Deer antler velvet has been used for centuries, and is still a key ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In recent times, it has become increasingly popular in the West, with businesses in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Russia and some parts of Europe farming and selling it globally. The earliest known usage of deer antler velvet as a medicinal substance was found in a 2,000 year old Chinese scroll, indicating its long history of use.
What is Deer Antler Velvet?
Deer antler velvet is a special substance that is obtained from growing antlers. It is characterized by its velvety texture, which is a result of the hairy skin covering the antler while it is still in the process of growth.
The unique properties of deer antler velvet are mainly due to its regenerative capacity, which is a feature that is not found in any other mammalian appendage. Furthermore, it grows at an astonishingly rapid rate.
This substance is made up of a complex composition of nearly 40 key compounds and 400 active ingredients, some of which are amino acids, glycosaminoglycans, minerals and trace elements. Even though its chemical makeup is largely known, it is believed that the combination of its ingredients as a whole is what gives deer antler velvet its strong efficacy.
Deer antler velvet benefits
Deer antler velvet is a natural, wholesome substance that helps to restore balance to the body. It is made up of a complex mixture of chemicals and active ingredients, which the body needs to function properly. This natural adaptogen can be taken as a dietary supplement for improved health, greater energy, and enhanced performance. It can also be used to treat certain medical conditions.
The advantages of using deer antler velvet include increased blood flow and circulation, lowered blood pressure, increased strength and muscle development, improved flexibility and joint mobility, quicker muscle recovery, anti-inflammatory effects, improved sexual health, strengthened skeletal system, boosted immune system, improved mental health, and anti-aging properties. All of these benefits make deer antler velvet an ideal choice for those looking to improve their health and well-being.
1). Deer antler velvet Improves Athletic Performance, Strength, Endurance, and Recovery
Research suggests that deer antler velvet can have a positive effect on athletic performance. Russian bodybuilders in the 1960’s reported improved muscle and nerve strength after taking the extract of deer antler velvet, pantocrin. Studies have also shown a correlation between the consistent use of deer antler velvet and improved cardiovascular health.
In one study conducted by Tanejeva, test subjects were placed on a stationary bike and their work rate was measured. Half of the men were given Pantocrin while the other half were given a placebo. The group that received deer antler velvet extract had a greater increase in their total work rate. The same experiment was conducted with athletes running three kilometer races. The group that received deer antler velvet extract had a faster average time than the group that did not.
Other studies have shown that deer antler velvet extract can increase heart strength, volume of blood pumped, and other parameters. It is thought that the polysaccharides in antler may reduce the blood’s tendency to clot, improving circulation and boosting overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, it is theorized that deer antler velvet may help supply muscles with more oxygen or act as an anti-inflammatory, allowing athletes to recover more quickly from their training sessions.
2). Deer antler velvet Increases Growth Hormones and Testosterone
Deer antler velvet has been studied for its potential to promote growth of cells and aid in muscle development. It is a natural source of hormones, and research has identified a variety of growth factors in it, such as IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1), IGF-2 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-2), and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor). IGF-1 is often confused with HGH (Human Growth Hormone). While these hormones are closely related, HGH is actually a precursor to IGF-1. The pituitary gland produces HGH, which is then sent to the liver and other nearby tissues, where it starts the synthesis of IGF-1. It has been proven that IGF-1 levels are highly correlated to HGH levels.
IGF-1 is an important hormone that plays a role in many different aspects of growth and development. In childhood, it is essential for normal growth, as it is at its highest levels during puberty. In adults, IGF-1 has anabolic effects, meaning it helps to increase the size and number of cells, which is important for building muscle and reducing muscle loss due to aging or disease. It also helps to speed up cell repair and muscle regeneration, and can reduce body fat by preventing insulin from transporting glucose throughout the body, instead causing the body to use fat as a source of energy. Therefore, by increasing IGF-1 levels, it is possible to improve muscle growth, enhance recovery from injury or workouts, and burn fat more effectively. However, it is important to note that because IGF-1 stimulates growth in all types of cells, it should not be taken by those with cancer or those who may be prone to it, as it can have very adverse effects.
3). Deer antler velvet Improves Bone and Joint Health
Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by the damage and eventual loss of cushioning cartilage in the joints. When this occurs, the bones in the joint begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and a decrease in mobility. Treatment for this condition typically focuses on reducing the pain and maintaining joint function, with little to no effort being made to actually restore joint health.
Researchers believe that the underlying cause of this problem is an imbalance between the rate of cartilage erosion and the rate of cartilage regeneration. This is thought to be due to the lack of glycosaminoglycans, which are essential for the structural integrity of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate molecules, which are composed of sugars and sulfur, can help create tiny spaces filled with fluid that protect and cushion the joint. This helps to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
4). Deer Antler Velvet Enhances Sexual Function
Deer antler velvet is a natural supplement with many beneficial properties. Research has shown that it can help to increase testosterone levels in men and estradiol levels in women. It can also help to improve male fertility, treat erectile dysfunction, and increase libido. For women, it may help to reduce premenstrual symptoms such as cramps and mood swings, as well as treat vaginal discharges, uterine bleeding, menstrual disorders, infertility, and menopause. In addition, Russian studies suggest that it may help to reduce the symptoms of menopause. All in all, deer antler velvet is a great natural remedy for both sexes to improve their sexual health.
5). Deer Antler Velvet Has Anti-Aging Effects
Research has indicated that deer antler velvet supplements may be beneficial to those looking to slow down the aging process. Studies conducted in Japan have shown that deer antler velvet is capable of reducing the signs of aging, likely due to its hormonal effects. In addition, Wang Ben-Ziang (1988) found that deer antler velvet was able to decrease activity of enzymes associated with the aging process, while simultaneously increasing levels of liver superoxide dismutase, an enzyme which helps to rid the body of free radicals. Furthermore, it was discovered that deer antler velvet could promote the activity of other specific enzymes, resulting in an increase in the synthesis of liver and kidney protein. Overall, these findings provide strong evidence that deer antler velvet has an anti-aging influence.
6). Deer Antler Velvet Controls Blood Pressure
Research has demonstrated that deer velvet can help to improve the body’s ability to carry oxygen in the blood, which in turn supports healthy blood pressure and circulation. This is because deer antler has the capacity to widen the blood vessels on the outside of the body, leading to a reduction in blood pressure.
Studies conducted in Russia and Japan have suggested that deer antler extract can be used to lower blood pressure in both humans and animals. Clinical trials (Albov, 1969) were conducted to assess the effects of deer antler velvet extract on those with cardiac problems, whereby in one test of 32 subjects with high blood pressure caused by various factors, 81% of those tested saw a reduction in blood pressure. A further study of 13 patients with heart-related hypotension also experienced a reduction in blood pressure in 84% of the subjects.
In addition to this, deer antler velvet has been found to stimulate red blood cell production in laboratory animals with anemia. The polysaccharides in deer antler velvet are thought to be responsible for its ability to enhance circulation, decrease the risk of clotting, reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall cardiovascular health.
7). Deer Antler Velvet Boosts Mental Performance and Mood
A study conducted by Taneyeva (undated) tested the effects of deer velvet extract on mental performance in men aged 18-23. The results of the test showed that those who consumed the extract scored higher than the control group. Additionally, Chen’s study found that deer antler velvet has antidepressant and mood-regulating effects by inhibiting monoamine oxidase activity in the brain and liver tissues of aged mice. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin, meaning they remain available in the brain for longer, thus improving mood.
8). Deer Antler Velvet Stimulates the Immune System
Deer antler velvet has been found to be a natural source of immunoglobulins, which are known to fight infection and disease. Studies conducted in Korea, New Zealand, and China have demonstrated that this substance can strengthen the immune system by increasing the activity of macrophages, stimulating the production of lymphocytes, and increasing the number of red and white blood cells. Evidence from a Russian study suggests that the amino acids, polypeptides, and other compounds found in antler can increase the survival rate of mice with cancerous tumors by up to 40%. Furthermore, a study conducted by the East-West Research Institute in Korea found that deer antler velvet appears to increase neutrophil levels in mice, which can help the body to fight off injuries and disease. The mice used in the study also showed less weight loss and experienced lower levels of kidney damage than those treated with traditional drugs.