Deer Velvet
Deer velvet is obtained from deer and elk (or wapiti) . Large antlers can weigh up to 20 Kg for a pair.
Deer velvet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. It refers to the whole cartilage in its pre-calcified stage and doesn’t refer to the velvety “skin” growing on the antlers. The antler is usually cut-off before the calcification process starts when it is approximately two-thirds of its maximum size. Velvet antler contains approximately 40 componds including chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate, prostaglandins, monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, selenium, calcium, collagen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, bone morphogenic protein and growth factors.
Traditional Chinese medicine uses velvet antler to treat muscular weakness, joint aches, growth problems and childhood asthma. Western medicine uses velvet antler primarily to strengthen physical endurance, strengthen bones and tendons, ameliorate impotence and promote virility. Animal studies with deer velvet have shown reduced inflammation and negative effects of morphine in mice. It also stimulates fibroblast growth and increases phagocytic activity of macrophages in vitro.
Human studies have shown that deer velvet increases testosterone levels in young males and increases muscular endurance. It is also claimed that deer velvet relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis, enhances cardiovascular health and improves mental health.