LC-MS/MS Analysis Reveals Protective Effects of Velvet Antler Extract

Research conducted at the College of Pharmacy of Chung-Ang University (Seoul, Korea) examined the effects of the enzymatically digested velvet antler (VA) extract on mitochondrial characteristics. These effects include mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial superoxide, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), in primary astrocytes treated with mitochondrial stressors such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or scopolamine. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identified enriched bioactive ingredients in the extract. A paper based on this work was published in the Journal of Animal Science and Technology (1).

The term “velvet antler” refers to the whole cartilaginous antler in a pre-calcified growth stage of deer. The antler is covered by a hairy, velvet-like "skin" known as velvet and its tines are rounded, because the antler has not calcified or finished developing (2). VA has been used as a traditional medicine in East Asia for thousands of years in the treatment of mammary hyperplasia, immune dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and gynecological issues (3). It has also been reported that VA has bioactive properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-fatigue effects, and is also known to strengthen muscles and bones (4). VA is taken as a dietary supplement in the form of dried slices or as medicinal soup in several regions, including East Asia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand (5). While global production of VA has been growing rapidly to meet medicinal market demands for older adults, supply and consumption of the supplement are still limited (6). Although the traditional formulation of VA involves its extraction by boiling, the use of hot water may change the nature of its bioactive compounds and perhaps reduce their pharmacological efficiency (5). Furthermore, extraction by organic solvents is currently restricted to the food industry (7). Enzymatic methods, therefore, are now being used more often in study of the efficacy of VAs and the enrichment of their bioactive compounds (8).

VA was extracted through two different methods: traditional (YHC-BE-2038, using hot water) and enzymatic (YC-1101). The bioactive compounds were analyzed using LC-MS/MS, and a total of 143 peptides and 44 proteins were detected in YC-1101, which were absent in YHC-BE-2038. In addition, 23 metabolites were detected in YC-1101 through metabolomic analysis (1).

Drawing the conclusion that the bioactive low-molecular weight of VA peptides was enriched in enzymatically digested VA compared to the traditional water extract of VA, the authors wrote that the data suggested that enzymatic digestion has a potently enhancing effect on the mitochondrial function. They also believe that the data confirm that VA extract is a promising health functional ingredient in therapeutics and supplemental foods for the treatment of mitochondria-associated neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the enzymatic digestion of VA is an effective approach to meet worldwide demand for the extract through the improvement of its biological activities (1).

Red deer stag with velvet antlers. © giedriius - stock.adobe.com

References

1. Paing, Y. M. M.; Lee, S. H. Protective Effects of Enzymatically Digested Velvet Antler Polypeptides on Mitochondria in Primary Astrocytes. J. Anim. Sci. Technol. 2025, 67 (1), 164-178. DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e135

2. Velvet antler. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velvet_antler (accessed 2025-02-20)

3. Wu, F.; Li, H.; Jin, L.; Li, X.; Ma, Y.; You, J.; Li, S. Xu Y. Deer Antler Base as a Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry and Pharmacology. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2013, 145 (2), 403-415. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.008

4. Hung, Y.K.; Ho, S. T.; Kuo, C. Y.; Chen, M. J. In vitro Effects of Velvet Antler Water Extracts from Formosan Sambar Deer and Red Deer on Barrier Integrity in Caco-2 Cell. Int. J. Med. Sci. 2021, 18 (8), 1778-1785. DOI: 10.7150/ijms.53599

5. Sui, Z.; Zhang, L.; Huo, Y.; Zhang, Y. Bioactive Components of Velvet Antlers and Their Pharmacological Properties. J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2014, 87, 229-240. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.07.044

6. Gilbey, A.; Perezgonzalez, J. D. Health Benefits of Deer and Elk Velvet Antler Supplements: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Studies. N Z Med. J. 2012, 125 (1367), 80-86.

7. Lee, S. H.; Park, M. H.; Park, S. J.; Kim, J.; Kim, Y. T.; Oh, M. C.; Jeong, Y.; Kim, M.; Han, J. S.; Jeon, Y. J. Bioactive Compounds Extracted from Ecklonia cava by Using Enzymatic Hydrolysis Protects High Glucose-Induced Damage in INS-1 Pancreatic β-Cells. Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 2012, 167 (7), 1973-1985. DOI: 10.1007/s12010-012-9695-7

8. Yoo, J.; Lee, J.; Zhang, M.; Mun, D.; Kang, M.; Yun, B.; Kim, Y.A.; Kim, S.; Oh, S. Enhanced γ-Aminobutyric Acid and Sialic Acid in Fermented Deer Antler Velvet and Immune Promoting Effects. J. Anim. Sci. Technol. 2022, 64 (1), 166-182. DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e132