Velvet antler is a rich source of many of the minerals and nutrients our bodies need. It contains calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and cobalt. It also contains the major amino acids, collagen, prostaglandins, glycosaminoglycans, chrondroitin sulfate A, gangliosides, lipids, and many other components (Davidson, 2001; Batchelder, 2000; Kamen & Kamen, 1999; and others).
Collagen
Collagen, which comprises the bulk of the developing antler, provides antler with its elastic qualities. There are at least 18 different types of collagen. Hansen states, "We expect that the collagen in velvet antler, by analogy to growing bone is primarily type II" (Hansen; 1998). He believes that there is sufficient substantiation for a statement of nutritional support for velvet antler regarding collagen and osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other researchers agree. According to Dr. Kamen (1999), "Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with the loss of the ability to synthesize or maintain collagen type II. Collagen type II has been useful in reducing the autoimmune reaction that causes the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. It does this by assisting in the manufacture of immune cells that reduce the inflammation."
Prostaglandin
Prostaglandins are produced from essential fatty acids. They are hormone-like in that they produce a wide range of effects within the body. Prostaglandins in velvet antler play a role in the reduction of swelling associated with arthritis, injury, infection and pain. Prostaglandins may also lower cholesterol through lipid metabolism (Kamen & Kamen, 1999).
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
Gags, specifically chondroitin sulfate (CS), the most prominent GAG in velvet antler, are used widely by those with arthritis with excellent results (Batchelder, 2000). CS is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
Glucosamine is a small molecule and is readily absorbed when taken orally. It is rapidly metabolized by the body (Hansen, 1998). Hansen suggests that the glucosamine found in antler also supports joint structure and function.
Glucosamine sulfate (GS) is a component of chondroitin sulfate. GS is an amino sugar whose absence in the body has been linked to early aging according to Kamen & Kamen (1999). GS serves as a building block of proteoglycans.
Proteoglycans, along with collagen, form the matrix that gives human cartilage it's special mechanical properties. Proteoglycans are long molecules that absorb and release water, providing joint resiliency. In osteoarthritis, the loss of proteoglycans results in damage to the cartilage surface (Kamen & Kamen, 1999).
In 1999, the FDA recognized that velvet antler provides nutritional support for joint structure and function. Hansen (1998) reported that good scientific support exists for this claim because velvet antler is a significant source of chondroitin sulfate and CS can significantly affect symptoms of arthritis.
Other Gags in velvet antler include keratin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and decorin (Batchelder, 2000).
Hyaluronic acid forms the spine of the proteoglycan molecule. Hyaluronic acid is a key component of the fluid found in joints. Researchers have found that injections of hyaluronic acid produce rapid pain relief and improved mobility in osteoarthritis. According to Kamen and Kamen (1999), "Hyaluronic acid not only has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it promotes anabolic behavior in chondrocytes."
Chondrocytes are living cells within the joint cartilage. They help manufcture proteoglycans which include chondroiting sulfate, keratan sulfate, hyalauronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Arthritis treatments which support the function of chondrocytes are known as chondroprotective.
GAGs serve as a marker. They suggest the presence of other substances. The implication is that velvet antler as a whole food is a better choice than simply taking a form of Gags alone. CS works with other velvet antler components to increase its chondroprotective efficiency (Kamen & Kamen, 1999).
IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor, provides the body with the precursors for human growth hormone. Growth hormone causes tissue to grow and causes stored energy (fat or sugar) to be consumed. Extracts of velvet antler were found to stimulate the growth of nerve fiber and to induce changes that affect DNA synthesis. This plays a role in counteracting the effects of aging. Additionally, IGF-1 encourages the absorption of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate (Kamen & Kamen, 1999).
