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Deer antler velvet as a multifunctional natural resource for biomedical and nutraceutical applications
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DOI：10.1007/s44463-026-00070-z.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Deer antler velvet (DAV), harvested from the growing antlers of deer, is a biologically dynamic animal-derived material that has attracted scientific interest due to its regenerative characteristics and complex biochemical composition. DAV contains proteins, peptides, growth-associated factors, polysaccharides, amino acids, lipids, and minerals, which have been investigated across diverse experimental systems. Although numerous studies report immunomodulatory, antioxidant, regenerative, neuroprotective, and musculoskeletal-related effects, the strength of evidence varies considerably, with the majority of data derived from in vitro and animal models and comparatively limited well-controlled human trials. This review provides a critical and mechanism-oriented synthesis of DAV research, three analytical perspectives: (1) compositional variability and its implications for standardization and reproducibility; (2) differentiation between the hierarchy of evidence distinguishing experimental plausibility from clinically validated outcomes; and (3) translational considerations, including bioavailability, pharmacokinetics of growth-associated components, and regulatory constraints. Reported molecular mechanisms converge on established pathways governing growth regulation, redox balance, immune modulation, and tissue remodeling; however, the systemic relevance of orally administered bioactive constituents, particularly growth factors such as IGF-1, remains incompletely defined. While DAV demonstrates biological activity across multiple preclinical models and limited human studies, critical challenges persist in dose standardization, long-term safety evaluation, clinical validation, and international regulatory harmonization. Future progress will depend on the establishment of defined compositional markers, rigorous pharmacokinetic assessment, and well-powered randomized controlled trials. By integrating compositional analysis, mechanistic evaluation, and translational feasibility, this review clarifies both the potential and the current limitations of DAV in biomedical and nutraceutical applications.
Keywords:
Bioactive compounds
Molecular mechanisms
Nutraceuticals
Regenerative medicine
Journal
F
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3.7
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580
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1.7K
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