Deer Antler

Velvet Antler Products

Looking for a natural pain relief supplement? Our deer antler supplement, or more specifically our velvet antler supplement, may be the pain relief supplement you've been searching for! Take a look at the velvet antler products and information on this page, and maybe you'd be interested in seeing some of the other health and fitness supplements that we offer by using our links.

POWERFUL IGF PLUS INGREDIENT DEER ANTLER:
 
More than 50 million North Americans suffer from the debilitating pain of osteoarthritis and joint injuries,and many older household pets also experience joint inflammation and lack of mobility due to arthritic conditions. Ironically, most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs actually contribute to joint degeneration, and also risk a host of other potentially dangerous side effects.
 
A review of literature related to the use of velvet antler products as an alternative to drugs provides compelling evidence to support the claim that compounds in velvet antler may be significantly more effective and longer-lasting than many conventional prescription and non-prescription drugs for relief of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The literature also suggests that velvet antler may provide additional benefits such as increased vitality, enhanced cardiovascular health, improved mental health and relief of some conditions associated with aging. Other research indicates that velvet antler may assist in growth and strength training. Furthermore, as a natural dietary supplement, velvet antler does not produce drug-related side effects and is therefore considered by many researchers to be safer for use than most conventional drugs.
 
The production of elk and deer velvet antler as a dietary supplement or medicinal substance constitutes a major industry in Asia, and the history of velvet antler use in Asian countries dates back more than 2,000 years.
 
In North America, domesticated North American elk constitute the primary source of velvet antler dietary supplements. Due to the size and overall quality of North American elk antler, velvet antler produced in the United States and Canada is generally considered to be a premium product in countries such as China, Japan and Korea, and a significant export market exists to support this claim.
 
Collection of North American elk antler is performed without endangering the host animals. Harvesting is a simple procedure performed once per year during the spring "velvet" stage of antler growth. During this period, the antlers are in a soft cartilaginous state, providing peak potency of the compounds associated with the claims made in numerous studies regarding velvet antler’s beneficial effects.  (top)
 
Pharmacology
 
Elk antler is composed of a variety of different tissues, including cartilage, and is also rich in collagen, a crucial protein, and glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans help form cartilage proteoglycans, which regulate water retention and cell differentiation. They also help proliferate chondrocytes in cartilaginous tissue.
 
Velvet antler contains nearly 40 key compounds including:
 
  • Chondroitin sulfate, a carbohydrate that attracts fluid into proteoglycan molecules and protects cartilage from destructive enzymes
  • Glucosamine sulfate, the building block of cartilage and a reported anti-inflammatory easily absorbed by the body
  • Lipids, to build cells and boost energy
  • Prostaglandins, powerful anti-inflammatory agents
  • Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors, which enhance mood
  • Selenium, which reduces infections, and protects blood cells, the heart, liver and lungs
  • Calcium, for bones, teeth, nerves, blood clotting and muscle contraction
  • Collagen, a major structural protein that binds joints together and serves as a main component of articular cartilage
  • Phosphorus, which helps build bones and teeth, and is a key component of metabolic reaction
  • Polysaccharides, which helps regulate blood clotting activity
  • All essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein
  • Potassium, for nerves and muscles
  • Magnesium, to help cells restore and release energy
  • Bone morphogenetic protein, which speeds bone growth
  • Growth factors, which aid in cartilage cell development.

Clinical Research
 
Although traditional Chinese medical literature dating back more than 2,000 years extols the benefits of velvet antler as a premium medicinal substance, recent studies provide compelling scientific evident supporting the use of velvet antler to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Additional research indicates velvet antler may provide beneficial effects in several other areas including cardiovascular health, mental health and growth and strength enhancement.  (top)
 
Bone and Joint Health
 
Osteoarthritis is caused by the loss of cartilage in bone joints. In normal joints, cartilage serves as a buffer between bones. Usually the body replenishes cartilage as it wears away, but when osteoarthritis occurs, cartilage deteriorates faster than the body can replace it. Eventually, the bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling and loss of joint mobility.
 
Most treatments for osteoarthritis attempt to reduce pain and maintain joint function, but these treatments do little to restore joint health. In fact, many prescription and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs actually prevent the growth of collagen in joints, causing further cartilage degeneration.
 
These drugs can also produce other serious side effects such as deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract lining, and liver and kidney damage.
 
Researchers believe that the imbalance between cartilage erosion and regeneration in osteoarthritis suffers is caused by a lack of glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans play a vital role in the structural integrity of cartilage.
 
Several studies indicate that velvet antler can reduce or even eliminate symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Recent clinical tests suggest oral ingestion of glycosaminoglycan-peptide complex, or components such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate — both found in velvet antler — may help stimulate cartilage repair. Placebo-controlled double-masked studies of both humans and animals on the therapeutic effects of glycosaminoglycan-peptide complex appear to confirm these investigations. Researchers are now studying how these apparent effects occur.
 
Chondroitin sulfate, the most abundant glycosaminoglycan found in velvet antler, is used in surgery to stabilize tissue. Several studies on humans indicate regular oral ingestion of chondroitin sulfate can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. The compound appears to inhibit enzymes that deplete cartilage nutrition. Chondroitin sulfate molecules are long chains of sugars and sulfur that create tiny spaces filled with fluid. These spaces protect and cushion joints.
 
Randomized studies of glucosamine indicate the compound not only inhibits cartilage degradation but also helps repair damaged cartilage. An eight-week double-blind trial of glucosamine on 40 osteoarthritis sufferers found that the compound had significantly longer-lasting benefits than the commonly prescribed pain killer ibuprofen.. Other studies indicate that the effects appear to continue as long as six to 12 weeks after subjects stop taking glucosamine.
 
Additional research is now under way at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta (Edmonton), Canada, to determine the efficacy of antler on rheumatoid arthritis. Previous studies have already suggested that the cartilage compounds found in antler may be effective at relieving rheumatoid arthritis pain.  (top)
 
Growth and Strength Enhancement
 
** Elk antler grows as much as 50 pounds in less than a few months, making it the fastest-developing animal organism in the world.
 
This rapid development is caused by antler’s high content of bone morphogenetic proteins, which regulate bone growth, as well as growth factors I and II. These growth factors increase the rate of cell division during antler development, and may contribute to the medicinal effects of velvet antler. In addition, velvet antler contains amino acids that have been proven in studies to increase growth hormone levels in humans.
 
History of Velvet Antler
 
The history of antler as a medicinal substance stretches back thousands of years. Although the most well-documented ancient uses come from China and the Far East, other cultures from Northern Europe and Northern Asia to North American and ancient Rome have also benefited from the use of antler as a tonic and for treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including:
 
Joint pain
Kidney and liver problems
Stomach ulcers
Gout
Headaches
Eczema
Low energy
Chills
Even today, antler extract compounds are listed in the pharmacopoeia of the former USSR Health Ministry as "tonic drugs."
 
Velvet antler has been a staple of Traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years as a wellness tonic to strengthen bones and tendons, nourish the blood, reduce swelling and to treat impotence.
 
The use of antler dates to the Han Dynasty 206 BC to 220 AD. for treating impotence, menoxenia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dizziness, insomnia, amnesia, wounds, pain and arthritis. Antler is also mentioned in the chief authority on early Chinese pharmacology, the Pen Ts’ao Kang Mu. This 16th century medical classic lists a variety of antler preparations including powders, pills, extracts, tinctures and ointments.Several modern compilations of Chinese medical preparations still contain numerous antler uses.
 
Prior to recent times, velvet antler was offered in whole stick form. Retailers sold antler by the slice, and consumers made their own medicine at home, often mixing antler with other traditional medicines. Consumers could judge the quality of the antler by the stick’s size, color, smell and general appearance.
 
Today the antler trade remains strong in Asia, with China producing nearly 100 tons of dried velvet antler annually. Velvet antler is also an important crop in Russia, with significant exports to Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, however, North American elk antler is prized throughout Asia because it is considered by many to be more potent than the more commonly available deer antler.
 
 
 
Processing Factors:
 
Each part of the elk antler contains different compounds with a variety of properties. However, many velvet antler manufacturers only use the lower calcified portions of the antler, which are considerably cheaper to purchase than the upper sections, but also contain significantly less cartilaginous tissue. Velvet antler processed in whole form appears to provide the widest selection of chemical compounds associated with the benefits claimed in the research cited.
 
Several studies indicate that heating can reduce or destroy the beneficial properties of velvet antler. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the product is not heated during processing. However, many manufacturers of low-grade velvet antler products burn the velvet portion of the antler off before processing, because it’s less labor-intensive than non-heat-producing methods. Some widely-used grinding methods may also produce heat, reducing the effectiveness of the product.
 
Because of its dried properties, elk antler is not prone to contaminates such as yeast, molds, chloroforms, E. coli and salmonella. However, standards outlined by the North American Elk Breeders Association, and practiced by premium processors, recommend laboratory testing to ensure sanitation of the product.
 
 
Summary
 
There is significant credible research evidence to support the claims that use of velvet antler can enhance joint structure and function, and may provide additional benefits including increased vitality, improved cardiovascular health, mood enhancement, and as an effective strength and training aid. However, such benefits appear dependent upon the quality of antler used as well as methods employed during processing of velvet antler products.  (top)
 
 
Personal Experiences
 
The following user experiences, although not clinically validated, provide further evidence of velvet antler’s efficacy in reducing joint pain and increasing overall vitality.
 
Cyle Mark is an active 13-year-old boy. He has suffered from tendonitis of his heels for over a year. Growing pains, the doctor said. Being an athlete, this condition made it extremely painful for him to run or jump. He started taking velvet in April of 1998. He has not limped since he started the capsules and has grown almost six inches. He played baseball, football and is now in basketball.
 
Rocky is a plumber in his mid-forties. He has severe arthritis in his hips, knees and ankles. It is almost impossible for him to work. Since starting on elk velvet, he can crawl on the ground, lay on his back, and do the necessary thinks to make a living. It has made a remarkable difference in his quality of life.
 
"I’ve been using velvet antler for arthritis for about one year. Before that I had taken a variety of pain relievers — often at twice the normal dosage. When I started taking velvet antler, I stopped all of that, and I haven’t taken any of it since. Prior to taking velvet antler, I’d wake up in the mornings and not have any strength in my hands at all. Now I have a lot more strength in my hands. My mother and my sisters are using it now, and my chiropractor recommends it to his patients."— Debra Rest
 
"I’ve always been athletic, but due to previous injuries and — let's face it — more than a few years of wear and tear, my knees have been really stiff. I used to run nearly every day, but recently I’ve had to turn to low-impact sports such as biking to keep fit. Over the past few months I’ve been using velvet antler, and the change has been amazing. Sure, I still bicycle, but I also run, hike, ski and participate in all the other sports that used to be such a big part of my life. Velvet antler has made a profound difference in my activity level, and I’m now recommending it to all my athletic friends who are not only looking for joint relief, but also that extra boost of vitality." — Ken Mitchell
 
"We love our labs — all three of them. But at 7, our black lab was not only slowing down, she was in obvious pain. The arthritis in her legs kept her from playing with the two younger dogs, and she was just miserable.
 
"We started giving her velvet antler about a year ago, and the change is amazing! She rough-houses with our chocolate and yellow labs as if she were a puppy again. We’re so convinced of its power to stop arthritis pain and joint degeneration, we’ve begun to give velvet antler to our other dogs as a preventative measure." — Charlotte Riddle
 
Tierra, Australian Shepherd, 11: "Her his X-rays are terrible. Almost no normal hip joints left. She has been on elk velvet for over three months and is doing great. I have noticed no side-effects to the medication." — Tess Langham
 
 
"We’ve been testing velvet antler on more than 100 small animals with chronic arthritic problems, and the results have been impressive. In more than 80 percent of the cases, we’ve seen significant improvements in the animal’s mobility and vitality."
 
"We’ve had dogs come into the hospital that could hardly walk. They were in real pain. But after a couple of weeks on velvet antler, they’re wagging their tail and jumping around. I don’t know how often I’ve heard owners say their pet is acting like a puppy again.
 
"Unlike human test subjects, who can be influenced by psychological factors, you can’t convince an animal that he feels better. He either does or he doesn’t. With velvet antler we’ve seen dramatic improvements that can’t be dismissed. And velvet antler doesn’t create the kinds of problems we often see with traditional heavy-hitter arthritis drugs that can cause liver damage, kidney damage, bleeding ulcers and a host of other problems.
 
"As a practicing veterinarian, I’m always a little skeptical of overly-optimistic claims and non-traditional remedies, but velvet antler is the real thing. It’s at the top of my list when it comes to treating pets with arthritis and joint pain and evidence is clear that is powerful effective for all species, especially humans." — Dr. Clinton Balok, Licensed Veterinarian, Cedar Animal Medical Center, Gallup, N.M.  (top)
 
References
 
"Alberta Universities Begin Clinical Trials on Elk Antler Velvet as Arthritis Relief Medication." Wapiti Review, July/August 1998, p. 13
Albov, N.A., and L.F. Krupennikov. "The Influence of Pantocrin on Menopause." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
Albov, N.A., V.A. Borovskaya and I.E. Kofanov. "Clinical Observations on the Influence of Pantocrin on Cardiac Patients." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
"Alternative Uses for Deer Velvet," The Ensign. In: The New Zealand Game Industry Board Media Statement, Feb 18, 1998
Anderson, D. "Velvet Boost for Athletes." Rural News. In: The New Zealand Game Industry Board Media Statement, Feb 18, 1998
"Answer in Velvet." Lytham St. Annes, New Zealand: NZPA
Arapov, N.A. "Some Data on Using Pantocrin in Surgical Practice." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport, Date Unknown.
Archer, R.H. and P.J. Palfreyman. "Properties of New Zealand Deer Velvet — Part I. Search of Literature — Vol. I
Bamber, Don (Interviewed). Royal Elk Products, San Gudo, Alberta, Canada, 1998
Bandolier, "Glucosamine and Arthritis," www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/Bandolier/band46/b46-2.php. Dec 1997
Buchan, G. "Effects of Various Velvet Extracts on the Immune System." Research Report on AgResearch Contract No. 4109
Burgio, P.A. A Literature Review of Velvet Antler: The Global Market, Chemical Composition, Health Benefits and Factors Affecting Growth. Elk Research Council
Church, J. Velvet Antler: It’s Historical Medical Use, Performance Enhancing Effects and Pharmacology. For Elk Tech International, 1998
De’Ambrosio E., B. Casa, R. Bompasi, et al. "Glucosamine Sulphate: A Controlled Clinical Investigation in Arthrosis." Pharmatherapeutica 2:504-508; 1981
"Deer Velvet Linked with Athletes." The New Zealand Game Industry Board Media Statement, February 18, 1998
"Deer Velvet Link with Athletes." New Zealand: New Zealand Rowing Magazine
"Deer Velvet May Get Nod as Boost for Athletes." Mar 7 1998
Duarte, A. The Benefits of Velvet Antler: The 2000-Year-Old Health Food For All Reasons. Self-Published, 1995
Fisher, B.D., and D. Wiles. Strength Training Parameters in Edmonton Police Recruits Following Supplementation with Elk Velvet Antler (EVA). University of Alberta, 1998
Gaby, A.R. "The anti-inflammatory, Cartilage-Growth Promoting Effects of Glucosamine Sulfate: a Natural Treatment for Osteoarthritis."
Gavrilenk, V.S. "Pantocrin in Combined Treatment of Patients with Tubercular Lungs." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
Gerrard, D.F., G.G. Sleivert, A. Goulding, S.R. Haines and J.M. Suttie. Clinical Evaluation of New Zealand Deer Velvet Antler on Muscle Strength & Endurance in Healthy Male University Athletes
Gotlib, YaG. "The Use of Pantocrin in Treating Some Sexual Disorders in Men." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
Hansen, T.J. Claims for Velvet Antler. Watertown, MA: North American Trade Experts, 1998
Hansen, T.J. Claims for Velvet Antler and Chondroitin Sulfate. Watertown, MA: North American Trade Experts, 1998
Henderson, P. "Deer Velvet Helps Speed Recovery from Sports Injury." New Zealand Rugby International
Holubitsky, J. "Science Takes a Serious Look at Ancient Oriental Tradition: Properties of Elk Antler Under Microscope." The Edmonton Journal, In: North American Elk, Spring 1998, p. 49
Karelin, M.P. "The Use of Pantocrin for Treating Internal Disease." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
"Kiwi Athletes Tested to See if Deer Velvet Lifts Their Game." New Zealand, Feb 20, 1998
Marshall, R. "Wanaka Man Helps in Rescue"
NAEBA’s Investment in Expanding the Domestic Market for Velvet Antler Pays Off. Platte City, MO: North American Elk Breeders Association news release. Jan 8, 1999
Pavlenko, S.M. "Pantocrin and its Curative Properties." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
Pavlenko, S.M., A.B. Silayev, L.A. Filippova and V.S. Kiselyov. "Some Data on the Chemical Properties of Unossified Horns and Pantocrin." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Moscow: V/O Medexport, Date Unknown.
Pyjalte J.M., E.P. Llavore, and F.R. Ylescupidez. "Double-Blind Clinical Evaluation of Oral Glucosamine Sulphate in the Basic Treatment of Osteoarthrosis." Curr Med Res Opin, 7:110-114; 1980
Reddington, I. "Top Athletes are Velvet Guinea Pigs."
"Research Links Velvet Antler to Multi-Billion Dollar Dietary Supplement Industry." North American Elk, Fall 1998, pp. 121-123
Reduction in Side-Effects of Anti-Cancer Treatments. New Zealand Velvet Research, Sep 1997
Reichelt, A., K.K. Forster, M. Fischer, et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Intramuscular Glucosamine Sulfate in Osteoarthritis of the Knee. A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study." Arzneim Forsch 44:75-80; 1994
Research Confirms Centuries of Traditional Treatment. NZGIB Velvet Research, Sep 1997
Retro Andro, Denver Post, Nov 12, 1998, Sports Section
Rovati, L.C. "Clinical Research in Osteoarthritis: Design and Results of Short-term and Long-Term Trials with Disease-Modifying Drugs." Int J Tissue React (Switzerland) 14:243-251; 1992
Sahelian, R. Glucosamine: Nature’s Arthritis Remedy, http://www.raysahelian.com/glucosamine.php, Aug 10, 1998
Setnikar I., R. Palumbo, S. Canali, G. Zanolo. "Pharmacokinetics of Glucosamine in Man." Arzneim Forsch (Germany) 43:1109-13; 1993
Shmelyov, N.A. "On Using Pantocrin for Treating Tubercular Patients." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
Sim, J.S. "Designer Food Concept and Antler Research." North American Elk, Spring 1998, pp. 50-54
Sim, J.S. and H.H. Sunwoo. "Canadian Scientists Study Velvet Antler for Arthritis Treatment." North American Elk, Fall 1998, pp. 123-125
Suttie, J.M. and S. Haines. Evaluation of New Zealand Velvet Antler Efficacy and Diagnostic Testing. AgResearch.
Suttie, J.M., and S. Haines. "Evaluation of Velvet Antler: The Effect of Aqueous Velvet Extracts on the Immune System." Report to Varnz, Nov 1996
Tapadinhas M.J., I.C. Rivera, and A.A. Bignamini. "Oral Glucosamine Sulphate in The Management Arthrosis: Report on a Multi-Centre Open Investigation in Portugal." Pharmatherapeutica 3:J57-168; 1982
Tavy, A.S. "Experimental Data on the Pharmacological Activity of Pantocrin." In: Pantocrin: A Publication of Articles on Studies of Curative Properties of Pantocrin. Pavlenko, S.M. (ed). Moscow: V/O Medexport
Tockev, A. "Deer Velvet ‘Boosts Strength." The Dominion, In: The New Zealand Game Industry Board Media Statement, Feb 18, 1998