Evidence supporting the use of: Antler
For the body system: Skeletal System (Bones)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Antler, particularly deer antler velvet, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries as a tonic believed to support bone health and strengthen the skeletal system. Historical records from ancient Chinese texts, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing," cite antler as a remedy for conditions associated with weakness of the bones, joints, and tendons, as well as to promote growth and healing after injuries or fractures. The rationale for this traditional use stems from the observation that antlers are rapidly growing bone and cartilage, leading to the belief that they contain substances beneficial for human bone health.
Modern scientific validation for these claims remains limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts from antler velvet may have positive effects on bone metabolism, potentially promoting osteoblast activity and inhibiting bone resorption. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and there is insufficient evidence to conclusively support the use of antler as an effective treatment for bone disorders or to enhance skeletal health. Most of the purported benefits remain rooted in traditional use rather than scientific consensus. Therefore, while antler is traditionally used to support the skeletal system, the strength of evidence is modest, meriting a rating of 2.
Other ingredients that support Skeletal System (Bones)
alfalfaalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
sesame
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
calcium
cartilage
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
collard
devil's claw
fish protein
gelatin
genistein
genistin
green lipped mussel
horsetail
ipriflavone
magnesium
manganese
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
phosphorus
protein
prune
rehmannia glutinosa
sardines
silicon
spinach
strontium
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
seaweed
water
boneset
solomon's seal
eucommia
trace minerals
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
soy isoflavones
Arugula
Antler
Achyranthes
Algas calcareas
Animal protein
Boswellic Acid
Beef
Bone Marrow
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
Borate
Boswellia
Bone Protein
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Buckwheat
Comfrey
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Citrate malate
Cod Liver Oil
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chuchuhuasi
Cruciferous
Corallina officinalis
Dolomite
Daidzein
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Dipsacus
Egg
Elk antler
Eucommia ulmoides
Estrogen
Fish
fibroblast growth factor
Glycosaminoglycans
Isoflavones
Molasses
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Soy Protein