Royal Elk Velvet

What is Velvet?

"Velvet" is the growing antler of elk and other members of the deer family. Except in reindeer and caribou, antlers are carrried only by males. Don Bamber holding up velvet antlers

All members of the deer family (cervids) grow and shed antlers every year. Antlers grow at an incredible rate of speed, and therefore are considered the perfect renewable resource. Velvet antler is the blood filled collagenous matrix that forms the rapidly growing antler structure.

Velvet antler is composed of:

Collagen cartilage

Glycosaminoglycan (lubricates the joints)

Chondroitin Sulfate (relieves arthritis symptoms)

Fatty acid, C18:3-Omega-6 Fatty (lowers cholesterol)

Poly Saccharides (improves circulation, decreases stroke risk)

All essential Amino Acids

Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Zinc (essential minerals)

Prostaglandins (reduces inflamation)

Alkaline Phosphatase (promotes tissue healing and cell repair)

Monoamine-oxidase Inhibitors (works as an antidepressant)

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (regulates bone growth)

Uronic Acid (improves circulation and decreases stroke risk)

Hyaluronic Acid (lubricates the joints)

Pantocrine (increases muscle performance)

Neutrophils (promotes body's resistance to disease and injury).

Velvet antlers have been used since ancient times as traditional medicines in the Orient and throughout Europe. Ancient writings about its medicinal properties go back several thousand years. Although Chinese and Korean sources are most often quoted, texts from the early Roman Empire suggest its widespread use in Europe.

Contrary to popular western speculation, velvet is not used as an aphrodisiac. It has been used to treat impotence and menstrual irregularities but its common use is as a tonic to offset a variety of stresses ranging from cold weather to demanding employment. It also has been used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis.

The scientific basis of these effects are only now being addressed by researchers in Asia, New Zealand and Canada. For more information click on these links. 2000 Antler Science Symposium Alberta Elk Association

Box 403,
Sangudo, Alberta, Canada T0E 2A0
Tel: (780) 785-3558 Fax: (780) 785-3379
royalelk@telusplanet.net