Choosing the Best Deer Antler Velvet Supplement and Dosage

Choosing the right deer antler velvet supplement can be confusing. This article breaks down the key factors to consider, helping you make an informed decision to support your health optimization journey.

This article is part of the the Deer Antler Velvet Comprehensive Guide to Benefits, Uses, Dosages, and Science.

With the growing popularity of deer antler velvet, the market has become increasingly diverse, offering a wide range of products to choose from. Navigating this landscape can be challenging, but by understanding key factors and asking the right questions, you can confidently select a high-quality DAV supplement that aligns with your health optimization goals.

7.1 Importance of Quality and Sourcing

When it comes to dietary supplements, quality and sourcing are paramount. Here's what to look for:

• Reputable Brands: Choose products from established and trustworthy manufacturers that prioritize quality, transparency, and ethical practices. Look for companies that provide detailed information about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures.
• Species and Origin: Consider the species of deer and the origin of the velvet. Different species may have slightly different nutritional profiles. For instance, Sika deer are often considered to produce the most potent velvet in traditional Chinese medicine, while New Zealand Red Deer are known for their high quality and sustainable farming practices. Russian Red Deer are known for producing a well-balanced velvet antler.
• Humane and Sustainable Harvesting: Ensure that the velvet is sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare and follow ethical and sustainable harvesting practices. Look for certifications or assurances from the manufacturer regarding humane treatment of the deer.
• Manufacturing Processes: Inquire about the processing methods used. Gentle, low-temperature processing helps to preserve the delicate bioactive constituents in the velvet. Avoid products that use harsh chemical extraction or excessive heat.
• Full Disclosure of Ingredients: Choose products that clearly list all ingredients on the label, including both active and inactive ingredients. Be wary of proprietary blends that don't disclose the exact amounts of each ingredient.

7.2 Different Forms of DAV Supplements

DAV supplements are available in a variety of forms, each with its own advantages and considerations:

• Capsules and Tablets: These offer convenience and standardized dosing. They are a good option for those seeking a simple, no-fuss way to incorporate DAV into their daily routine. The nutrients in capsules and tablets work to support the body by providing it with the nutrition it needs to function optimally.
• Powders: Powders provide flexibility in dosage and can be easily added to smoothies, drinks, or food. They may, however, have a noticeable taste or texture that some individuals find less appealing. The nutrients in powders work to support the body by providing it with the nutrition it needs to function optimally.
• Tinctures and Liquid Extracts: Liquid extracts, particularly those made using a hydro-alcohol extraction process, are considered to be one of the most effective forms of DAV supplementation. Alcohol is an excellent solvent for extracting and preserving a wide range of bioactive compounds, including those that may not be water-soluble. This method helps to maintain the integrity and bioavailability of the delicate growth factors, lipids, and other valuable constituents present in DAV. Research from Russia on "Pantocrine," an alcohol-based deer antler velvet extract, suggests that this form may be particularly beneficial for supporting energy, physical performance, and stress adaptation.
• Sublingual Sprays: These sprays are designed to be absorbed directly through the mucous membranes under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system for potentially faster absorption. They are often marketed for pre-workout or performance enhancement purposes, although their effectiveness may vary depending on the specific formulation.
• Whole Velvet: Traditionally, whole or sliced deer antler velvet has been used in some cultures, often simmered in soups or teas. This method allows for the consumption of DAV in its most natural state, providing a broad spectrum of nutrients. However, the bioavailability of certain compounds may be lower compared to more refined extracts.

Topical applications, such as creams and gels, are also being explored as potential delivery systems for DAV. These formulations aim to deliver bioactive components, like growth factors and peptides, directly through the skin. While research in this area is still in its early stages, studies are investigating novel approaches, including the use of specialized delivery systems, to enhance the absorption and targeted delivery of DAV's beneficial constituents.⁴⁷

7.3 Dosage and Timing Considerations

Determining the appropriate dosage of DAV can depend on various factors, including the form of the supplement, the concentration of active constituents, the species of deer, and individual needs and goals. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product label as a starting point. Keep in mind that different preparations of DAV may require different serving sizes to achieve similar effects. Here is a general overview of typical serving size ranges based on traditional use and commonly available products:

Tea/Soup

Traditionally, whole or sliced deer antler velvet is simmered in water to create a tonic tea or soup. This method is believed to extract a broad spectrum of water-soluble nutrients.

Note: When preparing deer antler velvet tea or soup, it's generally recommended to simmer the velvet in water for an extended period, typically 1-2 hours, to extract the beneficial compounds. The resulting liquid can be consumed in 2-3 servings throughout the day.

Spirits

Deer antler velvet can also be used to create a traditional medicinal "spirit" by soaking the velvet in alcohol. This method is believed to extract alcohol-soluble constituents.

Note: The resulting deer antler velvet "spirit" is typically taken in small amounts (e.g., 1 ounce) 1-3 times per day.

Powder/Capsule

Powdered or encapsulated deer antler velvet offers a convenient and consistent way to consume the supplement. The powder can be taken directly, mixed with water, or added to food.

Note: When using powdered or encapsulated deer antler velvet, it's essential to choose a product that provides clear information about the amount of DAV per serving.

Liquid/Tincture

Liquid extracts or tinctures, particularly those made using a hydro-alcohol extraction process, offer a concentrated and readily absorbable form of deer antler velvet.

Note: Liquid extracts can be taken sublingually (held under the tongue) for faster absorption or mixed with water or juice. The specific concentration of the extract will determine the appropriate serving size.

In addition to these general guidelines, it's important to consider the following:

• Start Low and Go Slow: When beginning a new supplement regimen, it's advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over time, paying close attention to your body's response.
• Timing: For general health support, taking DAV in the morning may provide a sustained energy boost throughout the day. For athletic performance or recovery, consider taking it before or after exercise. For sleep support, taking it in the evening may be more appropriate. When using a liquid extract, you can take it sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption, or add it to a beverage.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to DAV. Adjust the dosage, timing, or form as needed to optimize benefits and minimize any potential adverse effects.

Remember, these are general guidelines based on traditional use and available product information. Individual needs may vary. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, including DAV. They can help determine if it's appropriate for your specific situation and guide you on proper usage and dosage.

7.4 Navigating the Market: A Holistic Perspective

When choosing a DAV supplement, it's important to look beyond marketing claims and consider the bigger picture. Remember that DAV is a complex natural food with a wide array of nutrients and bioactive constituents that work synergistically to support overall health. While some products may emphasize isolated components like IGF-1, it's essential to recognize that the true power of DAV lies in its holistic composition.

As you explore the market, be aware of the pricing variations and the different forms available. While capsules and powders offer convenience and are often more geared towards delivering the nutritional benefits of DAV, liquid extracts, particularly those made with a hydro-alcohol process, may offer superior bioavailability and potency when it comes to delivering the full spectrum of active compounds. Consider your personal preferences, lifestyle, and specific health goals when making your choice.

Ultimately, choosing the right DAV supplement is about more than just finding the highest concentration of a single ingredient or the lowest price. It's about selecting a high-quality, ethically sourced product that aligns with your values and supports your journey toward optimal well-being. By taking a holistic and informed approach, you can harness the power of deer antler velvet as a valuable tool for health optimization.

The Tonic Tinctures Deer Antler Velvet Collection

Deer Antler Velvet

For those looking for a high-quality, effective deer antler velvet product, we offer Deer Antler Velvet, a potent liquid extract made using a specialized hydro-alcohol process that preserves the full spectrum of DAV's bioactive compounds. It's designed for maximum bioavailability and rapid absorption, making it ideal for pre-and post-workout use.

Deer Antler Velvet 3 Pack

We've developed Deer Antler Velvet specifically for individuals seeking the best of deer antler velvet has to offer. It's a high-quality liquid extract made using a meticulous hydro-alcohol extraction process that preserves the full spectrum of DAV's bioactive compounds, that is easy to take anytime and anywhere.

Deer Antler Velvet is designed to:

• Support rapid absorption and bioavailability: The liquid form allows for faster uptake of the active compounds compared to capsules or powders.
• Be taken conveniently anytime: The liquid form is easy to take on the go and with complete balanced meals with plenty of protein for the best results.
  

Power Velvet

For those looking for a double strength performance deer antler velvet product, we offer Power Velvet, a potent liquid extract made using a specialized hydro-alcohol process that preserves the full spectrum of DAV's bioactive compounds in twice the concentration of our regular strength Deer Antler Velvet. It's designed for maximum bioavailability and rapid absorption, making it ideal for pre-and post-workout use.

Power Velvet

We've developed Power Velvet specifically for individuals seeking to maximize their athletic performance and achieve their physique goals. It's a potent, high-quality liquid extract made using a meticulous hydro-alcohol extraction process that preserves the full spectrum of DAV's bioactive compounds.

Power Velvet is designed to:

• Support rapid absorption and bioavailability: The liquid form allows for faster uptake of the active compounds compared to capsules or powders.
• Deliver a concentrated dose of growth factors, amino acids, and other performance-supporting nutrients: Each serving provides a potent dose of the key components that can enhance strength, power, and recovery.
• Be taken conveniently before, during, or after workouts: The liquid form is easy to take on the go and can be quickly absorbed for pre-workout energy or post-workout recovery.
  

Power Pack

We also offer the Power Pack, which combines Power Velvet with our standard Deer Antler Velvet capsules and our Regen Elixir for a comprehensive approach to health optimization.

Power Pack

For those seeking a more comprehensive approach, we offer the Power Pack, which combines Power Velvet with our standard Deer Antler Velvet and our Regen Elixir. This powerful combination provides:

• Power Velvet: For pre-workout energy, focus, and performance enhancement, delivering the fast-acting benefits of a liquid extract.
• Deer Antler Velvet: For foundational support of overall health, recovery, and well-being, providing a broader spectrum of nutrients in capsule form.
• Regen Elixir: A tonic superfood blend to further support endocrine function, vitality, and resilience, offering a synergistic blend of adaptogenic herbs and other nourishing ingredients.

Discount Bundle Offer @ 19% OFF:

We offer a special discount on the Power Pack. This is your chance to experience the difference a high-quality liquid extract can make in your training and recovery.

Discover the Power Pack

References and Further Reading

The information presented in this guide draws upon a combination of traditional knowledge, scientific research, and industry resources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, it is important to continue your own research and consult with qualified professionals as needed. Here are some key sources that informed the development of this guide:

Scientific Studies

1. Arzmi, M. H., John, A., Rismayuddin, N. A. R., Kenali, N. M., & Darnis, D. S. (2021). LC-MS Data set on the Malayan Deer (Cervus timorensis) Antler Velvet and its antibiofilm activity against Candida species. Data in Brief, 34, 106769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2021.106769

2. Zhang, R., Li, Y., & Xing, X. (2021). Comparative antler proteome of sika deer from different developmental stages. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 10556. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-89829-6

3. Sui, Z., Sun, H., Weng, Y., Zhang, X., Sun, M., Sun, R., ... & Zhang, L. (2019). Quantitative proteomics analysis of deer antlerogenic periosteal cells reveals potential bioactive factors in velvet antlers. Journal of Chromatography A, 1608, 460496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2019.460496

4. Huo, Y.-S., Huo, H., & Zhang, J. (2014). The contribution of deer velvet antler research to the modern biological medicine. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 20(11), 803–808. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-014-1827-1

5. Xiao, X., Li, L., Xu, S., Mao, M., Pan, R., Li, Y., Wu, J., Huang, L., & Zheng, X. (2017). Evaluation of velvet antler total protein effect on bone marrow‑derived endothelial progenitor cells. Molecular Medicine Reports, 16(4), 4009-4016. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.7019

6. Guo, X.-H., Cheng, X.-L., Liu, W.-X., Li, M.-H., Wei, F., & Ma, S.-C. (2018). Identification of velvet antler and its mixed varieties by UPLC-QTOF-MS combined with principal component analysis. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 164, 29-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2018.10.009

7. Kuo, C.-Y., Cheng, Y.-T., Ho, S.-T., Yu, C.-C., & Chen, M.-J. (2018). Comparison of anti-inflammatory effect and protein profile between the water extracts from Formosan sambar deer and red deer. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 26(3), 957-967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2018.02.005

8. Sui, Z., Zhang, L., Huo, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2014). Bioactive components of velvet antlers and their pharmacological properties. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 87, 229-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2013.07.044

9. Yao, B., Zhang, M., Leng, X., & Zhao, D. (2019). Proteomic analysis of the effects of antler extract on chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Gene, 690, 107-114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-019-04612-1

10. Cheng, S.-L., Jian, Y.-L., Chen, C.-M., & Liu, B.-T. (2017). Relationships between antioxidants and quality characteristics from velvet antlers of Formosan sambar deer. Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources, 37(4), 542-551. https://doi.org/10.5851/kosfa.2017.37.4.542

11. Wu, F., Li, H., Jin, L., Li, X., Ma, Y., You, J., ... & Xu, Y. (2013). Deer antler base as a traditional Chinese medicine: A review of its traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 145(2), 403-415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.008

12. Wang, W., Zhang, J., Yang, X., & Huang, F. (2019). Hypoglycemic activity of CPU2206: A novel peptide from sika (Cervus nippon Temminck) antler. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 43(12), e13063. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13063

13. Yu, Y., Jin, Y., Wang, F., Yan, J., Qi, Y., & Ye, M. (2017). Protein digestomic analysis reveals the bioactivity of deer antler velvet in simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Food Research International, 99(Pt 1), 239-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2017.04.002

14. Hung, Y.-K., Ho, S.-T., Kuo, C.-Y., & Chen, M.-J. (2021). In vitro effects of velvet antler water extracts from Formosan sambar deer and red deer on barrier integrity in Caco-2 cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(5), 2358. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.53599

15. Haines, S. R., McCann, M. J., Grosvenor, A. J., Thomas, A., Noble, A., & Clerens, S. (2019). ACE inhibitory peptides in standard and fermented deer velvet: an in silico and in vitro investigation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1), 340. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2758-3

16. Zhao, L., Wang, X., Zhang, X.-L., & Xie, Q.-F. (2016). Purification and identification of anti-inflammatory peptides derived from simulated gastrointestinal digests of velvet antler protein (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus). Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 24(3), 587-595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2015.10.003

17. Zha, E., Dandan, L., Bai, X., Zhou, T., Li, Y., Shenyang, G., & Yue, X. (2016). A recombinant polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervus nippon Temminck exhibits similar immunomodulatory effects as its natural counterpart. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 38(6), 406-414. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923973.2016.1233978

18. Zhang, P., Guo, Z., Ma, L., Wang, G., & Zhao, Y. (2020). Investigation of anti-fatigue effect and simultaneous determination of eight nucleosides in different parts of velvet antler in red deer and sika deer. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 17(1), e1900512. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201900512

19. Sleivert, G., Burke, V., Palmer, C., Walmsley, A., Gerrard, D., Haines, S., & Littlejohn, R. (2003). The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power, erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 13(3), 251-265. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.13.3.251

20. Allen, M., Oberle, K., & Russell, A. (2002). Elk Velvet Antler in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Phase II Trial. The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800402003003001

21. Syrotuik, D. G., MacFadyen, K. L., Harber, V. J., & Bell, G. J. (2005). Effect of elk velvet antler supplementation on the hormonal response to acute and chronic exercise in male and female rowers. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 15(4), 366-385. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.15.4.366

22. Conaglen, H. M., Suttie, J. M., & Conaglen, J. V. (2003). Effect of deer velvet on sexual function in men and their partners: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Asian Journal of Andrology, 5(3), 271-278. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1023469702627

23. Francis, S. M., & Suttie, J. M. (1998). Detection of growth factors and proto-oncogene mRNA in the growing tip of red deer (Cervus elaphus) antler using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Journal of Experimental Zoology, 281(1), 36-42. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1097-010x(19980501)281:1<36::aid-jez6>3.0.co;2-d

24. Huo, Y., Schirf, V. R., & Winters, W. D. (1993). The differential expression of NGF-like substance from fresh pilose antler of Cervus nippon Temminck. Abstracts of the 2nd International Symposium on antler science and product technology, Changchun, China. (Abstract only). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9731418/

25. Garcia, R. L., Sadighi, M., Francis, S. M., Suttie, J. M., & Fleming, J. S. (1997). Expression of neurotrophin-3 in the growing velvet antler of the red deer Cervus elaphus. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 19(2), 173-182. https://doi.org/10.1677/jme.0.0190173

26. Pita-Thomas, W., Fernández-Martos, C., Yunta, M., Maza, R. M., Navarro-Ruiz, R., Lopez-Rodríguez, M. J., ... & Nieto-Diaz, M. (2010). Gene expression of axon growth promoting factors in the deer antler. PLoS ONE, 5(12), e15006. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0015006

27. Clark, D. E., Lord, E. A., & Suttie, J. M. (2006). Expression of VEGF and pleiotrophin in deer antler. Anatomical Record Part A: Discoveries in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology, 288(12), 1281-1291. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.a.20393

28. Feng, J. Q., Chen, D., Esparza, J., Harris, M. A., Mundy, G. R., & Harris, S. E. (1995). Deer antler tissue contains two types of bone morphogenetic protein 4 mRNA transcripts. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Structure and Expression, 1263(2), 163-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-4781(95)00106-q

29. Xia, P., Liu, D., Jiao, Y., Wang, Z., Chen, X., Zheng, S., ... & Hao, L. (2022). Health effects of peptides extracted from deer antler. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 987605. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.987605

30. Mikler, J. R., Theoret, C. L., & High, J. C. (2004). Effects of topical elk velvet antler on cutaneous wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(5), 835-840. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2004.10.835

31. Zha, E., Gao, S., Pi, Y., Li, X., Wang, Y., & Yue, X. (2012). Wound healing by a 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervus nippon Temminck. Journal of Antler Science and Technology, 22, 652–655.

32. Takikawa, K., Kokubu, N., Kajihara, M., Doi, M., & Tahara, N. (1972). [Experimental whiplash injury. 3. Changes in enzyme activities of cervical cord and effect of Pantui extract, pantocrin]. Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi [Journal of Japanese Orthopaedic Association], 46(6), 349-50. (Article in Japanese).

33. Gilbey, A., & Perezgonzalez, J. D. (2012). Health benefits of deer and elk velvet antler supplements: a systematic review of randomised controlled studies. New Zealand Medical Journal, 125(1367), 80-86. https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/read-the-journal/all-issues/2010-2019/2012/vol-125-no-1367/article-gilbey

34. Pavlenko, S. M. (1960). Pantocrin: a publication of articles on studies of cutative properties in pantocrin. Sojuzchimexport. https://search.worldcat.org/title/pantocrin-a-publication-of-articles-on-studies-of-cutative-properties-in-pantocrin/oclc/58021848

35. Guan, M., Pan, D., Zhang, M., Leng, X., & Yao, B. (2021). Deer antler extract potentially facilitates xiphoid cartilage growth and regeneration and prevents inflammatory susceptibility by regulating multiple functional genes. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 16(1), 200. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-021-02350-4

36. Yao, B., Zhou, Z., Zhang, M., Leng, X., & Zhao, D. (2021). Investigating the molecular control of deer antler extract on articular cartilage. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 16(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-020-02148-w

37. Yao, B., Gao, H., Liu, J., Zhang, M., Leng, X., & Zhao, D. (2019). Identification of potential therapeutic targets of deer antler extract on bone regulation based on serum proteomic analysis. Gene, 710, 378-386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-019-04934-0

38. Chen, J., Yang, Y., Abbasi, S., Hajinezhad, D., Kontulainen, S., & Honaramooz, A. (2015). The effects of elk velvet antler dietary supplementation on physical growth and bone development in growing rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 819520. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/819520

39. Chen, J.-C., Hsiang, C.-Y., Lin, Y.-C., & Ho, T.-Y. (2014). Deer antler extract improves fatigue effect through altering the expression of genes related to muscle strength in skeletal muscle of mice. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 540580. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/540580

40. Xie, W.-Q., Zhao, Y.-J., Li, F., Shu, B., Lin, S.-R., Sun, L., & Wang, Y.-J., Zheng, H.-X. (2019). Velvet antler polypeptide partially rescue facet joint osteoarthritis-like phenotype in adult β-catenin conditional activation mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1), 192. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2607-4

41. Tseng, S.-H., Sung, C.-H., Chen, L.-G., Lai, Y.-J., Chang, W.-S., & Wang, C.-C. (2014). Comparison of chemical compositions and osteoprotective effects of different sections of velvet antler. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 352-360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.060

42. Chonco, L., Landete-Castillejos, T., Serrano-Heras, G., Pérez Serrano, M., Pérez-Barbería, F. J., González-Armesto, C., ... & Segura, T. (2020). Anti-tumour activity of deer growing antlers and its potential applications in the treatment of malignant gliomas. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 22386. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79779-w

43. Li, L., Yang, F., Jia, R., Yan, P., & Ma, L. (2020). Velvet antler polypeptide prevents the disruption of hepatic tight junctions via inhibiting oxidative stress in cholestatic mice and liver cell lines. Food & Function, 11(10), 8859-8871. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0fo01899f

44. Tang, Y., Fan, M., Choi, Y.-J., Yu, Y., Yao, G., Deng, Y., ... & Kim, E.-K. (2018). Sika deer (Cervus nippon) velvet antler extract attenuates prostate cancer in xenograft model. Bioscience Reports, 38(6), BSR20181215. https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2018.1537775

45. Xin, J.-L., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., Zhang, L.-Z., & Lin, Y., Zheng, L.-W. (2017). Protective effects of Cervus nippon Temminck velvet antler polypeptides against MPP+‑induced cytotoxicity in SH‑SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Molecular Medicine Reports, 16(5), 6247-6256. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.7303

46. Tansathien, K., Chareanputtakhun, P., Ngawhirunpat, T., Opanasopit, P., & Rangsimawong, W. (2021). Hair growth promoting effect of bioactive extract from deer antler velvet-loaded niosomes and microspicules serum. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 597, 120352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120352

47. Tansathien, K., Suriyaaumporn, P., Charoenputtakhun, P., Ngawhirunpat, T., Opanasopit, P., & Rangsimawong, W. (2019). Development of sponge microspicule cream as a transdermal delivery system for protein and growth factors from deer antler velvet extract. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 42(8), 1309-1317. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b19-00158

48. Li, J.-j., Li, Z., Gu, L.-j., Wang, Y.-b., Lee, M.-r., & Sung, C.-k. (2014). Aqueous extract of red deer antler promotes hair growth by regulating the hair cycle and cell proliferation in hair follicles. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 878162. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/878162

Industry and Other Resources

• John S. Church: Velvet Antler, accessed 2025

• Andrew Gibley and Jose D. Perezgonzalez: The New Zealand Medical Journal - Health benefits of deer and elk velvet antler supplements: a systematic review of randomized controlled studies, accessed 2025

• C. (n.d.). Velvet antler: A literature review. Retrieved from https://www.caneva.ca/blog/velvet-antler-a-literature-review/

• Deer Industry New Zealand. (2009). Deer Velvet Technical Manual Version 6.3. Retrieved from https://www.velvet.org.nz/assets/Documents/Deer-Velvet-Technical-Manual-Version-6.3.pdf

• Suttie, J. M., & Harris, S. (n.d.). Clinical properties of deer velvet. Positive Health Online. Retrieved from http://www.positivehealth.com/article/nutraceuticals/clinical-properties-of-deer-velvet

• Laughlin, M. L. (n.d.). A summary of research on velvet antler dietary supplements. Vitamins in America. Retrieved from http://www.vitaminsinamerica.com/news/velvet.htm

• Institute of Traditional Medicine. (n.d.). Deer Antler to Nourish Blood, Bone and Joints. Retrieved from http://www.itmonline.org/arts/antler.htm

• Chinese Herb Info. (n.d.). Lu Rong - Velvet Deer Antler. Retrieved from http://chineseherbinfo.com/lu-rong-young-velvet-deer-antler/

• Linus Pauling Institute. (n.d.). Calcium. Oregon State University. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/calcium

• Linus Pauling Institute. (n.d.). Magnesium. Oregon State University. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/magnesium

• Linus Pauling Institute. (n.d.). Manganese. Oregon State University. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/manganese

• Davidson, A. (2013). Velvet Antler.

• Kamen, B., & Kamen, P. (1999). The Remarkable Healing Power of Velvet Antler. Nutrition Encounter.

• Yance, D. R. (2016). Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press.

• Tierra, L. (2003). Healing with the Herbs of Life. Crossing Press.

Additional Resources for Further Exploration:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
• Deer Industry New Zealand: https://www.deernz.org/
• North American Elk Breeders Association (NAELBA): https://www.naelk.org/