The health benefits of elk velvet antler have long been recognized in the Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it is important to periodically highlight the modern scientific evidence that supports these claims rooted in Eastern medicine.
A study conducted by the University of Montreal demonstrated that elk velvet antler has a measurable anti-inflammatory effect on dogs suffering from osteoarthrosis, a painful condition characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Elk velvet antler, derived from the inner core of an elk’s antler during its velvet stage of growth, was clinically evaluated in this study*. The findings, published in the Canadian Veterinary Medical Journal (Can. Vet. J. 2004 Volume 45, pg. 133-139), provide credible scientific support for the use of elk velvet antler in treating osteoarthrosis in dogs.
In a summary of the study written by Terry L. Church, BSc, DVM, MSc., he wrote: “The authors concluded that the administration of elk velvet antler was effective in alleviating the condition in arthritic dogs. They further stated that consideration should be given to the use of elk velvet antler (sic) in the treatment of canine (osteoarthrosis).” Dr. Church also stated that the clinicians observed that administration of EVA resulted in a significant reduction of muscle atrophy, suggesting a myotrophic effect for velvet antler. In the double blind and placebo-controlled study, the dogs, chosen from the files of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Montreal, were divided into two groups. One group was given a placebo for 30 days and then elk velvet antler for the next 60 days. The other group was given elk velvet antler for 60 days.