Synopsis

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

Elk antler, often processed into "deer velvet," has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and some other Asian medicinal systems. It is reputed to support male vitality, sexual performance, and overall reproductive health. The rationale in traditional medicine is that velvet antler is a rich source of hormones, growth factors, and minerals, which are believed to enhance "yang" energy and reproductive capability in men.

Despite centuries of traditional use, modern scientific evidence supporting elk antler's efficacy for the male reproductive system is limited and generally of low quality. Some animal studies and small human trials have examined velvet antler's potential to improve testosterone levels, sperm quality, or sexual function, but results are mixed and often inconclusive. Most studies are either not well-controlled, have small sample sizes, or are conducted in animals rather than humans. The purported biological actives—such as IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1)—are present in velvet antler, but it is unclear if oral supplementation delivers bioactive levels or has significant physiological effects in humans.

In conclusion, elk antler is used primarily on the basis of tradition, with insufficient robust scientific validation for supporting the male reproductive system.

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