Evidence supporting the use of: Antler horn
For the health condition: Knees (weak)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Antler horn, often referred to as deer antler velvet, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting joint health, including the treatment of weak knees. In TCM, antler horn is believed to tonify the kidneys and liver, which are thought to govern bones and joints, thereby strengthening the knees and lower back. Classical texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and "Compendium of Materia Medica" mention its use for frailty, joint weakness, and mobility issues in aging individuals. The traditional rationale does not rely on modern scientific understanding but is rooted in centuries of empirical observation and theory within TCM frameworks. Modern scientific evidence for the efficacy of antler horn in treating weak knees or joint problems is limited. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest that deer antler velvet contains growth factors, such as IGF-1, and various amino acids, which may have a role in tissue repair or anti-inflammatory processes. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking, and systematic reviews generally conclude that there is insufficient evidence to confirm its benefits for joint health or knee weakness. Thus, while traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation remains weak.
Other health conditions supported by Antler horn
Aging (prevention)Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Backache
Broken Bones
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cartilage Damage
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Cuts
Debility
Edema
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Infertility
Inflammation
Injuries
Kidney Stones
Knees (weak)
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Post Partum Weakness
Prostatitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Surgery (healing from)
Tendonitis
Testosterone (low)
Wasting
Wounds and Sores