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.

References

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Wang BX, Zhao XH, Qi SB, et al. Stimulating effect of deer antler extract on protein synthesis in senescence-accelerated mice in vivo. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 1988;36(7):2593-2598.
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• 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.
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• Zhao QC, Kiyohara, H, Nagai T, et al. Structure of the complement-activating proteoglycan from the pilose antler of Cervus nippon Temminck. Carbohydr Res. 6-16-1992;230(2):361-372.
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