Exploring the Properties of Deer Antler Velvet (DAV) and its Potential Use in Dentistry: A Narrative Review (2024)

Authors

  • Azalea Nur-Qistina AzamiKulliyyah of Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
  • Khairani Idah MokhtarKulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia
  • Basma Ezzat MustafaKulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia
  • Norzaiti Mohd. KenaliKulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia
  • Munirah Sha’banKulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia
  • Azlina AhmadSchool of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/adum.vol31no1

Keywords:

deer antler velvet, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, antimicrobial activity, tissue regeneration

Abstract

For centuries, deer antler velvet (DAV) has been a staple in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits, including immune stimulation, anti-ageing, wound healing, and anti-osteoporosis properties. Researchers attribute the therapeutic advantages of DAV to various compounds in its extract, ranging from growth hormones to minerals and amino acids. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these natural products for their potential use in treating chronic diseases such as bone health and development, bacterial infections, and sports supplementation to increase athletic performance. The available literature supports that DAV significantly affects bone development, chondrogenesis, and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable resource in medical and dental settings. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the potential applications of DAV in modern medicine and dentistry.

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Exploring the Properties of Deer Antler Velvet (DAV) and its Potential Use in Dentistry: A Narrative Review (2024)

FAQs

What are the healing properties of deer antler velvet? ›

Laboratory and animals studies have shown that pilose, a protein found in antler velvet, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Antler velvet is also rich in chondroitin sulphate, collagen and glucosamine sulphate. The properties and make-up of the compound could make it a useful treatment in a variety of types of arthritis.

What is the science behind deer antler velvet? ›

Deer antler velvet is essentially a growth hormone called "insulin-like growth factor 1," or IGF-1. Growth hormones, which are naturally produced by the brain and liver, regulate how our bodies grow.

Is deer antler velvet banned by NCAA? ›

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not explicitly prohibit deer antler velvet, but because some deer velvet products might contain the prohibited substance IGF-1, WADA advises that “athletes exercise extreme caution with this supplement because it could lead to a positive test.

Is deer antler velvet FDA approved? ›

As of 2018, it is legal to sell velvet antler powder, extract or spray in the U.S. as a dietary supplement as long as no disease treatment claims are made and the label bears the FDA disclaimer: "This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

Why is deer antler velvet so expensive? ›

Deer antler velvet has a relatively low annual supply. New Zealand produces about 450 tons of deer antler velvet yearly; China, about 400 tons; Russia, 80 tons, and the United States and Canada, about 20 tons each. This amounts to less than 1,000 tons per year.

What are the side effects of deer antler velvet? ›

Potential side effects and concerns
  • headaches.
  • joint pain.
  • edema, or swelling.
  • low blood sugar levels.
Oct 26, 2021

Is deer antler velvet proven to work? ›

People use deer velvet for athletic performance, high blood pressure, increasing sexual desire, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How long does deer antler velvet stay in your system? ›

How long does deer antler velvet stay in your system? Deer antler velvet (capsules) is a food product. Its nutrients are digested into the body and expelled like any other food in 24 to 72 hours. It does not stay in the body and there is no way to detect it in the body.

What is the difference between velvet and antler? ›

Velvet antler is defined as growing antler which contains an abundant blood and nerve supply and which has a fully intact skin with a covering of soft fine hair. Hard antler is the antler when growth has ceased, calcification has occurred, and the skin, nerve and blood supply are no longer functional.

Why is IGF-1 banned? ›

Despite the purported effects on athletic performance, serious health risks are associated with a healthy individual abusing IGF-1. Similar to GH abuse, acromegaly, a long-term condition in which the body tissues get larger over time, as well as non-reversible side effects to the heart, joints, and liver may occur.

Can you fail a drug test for deer antler velvet? ›

Deer-antler velvet, which is a coating that aids growth on a deer's antlers, has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It contains IGF-1, which is considered a precursor to human growth hormone. Like HGH, it is not detectable in urine drug tests.

Is deer antler velvet bad for you? ›

Antler velvet may have an effect like male hormones, such as testosterone. Risks. Antler velvet may not be safe in people who should avoid supplemental estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. The supplement may contain these hormones.

Is deer antler a drug? ›

Deer antler velvet is a supplement derived from the soft, cartilaginous tissue that covers the growing antlers of deer. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other systems of traditional medicine for various purposes, including its potential health benefits.

Does deer antler help humans? ›

Deer antler velvet can stimulate the immune system and has been found to be a natural source of immunoglobulins, which fight infection and disease. Research in Korea, New Zealand and China has shown that deer antler velvet can strengthen the immune system.

How does deer antler velvet make you feel? ›

It also contains substances that might help cells grow and function. People use deer velvet for athletic performance, high blood pressure, increasing sexual desire, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Do deer antlers have healing properties? ›

Deer antler ranks as one of the most important nutrients in Eastern medicine, yet is relatively unknown in the U.S. As a therapeutic agent, deer antler has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for many centuries. It has been shown to offer a wide variety of therapeutic properties.

Does deer antler velvet grow muscle? ›

It has the potential to increase muscular size and strength, repair connective tissue, and decrease recovery time – all of which can enhance performance in sports.

Is deer antler velvet a growth hormone? ›

Deer antler velvet has been attributed as a source of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which in its synthetic form is a banned substance included on the WADA prohibited list.

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