Evidence supporting the use of: Antler
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Antler, particularly deer antler (often referred to as "deer antler velvet"), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for supporting recovery during convalescence. In TCM, deer antler velvet is believed to tonify the kidney, strengthen yang, nourish the blood, and promote tissue repair. It is commonly prescribed to individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or general weakness, with the idea that it helps restore vitality, energy, and overall health. Historical texts, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing," have documented its use for these purposes.
However, scientific evidence supporting the use of antler for convalescence is limited. Some animal studies and small human trials have suggested possible benefits in promoting immune function, improving red blood cell production, and enhancing physical performance, but these studies are generally of low quality or have methodological limitations. Systematic reviews note a lack of robust clinical trials. As such, while the traditional use is well established, modern scientific validation remains insufficient. The evidence rating is therefore moderate for traditional use but weak for scientific confirmation.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
AlbuminAlcohol
Algae
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
ambergris
amino acids
Andrographis
animal protein
animal Tissue
antler
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Auricularia
bacteria
BCAA
bee pollen
beef
Beef liver
Beef Protein
beta-glucan
bilberry
bird\'s nest
black currant
blackthorn
bone marrow
bovine
bovine liver
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
butter
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
Centella asiatica
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese pond turtle
chlorella
cistanche
Codonopsis
colostrum
cordyceps
coriolus mushroom
D-Ribose
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Dipeptide
egg
Egg protein
elderberry
eleuthero
elk antler
Euglena gracilis
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish protein
flat-stem milk-vetch
fulvic acid
ganoderma
garlic bulb
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
Glutamine
Glutathione
Gnaphalium
goji berry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
haliotis
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hydroxymethylbutyrate
iron
jiaogulan
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
lactalbumin
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinula edodes mycelia
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
licorice root
lingzhi
lipids
liquid liver fractions
malt
Marine protein
Milk
Milk Protein
Mineral ascorbate
Mistletoe
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Peptides
pollen
polysaccharides
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
Quinoa Protein
reishi mushroom
royal jelly
Rubia yunnanensis
Sarivan
Shark Liver Oil
shiitake mushroom
Smartweed
spirulina
Trametes
turmeric
vitamin C
vitamin D
Whey protein
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by antler
Aging (prevention)Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Backache
Broken Bones
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hemorrhoids
Infertility
Inflammation
Injuries
Menopause
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Post Partum Weakness
Prostatitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Surgery (healing from)
Testosterone (low)
Wounds and Sores
