Glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) Identified in Velvet Antler
Glycosaminoglycans are complex carbohydrates. Research has shown GAG’s exist in velvet antler
including:
• Chondroitin Sulphate - a carbohydrate that helps protect and rebuild degenerating
cartilage and is regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory agent
• Erythropoietin - a hormone produced by specialised kidney cells to stimulate
red blood cell production
• Glycosphingolipids - are compounds involved with growth and metabolism of cells
and with memory and learning
• Glucosamine sulphate - is a component of Chondrin Sulphate and is a major
component of cartilage and synovial fluid
• Hyaluronic acid - a substance that binds cartilage cells together and lubricates
joints
• Prostaglandins - hormone like substances that produce a wide range of effects,
including anti-inflammatory effects, within the body
• Phospholipids - the major structural lipid of most cell membranes
Other Compounds Identified in Velvet Antler
There are many other compounds shown by research to exist in velvet antler including
• Monoamine- oxidase inhibitors - an enzyme that inhibits the oxidation of neurotransmitters and
so promotes a feeling of well being
Health Benefits Supported by Western Research
Generally researchers agree that velvet antler restores, strengthens and protects normal bodily
functions but is not in itself curative. Preliminary results of modern research suggest that deer velvet
may have beneficial effects related to:
• Stimulation of the body’s immune system to assist protection against infection and disease
• The anti-inflammatory agents it contains that may assist in reducing the pain and inflammation
of a variety of degenerative diseases
• The anabolic or growth stimulating properties it provides
• The prevention or repair of muscle damage following exercise
• Its ability to increase muscular strength and endurance
• It ability to significantly reduce the damaging side effects of chemotherapy drugs, while at the
same time increasing their effectiveness
Specific health benefits shown by western research
Anaemia
New Zealand research has shown clear evidence that velvet antler can alleviate experimentally
induced anaemia.
Anti-aging
Research on mice suggests that velvet antler supplements inhibited the activity of some enzymes
associated with aging while increasing the synthesis of liver and kidney protein by promoting activity
of other specific enzymes.
Reviews report that this research is strong evidence of the anti-aging influence of deer velvet.
Anti-cancer activity
Although there does not appear to be any evidence that velvet antler can cure cancers, research has
demonstrated that velvet may extracts have some anti-tumor (cytotoxic) effects against some forms of
cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory effects
New Zealand research [12] reports that although the mechanism is unknown velvet antler shows
strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Blood Pressure Control
Research has shown that extracts of deer velvet have a strong ability to lower blood pressure in people
with normal blood pressure and to stabilise abnormal blood pressure. However Suttie et al [13] advises
extreme caution of use of velvet by those with extremely high or low blood pressure.
Bone and Joint Health
It is proposed by researchers that therapies used for the treatment of human bone and joint problems
should include the use of glycosaminoglycan-peptides, particularly chondroitin sulphate [1]. Several
studies have shown the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of velvet antler and in particular the
relatively high level of chondroitin sulphate.
Most research suggests that as velvet antler contains significant quantities of chondroitin sulphate, it is
worthy of consideration as a treatment for joint and bone inflammation conditions.
Growth Stimulation
Research has identified various natural hormones (growth factors) in velvet antler including IGF-1
(insulin –like Growth Factor-1) and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor).
Velvet antler may be a natural source of natural hormones for athletes and others who seek a natural
aid to muscle growth and development.
Performance Enhancement
Although the mechanisms are yet to be clearly identified, research and anecdotal evidence suggests
that velvet antler has a positive effect on athletic performance.
Stimulation of the Immune System
Research in Korea, New Zealand and China has shown that velvet antler can stimulate the immune
system. Extracts of velvet antler were variously shown to increase macrophage activity, stimulate the
production of lymphocytes and increase the number of red and white blood cells.
Each of these effects may directly complement the body’s ability to resist or fight disease and so
promote and maintain health and an associated feeling of well being.
Tonic Effects
The immune stimulation effects shown by research gives support to claims of TCM that velvet antler
can have a revitalising effect, especially for people who are immuno-compromised people (those
weakened by illness or other stress).
Health Benefits for Animals
Research and anecdotal reports also suggest promising health benefits from supplementation with deer
velvet for animals with inflammation related health problems
Future prospects for velvet use for pet health look extremely bright as pet owners increasingly seek
natural alternatives to drug treatments for health problems of their pets (eg arthritis).
reported positive effects of velvet on animals include:
• Relief from clinical arthritis
• General feeling of well being
• Improved hair coat
• Improved kidney function
• Increased reproductive performance
• Accelerated wound healing
Dose Rates and Safety
There appears to be no definitive information on dose rate available from research although the
prolonged historic use of velvet antler by Asian communities suggests a reasonable degree of safety.
However it is generally considered that one or two 250-350 mg capsules per day is sufficient to
maintain health and alleviate minor fatigue while higher doses are used for healing or performance
enhancement.
Like most natural health supplements, effects of velvet antler tend to be cumulative. Typically,
significant benefits are seen after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Some minor side effects (headaches and nose bleeds) have been observed at higher dose levels.
General cautions often suggest that people with an enlarged prostrate, those who take anticoagulant or
blood pressure medications should seek advice before consuming velvet antler.
Velvet antler should only be used as part of an overall health plan. It should not replace prescription
medication or proper nutrition.
Glycosaminoglycans are complex carbohydrates. Research has shown GAG’s exist in velvet antler
including:
• Chondroitin Sulphate - a carbohydrate that helps protect and rebuild degenerating
cartilage and is regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory agent
• Erythropoietin - a hormone produced by specialised kidney cells to stimulate
red blood cell production
• Glycosphingolipids - are compounds involved with growth and metabolism of cells
and with memory and learning
• Glucosamine sulphate - is a component of Chondrin Sulphate and is a major
component of cartilage and synovial fluid
• Hyaluronic acid - a substance that binds cartilage cells together and lubricates
joints
• Prostaglandins - hormone like substances that produce a wide range of effects,
including anti-inflammatory effects, within the body
• Phospholipids - the major structural lipid of most cell membranes
Other Compounds Identified in Velvet Antler
There are many other compounds shown by research to exist in velvet antler including
• Monoamine- oxidase inhibitors - an enzyme that inhibits the oxidation of neurotransmitters and
so promotes a feeling of well being
Health Benefits Supported by Western Research
Generally researchers agree that velvet antler restores, strengthens and protects normal bodily
functions but is not in itself curative. Preliminary results of modern research suggest that deer velvet
may have beneficial effects related to:
• Stimulation of the body’s immune system to assist protection against infection and disease
• The anti-inflammatory agents it contains that may assist in reducing the pain and inflammation
of a variety of degenerative diseases
• The anabolic or growth stimulating properties it provides
• The prevention or repair of muscle damage following exercise
• Its ability to increase muscular strength and endurance
• It ability to significantly reduce the damaging side effects of chemotherapy drugs, while at the
same time increasing their effectiveness
Specific health benefits shown by western research
Anaemia
New Zealand research has shown clear evidence that velvet antler can alleviate experimentally
induced anaemia.
Anti-aging
Research on mice suggests that velvet antler supplements inhibited the activity of some enzymes
associated with aging while increasing the synthesis of liver and kidney protein by promoting activity
of other specific enzymes.
Reviews report that this research is strong evidence of the anti-aging influence of deer velvet.
Anti-cancer activity
Although there does not appear to be any evidence that velvet antler can cure cancers, research has
demonstrated that velvet may extracts have some anti-tumor (cytotoxic) effects against some forms of
cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory effects
New Zealand research [12] reports that although the mechanism is unknown velvet antler shows
strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Blood Pressure Control
Research has shown that extracts of deer velvet have a strong ability to lower blood pressure in people
with normal blood pressure and to stabilise abnormal blood pressure. However Suttie et al [13] advises
extreme caution of use of velvet by those with extremely high or low blood pressure.
Bone and Joint Health
It is proposed by researchers that therapies used for the treatment of human bone and joint problems
should include the use of glycosaminoglycan-peptides, particularly chondroitin sulphate [1]. Several
studies have shown the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of velvet antler and in particular the
relatively high level of chondroitin sulphate.
Most research suggests that as velvet antler contains significant quantities of chondroitin sulphate, it is
worthy of consideration as a treatment for joint and bone inflammation conditions.
Growth Stimulation
Research has identified various natural hormones (growth factors) in velvet antler including IGF-1
(insulin –like Growth Factor-1) and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor).
Velvet antler may be a natural source of natural hormones for athletes and others who seek a natural
aid to muscle growth and development.
Performance Enhancement
Although the mechanisms are yet to be clearly identified, research and anecdotal evidence suggests
that velvet antler has a positive effect on athletic performance.
Stimulation of the Immune System
Research in Korea, New Zealand and China has shown that velvet antler can stimulate the immune
system. Extracts of velvet antler were variously shown to increase macrophage activity, stimulate the
production of lymphocytes and increase the number of red and white blood cells.
Each of these effects may directly complement the body’s ability to resist or fight disease and so
promote and maintain health and an associated feeling of well being.
Tonic Effects
The immune stimulation effects shown by research gives support to claims of TCM that velvet antler
can have a revitalising effect, especially for people who are immuno-compromised people (those
weakened by illness or other stress).
Health Benefits for Animals
Research and anecdotal reports also suggest promising health benefits from supplementation with deer
velvet for animals with inflammation related health problems
Future prospects for velvet use for pet health look extremely bright as pet owners increasingly seek
natural alternatives to drug treatments for health problems of their pets (eg arthritis).
reported positive effects of velvet on animals include:
• Relief from clinical arthritis
• General feeling of well being
• Improved hair coat
• Improved kidney function
• Increased reproductive performance
• Accelerated wound healing
Dose Rates and Safety
There appears to be no definitive information on dose rate available from research although the
prolonged historic use of velvet antler by Asian communities suggests a reasonable degree of safety.
However it is generally considered that one or two 250-350 mg capsules per day is sufficient to
maintain health and alleviate minor fatigue while higher doses are used for healing or performance
enhancement.
Like most natural health supplements, effects of velvet antler tend to be cumulative. Typically,
significant benefits are seen after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Some minor side effects (headaches and nose bleeds) have been observed at higher dose levels.
General cautions often suggest that people with an enlarged prostrate, those who take anticoagulant or
blood pressure medications should seek advice before consuming velvet antler.
Velvet antler should only be used as part of an overall health plan. It should not replace prescription
medication or proper nutrition.
Elk Velvet Antler is a nutritional supplement produced from the inner core of an elk’s antler
during the velvet stage of growth. When elk antler is “in velvet” it contains the highest levels
of nutritional properties. It is humanely removed in early summer. Male elk grow a new set of
antlers each year, which makes velvet antler an annual renewable resource - the Elk has
shared a natural benefit for you and your animals /read how
during the velvet stage of growth. When elk antler is “in velvet” it contains the highest levels
of nutritional properties. It is humanely removed in early summer. Male elk grow a new set of
antlers each year, which makes velvet antler an annual renewable resource - the Elk has
shared a natural benefit for you and your animals /read how
North American Elk
Velvet Antler Supplements
Call for orders or questions
Lone Pine 715-889-1487
Velvet Antler Supplements
Call for orders or questions
Lone Pine 715-889-1487
A significant number of people and their pets suffer from arthritic conditions of bones
and joints (osteoarthritis, joint injuries, joint inflammation, etc we would like to share a information page for you to
read, if you or someone you know suffers.
and joints (osteoarthritis, joint injuries, joint inflammation, etc we would like to share a information page for you to
read, if you or someone you know suffers.
Exceptionally large elk antlers can weigh 50 lb (20 kg) for a pair. These grow rapidly from about March or April until
July . Antlers are said to be the fastest growing membrane known, and it is this rapidly growing tissue that contains
the micronutrients needed to improve some human health deficiencies.
July . Antlers are said to be the fastest growing membrane known, and it is this rapidly growing tissue that contains
the micronutrients needed to improve some human health deficiencies.
The whole cartilaginous antler in a pre-calcified stage. Typically the antler is cut off near the base after it is about
two-thirds of its potential full size, and before any significant calcification occurs.
The antler is dried and is used powdered or in tea form for a wide variety of health remedy and health
maintenance purposes.
two-thirds of its potential full size, and before any significant calcification occurs.
The antler is dried and is used powdered or in tea form for a wide variety of health remedy and health
maintenance purposes.
Velvet antler is a rich source of many of the minerals and nutrients our bodies need. It contains calcium,
phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and cobalt. It also
contains the major amino acids, collagen, prostaglandins, glycosaminoglycans, chrondroitin sulfate A,
gangliosides, lipids, and many other components.
phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and cobalt. It also
contains the major amino acids, collagen, prostaglandins, glycosaminoglycans, chrondroitin sulfate A,
gangliosides, lipids, and many other components.