Evidence supporting the use of: Deer
For the health condition: Injuries
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Deer-derived products, particularly deer antler velvet, have been traditionally used in East Asian medicine, especially within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to support the treatment of injuries, including bone fractures, muscle strains, and general tissue repair. The rationale for its use is rooted in TCM theory, which holds that deer antler velvet can "tonify the kidney" and "strengthen bones and tendons." Historical texts describe its application for convalescence after trauma or surgery and during rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injuries.
Scientific studies on the efficacy of deer antler velvet for injury recovery are limited and generally of low methodological quality. Preclinical research (in vitro and animal studies) suggests that certain components in deer antler velvet, such as growth factors (e.g., IGF-1), may promote cellular proliferation and tissue regeneration. However, robust human clinical trials are lacking, and existing studies have methodological flaws or show only modest benefits. Systematic reviews conclude that while there may be some biological plausibility, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to support the use of deer products for injury healing in humans.
In summary, the use of deer-derived ingredients for injury support is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation. The evidence base is limited and does not firmly establish efficacy.
Other ingredients used for Injuries
aloe veraamino acids
bamboo
bayberry
beeswax
Indian frankincense
bovine
bromelain
chymotrypsin
collagen
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dandelion
dog rose
dyer’s woad root
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fungal protease
ginger
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
l-proline
licorice root
spruce
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
papain
protease
protein
purified silver
reishi mushroom
serratiopeptidase
silicon
trypsin
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
chaff flower
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
solomon's seal
amber
sheep's sorrel
wintergreen
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
abies spectabilis
geranium
arnica
Aralia
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
akebia
Animal Tissue
Antler
Aquilegia viridiflora
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
Agave
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
Aucubin
Anserina
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Ampelopsis
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Acemannan
Acetylsalicylic acid
Abuta
Alkanna
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Arani
Animal protein
Bee Propolis
Biopeptide
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Black-Eyed Susan
Boswellic Acid
Beef Protein
Barleria
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Banyan
Bletilla
Black root
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Common Monkey Flower
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Ceylon Leadwort
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
cypress
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carlina
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Connective tissue growth factor
Cocklebur
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Deer Root
Damulin A
Deer Velvet
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dianthrone
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erythropalum scandens
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Euphorbia
Egg protein
Elastase
Oak
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein