"With the results that are expected from scientific research, it is likely that velvet will become as accepted in western countries as vitamins and other dietary supplements." - NZ Game Industry Board

While the therapeutic claims for deer velvet in traditional medicine are extraordinarily wide ranging and comprehensive, the reputation of velvet as a panacea for many ills is also growing rapidly in the West. According to Life Extension Magazine from the USA... "deer velvet is poised to be one of the most versatile multipurpose natural remedies to arrive in the West".

But what is the scientific evidence behind such claims as this? While deer velvet can only be sold as a "dietary supplement" under existing health regulations, there is intense interest in the results of scientific studies which are providing exciting new insights into its pharmacological properties. Research reports are tending to support many of the traditional medicinal claims, and extensive research carried out in Russia, where deer velvet has been used clinically for decades, China, Korea, Japan and more recently in New Zealand has shown convincing evidence that velvet is indeed a complex substance with unique bioactive properties.

 At AgResearch Invermay in the South Island of New Zealand, studies into the composition and medical properties of velvet are beginning to reveal its closely held secrets.

 To date, these groundbreaking tests have shown deer antler velvet:

• to stimulate the immune system, the body's main line of defence against infection and disease

• to contain anti-inflammatory agents which may assist in reducing the pain and inflammation of a variety of degenerative diseases

• to contain marked anabolic or growth stimulating properties

• to increase muscular strength and endurance

•  to significantly reduce the damaging side effects of chemotherapy drugs, while at the same time increasing their effectiveness

• These are the results of preliminary testing by the New Zealand scientific team, and it can be seen here that the potential applications of antler velvet in Western medicine and natural health care are enormous.

• Velvet is a rich source of all the nutrients our bodies need including the minerals calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and cobalt.

Also found in velvet in varying quantities are the major amino acids, collagen, anti inflammatory prostaglandins, glucosamines, chrondroitin sulfate A, gangliosides, erythropoietin (a glycoprotein produced in the kidney that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow), natural sex hormones and steroids.

POWERFUL TONIC EFFECTS  Since the 1930s, Russian scientists have developed and extensively tested the extract from antler velvet known as pantocrin (from the Russian pantui —— the whole velvet antler) and clinical testing results show an overwhelming recurring theme —— there is no doubt that it has a powerful tonic and revitalizing effect on the individual, especially on a person weakened by illness or stress.

As resistance to disease is controlled by the immune system, any remedies that work to strengthen this defensive system are becoming much in demand, and with the results of New Zealand scientific research now backing up the claims of traditional Chinese medicine, velvet antler can now take its place in western healthcare as one of nature's most potent and effective immune boosters.

IMPROVED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

The success of Russian athletes has been attributed to the use of deer velvet in Olympic training programs, significantly increasing endurance and muscular strength, and attracting the attention of sports doctors and trainers around the world who are seeking safe and natural alternatives to synthetic steroids.

Dr Arkady Koltun, Chairman of the Medical Committee for the Russian Bodybuilding Federation, is one of the foremost Russian researchers into anabolic agents that can improve the performance of athletes. Working with kayakers, weightlifters, bodybuilders and power lifters, Dr Koltun found that deer velvet actually increases muscular strength —— a property which is termed myotropic. He also found that it had potent nerve strengthening, or neurotropic properties and is beneficial in treating infectious diseases, fatigue and hypertension.

 More recent scientific studies carried out in New Zealand have been adding weight to the earlier Russian research. Tests carried out at Otago University in 1998 showed physical education students using deer velvet had almost twice the improvement in a strength test as those taking a placebo. And New Zealand athletes sponsored by the Game Industry Board to test deer velvet as a safe and legal performance enhancer have had stunning success, including world record rower Rob Waddell, champion tri athlete Hamish Carter, and Australian surf lifesaving queen Janene Harker.

 Another veteran who takes velvet daily is top golfer Bob Charles. At the British Open two years ago he said along with healthy eating habits and vitamins, two deer velvet capsules a day kept him feeling young. "I don't feel a day over 30," he said. "I'm 60, going on 30."

GROWTH STIMULATING AND ANTI-TUMOR EFFECTS

The nutrient rich, fast growing cartilage also contains many growth factors that are under close investigation at AgResearch. During preliminary 'in vitro' studies, velvet extracts were found to not only improve cell growth, but also demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-viral properties.

During their investigations, the Invermay team measured high levels of a natural hormone called "insulin-like growth factor-1" or "IGF-1". Dr Suttie's group discovered that IGF-1 and a related hormone IGF-2, promoted growth in laboratory cells. More recent discoveries from the team have shown that antler cells are capable of producing IGF themselves.

Antler velvet has long been recognized as being effective for increasing both the volume and the circulation of blood through the body. As a specific remedy in traditional medicine for anemia it has been shown in experiments to have a potent erythropoetic effect, meaning that it stimulates the formation of red blood cells.

Velvet not only builds blood but research has shown that it also has a strong influence on blood pressure –– one of its major properties is the lowering of blood pressure, and since it is so easily demonstrated is widely used as a test for its biological activity. Velvet has also been shown to restore blood pressure to normal in both hypo- and hypertensive patients.

ANTI-STRESS AND ANTI-AGEING EFFECTS