Deer antlers contain compounds that can accelerate bone healing, according to research from Washington University in the U.S. and Ningbo University in China. Scientists extracted polypeptides from antlers and injected them into mice with fractured limbs, observing a significant increase in the speed of fracture repair.
In the study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Translation, the bones in mice that received the antler extract healed completely in 21 days, compared to the typical five weeks. Within a week of the injection, the fractures had begun to join, a process that normally takes two to three weeks.
Deer antlers are known for their ability to regenerate fully each spring, consisting of bone, cartilage, blood vessels, nerves, and skin. This regenerative capacity led researchers to investigate their potential for bone repair. The findings suggest that these antler-derived chemicals promote new bone formation, thereby speeding up the healing process.
Researchers noted that deer antlers have a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine. Previous studies have also indicated potential benefits of antler compounds in fighting cancer, protecting against Parkinson's disease, and easing arthritis symptoms.
In the UK, the NHS treats over 500,000 fractures annually, with a notable percentage failing to heal properly. This research into antler-derived compounds could offer new avenues for enhancing fracture healing treatments.