Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant Activities, and Element Concentrations of Rusa Deer Velvet Antler Extracts

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze hexane extract (HE), 75% v / v ethanol extract (EE), and water extract (WE) of rusa deer velvet antlers, obtained through a three-solvent sequential extraction, for determining their chemical constituents, antioxidant activities, element concentrations, and microbial contamination. In TLC, FTIR, 1H NMR, and HPLC analysis, HE and EE showed the presence of oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and testosterone. EE showed the highest concentration of testosterone and the strongest antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. In addition, the concentration of testosterone in EE was higher than in sika deer and red deer velvet antler extracts found in other studies. All extracts were composed of essential elements and had levels of toxic elements and microbial contaminants lower than the acceptable criteria set by ASEAN guidelines. Thus, EE was considered to be a safe and useful source of antioxidants and testosterone.

Advances in Natural Product Extraction Techniques, Electrospun Fiber Fabrication, and the Integration of Experimental Design: A Comprehensive Review

“…All of the extracts contained essential elements, but their levels of toxic elements and microbial contaminants were below ASEAN’s acceptable threshold. The 75% v / v ethanol extract was regarded as a safe and effective source of antioxidants and testosterone [ 108 ].…”

A comprehensive assessment of immunomodulatory potentials of Korean antler velvet extract in mouse and neurodegenerative Caenorhabditis elegans models

“…Delving into the pharmacological attributes of antler velvet has been enlightening, uncovering a rich array of physiologically active elements, including growth factors, hormones, minerals, and proteins. This composition suggests a range of potential physiological impacts, with research primarily focusing on antiinflammatory, antioxidant, promotion of skeletal development, immune enhancement, and energy-boosting effects [5,[7][8][9]. Ongoing studies are now seeking to discern the potential positive effects of antler velvet on blood circulation, vasodilation, and blood pressure regulation.…”

“…However, the effectiveness of deer antler velvet may fluctuate based on drying methods (heat-drying, air-drying, and freeze-drying) [12,13], extraction techniques (alcohol extraction, supercritical extraction, and aqueous extraction) [8,14,15], and anatomical regions of antlers (tip, upper (U), middle (M), and base (B)) [16,17]. This variability poses challenges for standardization, raising concerns about the potential degradation or molecular breakdown of functional substances.…”