The Story of Science and Velvet - History of Deer Velvet Research

The History of Deer Velvet Scientific Research

Deer velvet – a substance that has fascinated humanity for thousands of years. The journey from traditional use to modern scientific understanding is a story filled with surprising discoveries, controversies, and revolutionary breakthroughs. Let's explore together how the mysteries of this exceptional natural substance have gradually been revealed.

Traditional Wisdom: The First Documented Use

The first written records of deer velvet use come from traditional Chinese medicine more than 2000 years ago. In the classic work Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica), deer velvet is listed as one of the most precious medicinal substances. It was considered "Yang strengthening," supporting vitality and longevity.

Similarly, in Korea, deer velvet (known as "Nokyong") was used as a rare medicine in the royal pharmacies of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Russian and Siberian cultures also used the antlers of maral deer and sika deer for centuries to support health and vitality.

First Systematic Research: The Soviet Era

Surprisingly, the first modern scientific research on deer velvet began in the Soviet Union in the 1920s. Soviet scientists, led by I. P. Pavlov and S. M. Pavlenko, conducted the first systematic studies on the effects of deer antler extracts. Their research led to the development of a product known as "Pantocrin" – an alcoholic extract from deer antlers used to increase physical performance, stress resistance, and support recovery.

Soviet studies were remarkable in their scope – they included thousands of subjects, including elite athletes and soldiers. Although the methodology of these studies did not meet today's standards, they laid the foundation for future research and identified key areas of potential effects of deer velvet.

The New Zealand Revolution: The 1980s

The real breakthrough in deer velvet research came in the 1980s in New Zealand. Dr. Jimmy Suttie, a pioneering scientist from AgResearch Invermay, identified the presence of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in deer velvet. This discovery was revolutionary because it provided, for the first time, a specific molecular mechanism by which deer velvet could influence tissue regeneration and other physiological processes.

Concurrent with this discovery, New Zealand became a world leader in deer farming and deer velvet production. The combination of traditional knowledge of Māori people and modern science created a unique environment for innovation in this field.

Institutionalization of Research: The Founding of VARNZ

In 1991, Velvet Antler Research New Zealand (VARNZ) was established – a joint venture between New Zealand deer farmers and the research institute AgResearch. VARNZ became a global leader in deer velvet research, funding dozens of studies and publishing breakthrough research.

Under VARNZ's leadership, methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing deer velvet were standardized. The organization also developed strict ethical standards for obtaining deer velvet, which are still considered the gold standard in the industry today.

The New Zealand Model: Quality and Standards

The New Zealand approach to deer velvet production has become the global standard for quality. The system includes:

• Strict veterinary protocols to protect deer health
• Certified procedures for humane velvet removal
• Traceability from farm to final product
• Standardized processing methods to preserve bioactive components

This system ensures that New Zealand deer velvet is not only ethically sourced but also retains maximum biological activity.

Key Discoveries of the 1990s: Composition and Bioactive Substances

The 1990s brought an explosion of scientific interest in deer velvet. Researchers identified and characterized dozens of bioactive components including:

• Growth factors (IGF-1, IGF-2, EGF, TGF-β)
• Glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfates
• Phospholipids and gangliosides
• Amino acids and peptides
• Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc)

These discoveries helped explain the traditional use of deer velvet and opened new possibilities for its applications in modern medicine.

Clinical Studies and Controversies at the Turn of the Millennium

The late 1990s and early 2000s brought the first rigorous clinical studies of deer velvet. These studies focused on various areas:

• Alleviating arthritic pain and inflammation
• Supporting the healing of sports injuries
• Improving performance and recovery in athletes
• Supporting the immune system

The results were ambiguous – some studies showed significant positive effects, while others did not demonstrate statistically significant differences compared to placebo. This inconsistency led to controversy and skepticism in part of the scientific community.

Further controversy arose around IGF-1 in deer velvet. In 2003, a scandal erupted when several athletes tested positive for IGF-1, leading to suspicions that they were using deer velvet as a form of doping. Later research, however, showed that the amount of IGF-1 in deer velvet is too small to affect doping tests, and moreover, most IGF-1 breaks down during digestion.

Molecular Research in the 21st Century

With advances in molecular biology and analytical methods, deer velvet research in the 21st century has moved to a new level. Scientists began studying the precise molecular mechanisms of deer velvet effects, including:

• Anti-tumor effects: Studies have shown that some components of deer velvet can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in some types of tumors.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Research has revealed that deer velvet can modulate inflammatory response signaling pathways, especially the NF-κB and COX-2 pathways.
• Immunomodulatory effects: Studies have demonstrated the ability of deer velvet components to modulate immune response, which may be useful in autoimmune diseases.

An extremely significant discovery was the definition of deer antlers as a "perfect regeneration model" for neural, vascular, and connective tissue. Deer antlers are the only mammalian organ that fully regenerates annually, and remarkably quickly – up to 2.5 cm per day during the growth period.

Stem Cells from Deer Antlers: A New Frontier of Research

A fascinating area of research opened with the discovery of stem cells in deer antlers. Antler Stem Cells (AnSCs) exhibit unique properties:

• They combine characteristics of mesenchymal and embryonic stem cells
• They have an extraordinary ability to differentiate into various tissue types
• They exhibit a high rate of proliferation without the risk of tumor formation
• They are capable of surviving in low oxygen conditions

These properties make deer antler stem cells a potentially revolutionary tool for regenerative medicine.

Current Trends and Future Direction of Research

Current deer velvet research is moving in several main directions:

Regenerative Medicine

Stem cells from deer antlers are being studied for potential use in:

• Wound healing through direct injection or topical application
• Neural tissue regeneration
• Treatment of degenerative joint diseases
• Cardiovascular regeneration

Molecular and Genomic Medicine

• Identification of specific bioactive peptides (DAPs) and their signaling pathways
• Research on anti-tumor mechanisms
• Study of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects at the molecular level
• Gene therapies based on the identification of antler-specific genes

Technological Innovations

• Development of advanced extraction methods to preserve bioactivity
• Standardization of products to specific concentrations of verified bioactive peptides
• Pharmacokinetic studies of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of key components

Clinical Applications

• Treatment of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint diseases
• Support for muscle and tissue regeneration after injury
• Prevention of sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass)
• Potential applications in neurology and cognitive disorders

Harmony of Tradition and Science: The Māori Concept of Kaitiakitanga

An interesting aspect of New Zealand's deer velvet research is the integration of the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga – the principle of stewardship and protection of natural resources. This approach emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and respect for nature as an integral part of scientific progress.

Māori wisdom, which for centuries emphasized the connection between human health and ecosystem health, now finds resonance in the modern scientific approach. Ethical production of deer velvet in New Zealand is an example of how traditional values can inform and enrich modern scientific practices.

Between Tradition and Modern Science: Challenges and Perspectives

After millennia of traditional use and decades of scientific research, deer velvet stands at a crossroads between traditional wisdom and modern science. While traditional medical systems still use it for a wide range of indications, Western medicine demands further evidence from randomized controlled trials before accepting specific clinical applications.

The main challenges for future research include:

• Standardization of products and extracts to ensure consistent quality and efficacy
• Conducting large, well-designed clinical studies with clearly defined outcomes
• Understanding the complex interactions between various bioactive components
• Addressing ethical and regulatory issues related to production and use

The future of deer velvet research lies neither in returning to unrefined traditional powders nor in seeking a single "miracle" molecule. Rather, it is a synthesis: using the most advanced scientific tools to understand, isolate, and recombine the complex bioactivity of antlers to create scientifically validated next-generation therapeutics.

Roanga Planet: A Bridge Between Traditional Wisdom and Modern Science

At Roanga Planet, we believe that the true value of deer velvet lies in respecting both the millennia-old wisdom of traditional cultures and the latest scientific findings. Our products are created with an awareness of this rich research history and utilizing the most modern insights into bioactive components and their synergistic effects.

We collaborate with ethical farms in New Zealand that adhere to the highest standards of quality and animal care. Our production processes are designed to preserve the full spectrum of bioactive substances in their natural balance.

We continue the tradition started by the first researchers in the 1980s while looking to the future, where we see enormous potential for deer velvet as part of a holistic approach to health and vitality.

At Roanga Planet, we are not just sellers of dietary supplements – we are continuators of a story that began thousands of years ago and will continue through ongoing dialogue between traditional wisdom, modern science, and respect for nature's regenerative power.