic lidocaine and its metabolite in elk velvet antler has been developed, showing potential for monitoring drug residues in antler products.

Sexual Function and Velvet Antler

A double-blind trial concluded that deer velvet does not enhance sexual function in normal middle-aged men, highlighting the importance of rigorous clinical trials for alternative health products.

Hormonal Responses to Exercise in Rowers

Elk velvet antler supplementation did not significantly affect rowing performance or hormonal responses in male and female rowers over a 10-week training period.

Wound Healing Properties of Velvet Antler Polypeptides

Both recombinant and native polypeptides derived from velvet antler have shown promising wound healing properties, with recombinant forms offering higher production yields.

Pain Management during Antler Removal

Antler pedicle compression was found to be less effective and potentially more painful than lidocaine for pain relief during antler removal in red deer.

Toxicological Evaluation of Deer Velvet

Deer velvet powder did not cause toxicological or histopathological abnormalities in rats, suggesting its safety at administered doses.

IGF-I and IGF-II on Deer Antler Cell Growth

IGF-I and IGF-II enhance DNA synthesis in deer antler cells, with IGF-I specifically binding to both cell types from the antler tip and cartilage zone.

Quality Elk Velvet Antler for Osteoarthrosis in Dogs

QEVA powder was shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of osteoarthrosis in dogs, without significant changes in blood analyses.

Immunomodulatory Components in Deer Antler

Phosphatidylcholines isolated from deer antler have been found to enhance spleen cell proliferation, with saturated fatty acids being more effective.

Elk Velvet Antler for Rheumatoid Arthritis

A clinical trial on stage II rheumatoid arthritis patients found elk velvet antler to be safe but did not conclusively determine its efficacy.

Anti-infective Properties of Velvet Antler

Formosan sambar deer velvet antler extracts demonstrated immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects against Staphylococcus aureus infections in mice.

Velvet Antler of Deer on Heart Failure

Velvet Antler of Deer (VAD) partially improved cardiac function and reduced BNP levels in rats, supporting the traditional Chinese medicine theory of heart-kidney connection.

Antler Growth Hormones in Red Deer

Testosterone, not IGF-1 or other hormones, was identified as the primary hormone driving antler growth intensity in both subadult and adult red deer stags.

Anti-tumor Peptide from Sika Deer Antler Plate

A novel monomeric peptide from sika deer antler plate polypeptide (APP) has shown anti-tumor activities, particularly against rat breast cancer cells.

Elk Velvet Antler and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

A clinical trial did not demonstrate significant benefits of elk velvet antler for managing residual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Review on Deer Antler Base

A comprehensive review on the traditional uses and pharmacological effects of deer antler base suggests its potential for treating various conditions, though further research is necessary.

Antler Regeneration Mechanisms

Deer antlers serve as a model for studying mammalian organ regeneration, with research detailing the stages of antler histogenesis and morphogenesis.

Pain Relief Methods for Elk Velvet Antler Removal

Compression was found to be less effective than lidocaine anesthesia in managing pain during elk velvet antler removal.

Morphine Addiction and Velvet Antler

Chronic administration of velvet antler water extract (VAWE) significantly reduced morphine tolerance, dependence, and reverse tolerance in mice.

Steroid Concentrations in White-Tailed Deer Antler

Testosterone and estradiol levels were measured in the serum, velvet skin, and growing antler bone of male white-tailed deer, showing systemic androgens may be metabolized to estrogens in antler tissues.

Velvet Antler's Effect on Morphine-Induced Dopamine Dysfunction

Velvet antler water extract inhibited the development of conditioned place preference and heightened sensitivity of dopamine receptors in morphine-treated mice.

Velvet Antler Polypeptide on Rat Epidermal Cells

A polypeptide from sika deer velvet antler significantly stimulated the proliferation of rat epidermal cells and NIH3T3 cells within specific dosage ranges.

Effectiveness of Deer and Elk Velvet Antler Supplements

A systematic review based on randomized controlled trials concluded that health benefits claims of deer and elk velvet antler supplements are not well-supported by rigorous research.

Velvet Antler Polypeptides on Neural Stem Cells

Velvet antler polypeptides (VAPs) significantly promoted the differentiation of neural stem cells towards neuron development, indicating potential for nervous system regeneration.

Ultrastructural Changes in Deer Antler Cartilage

Research on the maturation and mineralization of deer antler cartilage provided insights into the role of matrix granules and microfibrils in the nucleation of mineralization.

Velvet Antler and Allergic Airway Reactions

Velvet antler powder from Formosan sambar deer reduced allergic airway reactions in mice and may offer potential treatment benefits for asthma symptoms in humans.

IGF-1 and Antler Growth in Red Deer

Plasma IGF-1 levels were significantly higher during velvet antler formation in red deer, suggesting its role as a stimulant for antler growth.

Antler Extract on Macrophage Phagocytic Activity

An ethyl alcohol extract from Cervus nippon antler enhanced the phagocytic activity of mouse macrophages, potentially boosting immune response.

Elk Velvet Antler in Diabetic Wound Healing

Topical application of a water-soluble extract from elk velvet antler accelerated wound healing in diabetic rats, warranting further research for treatment potential.

References:


  1. The effects of elk velvet antler consumption on the rat: development, behavior, toxicity and the activity of liver gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase
  2. Diabetes and its effect on wound healing and patient care
  3. The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics
  4. Velvet antler polypeptides promoted proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblast precursors and fracture healing
  5. Analysis of lidocaine and its major metabolite, monoethylglycinexylidide, in elk velvet antler by liquid chromatography with UV detection and confirmation by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
  6. Effect of deer velvet on sexual function in men and their partners: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
  7. Effect of elk velvet antler supplementation on the hormonal response to acute and chronic exercise in male and female rowers
  8. Wound healing by a 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervus nippon Temminck
  9. Comparison of analgesic techniques for antler removal in halothane-anaesthetized red deer (Cervus elaphus): electroencephalographic responses
  10. Toxicological evaluation of New Zealand deer velvet powder. Part I: acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats
  11. Effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II on the growth of antler cells in vitro
  12. Clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthrosis in dogs
  13. Modification of concanavalin A-dependent proliferation by phosphatidylcholines isolated from deer antler, Cervus elaphus
  14. Elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis: phase II trial
  15. The Antiinfective Effects of Velvet Antler of Formosan Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) on Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Mice
  16. The Effects of Velvet Antler of Deer on Cardiac Functions of Rats with Heart Failure following Myocardial Infarction
  17. Testosterone, but not IGF-1, LH, prolactin or cortisol, may serve as antler-stimulating hormone in red deer stags (Cervus elaphus)
  18. Studies on the purification of polypeptide from sika antler plate and activities of antitumor
  19. A randomized clinical trial of elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis
  20. Deer antler base as a traditional Chinese medicine: a review of its traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology
  21. Histogenetic aspects of deer antler development
  22. Comparison of lidocaine and compression for velvet antler analgesia in wapiti
  23. Antinarcotic effects of the velvet antler water extract on morphine in mice
  24. Testosterone and estradiol concentrations in serum, velvet skin, and growing antler bone of male white-tailed deer
  25. Inhibitory effects of velvet antler water extract on morphine-induced conditioned place preference and DA receptor supersensitivity in mice
  26. A novel polypeptide from Cervus nippon Temminck proliferation of epidermal cells and NIH3T3 cell line
  27. Health benefits of deer and elk velvet antler supplements: a systematic review of randomised controlled studies
  28. Biological effect of velvet antler polypeptides on neural stem cells from embryonic rat brain
  29. Ultrastructural changes associated with the mineralization of deer antler cartilage
  30. Effect of the Velvet Antler of Formosan Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) on the Prevention of an Allergic Airway Response in Mice
  31. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) antler-stimulating hormone?
  32. Phagocytic activity of ethyl alcohol fraction of deer antler in murine peritoneal macrophage
  33. Effects of topical elk velvet antler on cutaneous wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats


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