We are constantly pushing the envelope to come up with methods to improve our results clinically. We think that our new cytokine formula may be such a game changer. Our new formula makes use of Velvet Deer Antler. But the formula is much different from those formulas out there both in strength and the formula itself. It is a proprietary mix.
The above illustration represents the growing portion of the antler. Deer Antler Velvet has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years but has recently gained popularity in Western medicine. Deer antler can enhance immune system function, improving athletic performance, increasing muscle recovery, enhance sexual function, improve disease recovery, enhance cardiovascular function, and a host of other conditions.
Deer Antler Velvet covers the growing bone and cartilage that develops into deer antlers. The growing antler contains a number of necessary cells, including fibroblasts, chondroblasts, chondrocytes and osteocytes. The tips of the antlers begin as undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells which are transformed into cartilage. Later, the cartilage is turned to bone, due to the effects of testosterone. Deer antler velvet is antler that is still in its cartilaginous stage.
One of the problems with Velvet Deer Antler is the purity and concentration of the product. Our antler product is sourced from a very reliable source. Typically, there is a concentration of 1500 mg of velvet extract per bottle. Honestly, that will have some effects but it is not exactly what we are looking for. We have sourced a concentration of 4500 mg of Velvet Deer Antler per bottle. This concentration would not be legal for any professional athlete and thus we would not use it on them. Typically, these higher concentrations will help balance hormones and promote tissue repair. In addition to this we have actually added certain supplements to this very potent formula. These supplements will increase stem cell efficiency and output from the bone marrow. This combination is totally unique to our practice and network and it is proprietary in nature.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF VELVET ANTLER?
The above diagram gives some idea of the many benefits of deer extract. An important concept that is a common theme of many research papers is that the combination of all components of velvet antler provides a synergistic effect that is greater than the total effect that would be achieved by the separate use of each of its individual constituents. That means that if velvet antler is broken down into its constituents that are used separately, their combined effect is significantly less than the effect realized when the nutrients are provided in the naturally combined form of velvet antler. In summary, the effect of the complete product is greater than the summed effect of all components.
Let us take a better look at exactly what is found in the antler products. Most of the antler product consists of protein. The active ingredients include collagen, lipids, glycosaminoglycans, minerals, and various growth factors. We will take a look at the major subgroups of components. The first component to take a look at are the glycosaminoglycans
GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS
Glycosaminoglycans are complex carbohydrates. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), have widespread functions within the body. GAGs play a critical role in Regenerative Medicine. They play a crucial role in the cell signaling process, including regulation of cell growth, proliferation, promotion of cell adhesion, anticoagulation, and wound repair. They are an integral component of what is called the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the non-cellular component present within all tissues and organs, and provides not only essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents but also initiates crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues that are required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis.
Research has shown GAGs exist in velvet antler in several forms including:
- Chondroitin Sulphate a carbohydrate that helps protect and rebuild degenerating cartilage and is regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory agent
- Glycosphingolipids are compounds involved with growth and metabolism of cells and with memory and learning
- Glucosamine Sulphate is a component of Chondroitin Sulphate and is a major component of cartilage and synovial fluid
- Hyaluronic acid a substance that binds cartilage cells together and lubricates joints. It also acts as a signaling molecule in many biological processes.
- Phospholipids the major structural lipid of most cell membranes
Here is a good illustration of the ExtraCellular Matrix. It is the substance between the cells.
Antlers grow by endochondral ossification, the same way that long bones do. A major non-collagenous protein, proteoglycan, a protein substituted with glycosaminoglycan chains, occurs in the cartilaginous tissue of antler. While its use in the antler is not understood, it has been shown that proteoglycan in cartilage, also called aggrecan, regulates differentiation of chondrocytes and may control calcium concentration in the growth plates where endochondral ossification occurs. This may have important implications when we are treating joints with regenerative medicine.
More importantly, the next two illustrations show the ramifications of the ExtraCellular Matrix and repair of various tissues. We can see why enhancing the ExtraCellular Matrix is so important in Regenerative Medicine. We can see that these represent the pillars of regenerative cell therapy. There are few if any other products which have these effects on the extracellular matrix. This is certainly a huge benefit that comes with the Velvet Deer Antler product.
The Glycosaminoglycans have a hand in all of the above repair processes. Most products are only addressing the cellular portions of repair while the antler products are more comprehensive in their approach.
The next illustration shows how the Glycosaminoglycans are involved in the new field of tissue engineering. In the case of tissue engineering we call the synthetic ECM a scaffold.
GROWTH FACTORS: THE CLONES OF WHAT STEM CELLS PRODUCE
When we look at velvet antler growth factors, we see a list of whos who in the growth factor universe. Growth factors, which are generally considered as a subset of cytokines, refer to the diffusible signaling proteins that stimulate cell growth, differentiation, survival, inflammation, and tissue repair. The major growth factors which are found in deer antler include Insulin Like growth factors (IGF-1), Bone morphogenetic growth factors (BMPs), Transforming growth factor family (TGF), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Epidermal growth factor (EGF), Interleukins, and a variety of other factors. When looking at the various growth factors we realize that this appears to be similar to what is found in a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) product, and for that matter stem cells themselves release.
Another aspect of deer antler deals with its Amino acid contents. Remember that amino acids are natures building blocks. Amino acids, often referred to as the building blocks of proteins, are compounds that play many critical roles in your body. They’re needed for vital processes like the building of proteins and synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. These are broken down to essential and non-essential amino acids. Another type of amino acid is the free form amino acid. These amino acids aren’t joined together with any other amino acids in a protein ‘string’. This allows the individual amino acids to be instantly absorbed and used by the body without digestion. All of o
Of all the growth factors the most consequential might be IGF-1. IGF-1 is a banned substance in the world of professional sports. The precursor of IGF-1 is Human Growth Hormone (HGH). IGF-1 is actually the active form of HGH. It is considered performance enhancing. In the smaller doses this is typically not an issue but in the higher doses we are using this is a problem and across the board we will not give this formula to any athlete in the high school, college, or the professional sports arena. Putting this aside, why do we like IGF-1? We can see some of the benefits below.
Perhaps more importantly, we need to look at IGF-1 on the basis of cell biology. IGF-1 has been shown to enhance the migratory response of stem cells. We must realize that the IGF-1 supplied by deer antler is a natural form. It seems to be safer than taking the synthetic anabolic agents which can have disastrous consequences to ones health. The following diagram is somewhat complicated but we see the importance of IGF-1. It will interact with the stem cell and cause the cell to go on to repair tissue or differentiate into that tissue.
IGF-1 and the other growth factors can also result in a number of other health benefits. These extra health benefits may include preservation of a persons muscle mass, improving the functioning of the immune system, increasing bone density thus helping to improve Osteoporosis, a valid treatment for fibromyalgia conditions, and lastly it may help in weight loss. The bottom line is that these growth factors are all very important in treating damaged tissue. This tissue could be a tendon, a joint, or muscle. Remember, with the antler we are complimenting the growth factors that are supplied by the stem cells and the Platelet Rich Plasma. Also, by taking these supplements on a daily basis we continue the repair process. The one small caveat that we follow is that in those patients who have a history of certain cancers we will typically recommend a lower dose of the antler product. We should also keep in mind that antler products also contain small amounts of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. In the right doses these are also important for regeneration.
Another related factor found in the antler is Prostaglandins. They are substances with varying physiologic effects, acting as a vasodepressor, smooth muscle contraction or relaxation, inflammation and uterine stimulation. As components of deer antler velvet, prostaglandins may assist in the capacity of the extract to reduce the swelling associated with arthritis and injury. They also have physiological responses in lipid metabolism, as seen in the cholesterol-lowering effects of deer antler velvet on laboratory animals.
AMINO ACIDS
Velvet antler contains many different types of amino acids. Amino acids, often referred to as the building blocks of proteins, are compounds that play many critical roles in your body. Amino acids are organic compounds composed of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, along with a variable side chain group. Your body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly. Though all 20 of these are important for your health, only nine amino acids are classified as essential. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Unlike nonessential amino acids, essential amino acids are those that cant be made by your body and must be obtained through your diet. Another type of amino acid is a Free-form amino acid. This refers to single amino acid that is already in a pre-digested form and ready to be used by your body. Some nutritional products, especially amino acid blends, contain whole proteins and large peptides (chains of amino acids), which the body must first break down into smaller peptides and individual amino acids before use. For faster utilization and better bioavailability, look for free-form amino acids. We can see that all the various different types of amino acids work synergistically. They all have their purpose.
WHAT SUPPLEMENTS ARE ADDED TO THE FORMULA TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTS?
In addition to the Velvet Deer Antler which provides all the aforementioned compounds. There are a host of other compounds which enhance the efficacy of the product. These include a natural matrix of herbs bounded by research and science to help ones stem cells become more active and body supportive. The following compounds highlight these ingredients.
FUCOIDAN is found in the cell walls of certain seaweed species that is has been used medicinally for a wide variety of health purposes. Okinawa inhabitants have a diet rich in Wakame seaweed, which contains the highest concentrations of Fucoidan. Okinawa is also known for its high concentration of centenarians (people who are at least a century old), which researchers believe is linked to their fucoidan-rich diet. The anti-aging effects are associated with Fucoidan’s remarkable ability to facilitate tissue regeneration, immune function as well as improving cell-to- cell communication. Not only is fucoidan known for its anti-aging effects, it is also believed to combat cancer, metabolic syndrome and other degenerative disorders. With stem cell therapy, there is always the risk that the adult stem cells could migrate to other areas of the body unintentionally. However, the daily use of fucoidan has been proven to increase mobilization of stem cells to the appropriate area/ site of injury. Not only can fucoidan point the stem cells in the proper direction, it has also shown to improve the stem cells’ survival during the differentiation process.
PTEROSTILBENE is a stilbene molecule and demethylated derivative of resveratrol ( it is more bioavailable than resveratrol) that is found in antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, cranberries and grapes. These all help to slow down the aging process. It is an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage. It is known to stimulate a series of pathways in the body called Sirtuin gene pathways. The sirtuin genes have effects on a variety of other pathways in the body. Ultimately, the Sirtuins are involved in the regulation of the mitochondria and subsequent ATP production. Research has shown Pterostilbene protects against memory loss, high cholesterol, high blood pressure levels and even certain types of cancer.
CARNOSINE is an important nonessential amino acid that helps support brain, heart, and eye health. It offers antioxidant protection from free radicals and oxidative stress, boosts endurance, aids in the recovery process, and offers electrolyte support.
BLACK RASPBERRY EXTRACT, one of the least known, but yet strongest anti-oxidants that insures chromosomes retain their health and rebuild themselves to optimum health.
RHODIOLA an adaptogenic herb that can elevate your mood and mental stamina, reduce the stress hormone, cortisol and fight depression due to its protective effects on key mood neurotransmitters. Rhodiola rosea extracts have recently demonstrated its anti-aging, anti-inflammation, immuno-stimulating, DNA repair and anti-cancer effects in different model systems. An adaptogenic herb helps the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress.
ASTRAGIN is a 100% natural compound which is patented and promotes a healthy gut lining reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining and increasing absorption of nutrients. AstraGin has the ability to increase the assimilation of important amino acids which increase nitric oxide levels in the human body, making it the perfect performance enhancer when taken pre-workout. Higher levels of nitric oxide result in enhanced blood flow to the muscle which leads to better pumps, muscular contraction, and improved nutrient transportation. AstraGin also aids in glucose absorption so having this pre-workout ensures that you have sufficient energy levels whilst you train.
THE FINAL QUESTION HOW DOES THE ANTLER PRODUCT GET TO WHERE IT IS NEEDED?
One could have the absolute best formula on paper but the question is will it work? When we evaluate medications and supplements a very important aspect to consider is what we call the pharmacokinetics of the product. This concerns the science of how the drug moves around in the body. Unfortunately, on paper many compounds seem very promising but in real life are a failure. The main reason for this is that they cannot be absorbed by the body.
The mode of absorption of the antler product is what is referred to as sublingual. This means it is absorbed under the tongue. This is many times a very effective mode of absorption. It bypasses the gut and goes directly into the bloodstream where it is needed. The components are not broken down. Also, in the saliva are very small particles called exosomes which can be considered a rising star in drug delivery. Saliva is a very rich source of exosomes. Thus, we have a very efficient method of delivering the velvet components in a safe and reliable manner.
If we were to undertake the task of trying to design a complete supplement to utilize in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell therapy, Velvet Deer Antler would be at the top of our list. It has most of the ingredients needed for success. Furthermore, there is a very efficient way to deliver the goods to the cell where they are needed. Deer antler will not be the only modality we will use, but it certainly has an important place on our mantle. We are constantly working to push the envelope and I suspect more advances will come.
Thanks,
-JP
