Deer antler velvet is commonly sold in capsule form as an alternative or herbal supplement for a variety of ailments in humans such as arthritis and high blood pressure. Due to the lack of scientific studies, deer antler velvet side effects are still yet to be determined; however, allergic reactions and stomach upset have been reported. The main concern with deer antler velvet is chronic wasting disease (CWD), a neurological disease of deer. Although no cases of deer to human transmission of the disease have been reported, the possibility of transmission remains a concern.
Every year, certain species of deer and elk develop new antlers. The growing bone and cartilage that develop into new antlers are covered with an epidermis layer referred to as velvet. While the antlers are also used in alternative medicine, the velvet has more purported beneficial uses than the antlers. When the antlers are in their velvet state, the antlers are removed with the velvet and processed for medicinal purposes. The host animal re-grows a new set of antlers the following season.
The antlers and velvet are processed and used to make capsule supplements. The product can also be purchased in powder form and as an ingredient found in herbal teas. Deer antler velvet spray, which is sprayed under the tongue, has become one of the more popular products made available to consumers. It should not be assumed that these products are safe due to the absence of reported deer antler velvet side effects on humans.
The uses of deer antler velvet in the Western world are broad with claims that the supplement can improve certain illnesses and ailments such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, asthma, and arthritis. Deer velvet contains estrone and estradiol, giving it unique properties that may help with the side effects of menopause and other female disorders like premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In men, deer antler velvet reportedly increases stamina, fertility, and sexual performance issues. Due to the presence of estrogen-type properties, negative deer antler velvet side effects may occur in certain individuals.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease of the brain and nervous system that can affect North American deer. CWD is similar but not related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also referred to as mad cow disease. Although there is no scientific evidence that CWD is a risk to the human population, it is recommended that humans not consume deer or parts of a deer if the animal shows signs of the disease. Signs of CWD in deer include abnormal body function and behavior, excessive salivation, and increased water intake.
For more than 2,000 years, the velvet from deer antlers has been used in Asian cultures for medicinal purposes. During its early uses in Traditional Chinese medicine, deer antler velvet was used as a cure for everything from impotence to amnesia. Very few deer antler velvet side effects were reported even during its earliest use, and those that were reported were generally mild. Due to the lack of scientific studies on its use in humans, the positive effects are not fully known, as well as the deer antler velvet side effects that may also occur.
