Every one of the minerals and trace elements found in velvet antler contribute in some way to a healthy immune system and these minerals alone, quite apart from any other bioactive substances, could help to explain its value in the treatment of osteoporosis, anaemia and as a growth stimulant for children. Also found in velvet in varying quantities are a wide range of bioactive properties. Found mainly in the central nervous system but also in other tissues, gangliosides consist of fatty acids, sphingosine, simple sugars, galactosamine and sialic acid. Once again the highest levels were found in the antler tips and the lowest in the base as the antler became more mineralised. Also analysed were the concentrations of free amino acids, the basic building blocks of protein that are essential for healthy cell growth.
Tests show that velvet antler contains all eight essential amino acids.
It is composed primarily of protein, with collagen as the major protein consisting of glycine, alanine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form patterns of concentration throughout the antlers, with the level of some being higher in the tips, and others more strongly concentrated in the base but overall, the levels of most amino acids were significantly higher in the higher graded velvet. While the first stage of the Invermay research project has firmly established New Zealand velvet as among the best in the world, comparing favourably with the traditional sources from China and Russia, the second and more extensive stage involves providing the scientific and clinical data necessary for velvet to be accepted as a medicine by Western health authorities. We make every effort to ensure the highest quality and accuracy of information on this site. It is not intended to diagnose or cure disease, or to be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice.