Velvet Antler

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: September 28, 2022

    Velvet Antler (usually from deer) is crushed antler that is orally consumed for preventative health purposes. Hailing from Traditional Chinese Medicine, velvet antler does not appear to influence hormones and is currently unsupported for muscle repair (although it may aid skin regeneration rates).

    examine-databaseExamine Database

    Velvet Antler is most often used for .

    316 participants in 5 trials

    Summary

    Velvet Antler, commonly from deer but also obtained from elk, is the crushed antler base of the mammal's antlers; these antlers regenerate rapidly and commonly fall off, which then appear to have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for general preventative health purposes.

    Repeated studies have been conducted on the interactions of Velvet Antler and hormones, and all studies have found that this supplement has failed to increase circulating hormone levels. One study found a highly variable increase in power output, which is antagonized by another study suggesting no significant increase in power. For the purposes of performance enhancement, the evidence does not currently support Velvet Antler as a supplement.

    There is preliminary evidence for other possible benefits of Velvet Antler, and this supplement may potentially have a role in fracture/bone healing rates, anti-additive properties, and improving skin regeneration rates pending more research; all three topics show some promise right now.

    Velvet Antler appears to be safe, but ineffective at the most commonly touted claims.

    What are other names for Velvet Antler

    Note that Velvet Antler is also known as:
    • Deer Velvet Antler
    • Deer Antler
    • Elk Velvet Antler
    • Cervus
    • Lu Jiao Pan
    Velvet Antler should not be confused with:
    • IGF-1 (supposed constituent)

    Dosage information

    Due to a lack of human evidence to support benefits of this supplement, an optimal dosage cannot yet be ascertained. Two possible options exist:

    • 500 mg once daily, which is what seems to be used in most dietary supplements
    • 1,000-2,000 mg daily, which appears to be the recommendation from traditional chinese medicine

    Examine Database: Velvet Antler

    Examine Database References

    1. Aerobic Exercise Metrics - Sleivert G, Burke V, Palmer C, Walmsley A, Gerrard D, Haines S, Littlejohn RThe effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristicsInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2003 Sep)
    2. Testosterone - Syrotuik DG, MacFadyen KL, Harber VJ, Bell GJEffect of elk velvet antler supplementation on the hormonal response to acute and chronic exercise in male and female rowersInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2005 Aug)
    3. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - Conaglen HM, Suttie JM, Conaglen JVEffect of deer velvet on sexual function in men and their partners: a double-blind, placebo-controlled studyArch Sex Behav.(2003 Jun)
    4. Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - Allen M, Oberle K, Grace M, Russell AElk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis: phase II trialBiol Res Nurs.(2002 Jan)
    5. Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - Allen M, Oberle K, Grace M, Russell A, Adewale AJA randomized clinical trial of elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritisBiol Res Nurs.(2008 Jan)