1. Historical Use of Velvet Antler

The importance in traditional Chinese medicine of the advancement of health and the prevention of ill health is in direct disagreement with western medical practice, which is more impressed with the treatment of ill health (Fulder 1980a). In fact the entire culture of traditional Eastern medicine is one of the quest for health rather than the treatment of ill health (Brekhman 1980; Kaptchuk and Creacher (1987)). Historical literature in both Chinese and Korean describes antler as soft growing tissue with velvet, and highly regarded the efficacy of antler as preventative medicine. Currently, there is an expanding stake in medicinal products which are alternative in nature and have tonic effects or effects on well–being. Holistic medicine is one area where velvet antler has traditionally found a niche in oriental medicine. It has also been used historically in the specific treatment of a number of conditions including anemia, arthritis, impotence, mynoxenia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dizziness and vertigo, insomnia, amnesia, wounds and pain (Kong and Ko 1987; Yoon 1989).

The use of velvet antler as a medicine and the momentousness of sexual well-being in Chinese tradition, have consummated in velvet antler being regarded by western commentators as an aphrodisiac. This characterization is unfortunate since in western countries, it has resulted in velvet antler being ignored as a serious candidate for pharmacological activity or application. In this regard, it is fairly ironic that a Korean doctor (Yoon 1989) observes that about 10% of velvet antler users are children. In Korea, antler is regarded as a fundamental component in herbal medicine, used for its preventative and restorative functions.

It is theorized that deer antler amplifies the body’s metabolism in general, preserves and renews injured organs and tissues (accelerating healing and recovery from injury), assists immune and phagocytic functions (anti-inflammation, anti-arthritis, anti-stress), moderates the aging process, has hypotensive-vascular effects, and ameliorates both gonadotrophic and thyroid function. This report will attempt to address the scientific validity of these traditionally held beliefs.

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