Evidence supporting the use of: Deer velvet
For the health condition: Debility

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Deer velvet, which refers to the soft, growing antler tissue of deer, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries to address a variety of conditions, including "debility"—a term encompassing general weakness, fatigue, and loss of vitality. In TCM, deer velvet is believed to tonify the kidney yang, nourish blood, and strengthen bones and muscles, qualities thought to counteract debility and age-related decline. Historical texts and materia medica describe its use for improving overall vitality, physical strength, and recovery from illness or injury.

Scientific evidence supporting these traditional claims is limited and of low to moderate quality. Some preclinical studies suggest that deer velvet contains bioactive components such as growth factors, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans, which may have anabolic, immunomodulatory, or anti-fatigue effects in animal models. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the few available studies are generally small, short-term, and methodologically weak. Thus, while the use of deer velvet for debility is well-anchored in traditional practice, scientific validation remains insufficient. The overall quality of evidence is low, mainly supporting its historic rather than evidence-based use.

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