Evidence supporting the use of: Antler
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Antler, particularly deer antler (often referred to as "deer antler velvet"), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for supporting recovery during convalescence. In TCM, deer antler velvet is believed to tonify the kidney, strengthen yang, nourish the blood, and promote tissue repair. It is commonly prescribed to individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or general weakness, with the idea that it helps restore vitality, energy, and overall health. Historical texts, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing," have documented its use for these purposes.
However, scientific evidence supporting the use of antler for convalescence is limited. Some animal studies and small human trials have suggested possible benefits in promoting immune function, improving red blood cell production, and enhancing physical performance, but these studies are generally of low quality or have methodological limitations. Systematic reviews note a lack of robust clinical trials. As such, while the traditional use is well established, modern scientific validation remains insufficient. The evidence rating is therefore moderate for traditional use but weak for scientific confirmation.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by Antler
Aging (prevention)Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Backache
Broken Bones
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hemorrhoids
Infertility
Inflammation
Injuries
Menopause
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Post Partum Weakness
Prostatitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Surgery (healing from)
Testosterone (low)
Wounds and Sores