Research rules out risk of toxicological risk
Many products marketed as dietary supplements rely on a history of traditional use without ill effects. The NZ deer industry acknowledges a 2000 year use of velvet in Traditional Chinese Medicine but wanted stronger assurances before beginning clinical studies to meet market needs.
Toxicity studies were commissioned from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Otago and were overseen by Dr. James Suttie, a world recognised leader in velvet research. Study methodology was as prescribed by the OECD.
The study showed that after 90 days of treatment with velvet, experimental rats had no treatment related toxicological or histopathological abnormalities. This provides confidence that any potential accumulation of active constituents resulting from deer velvet consumption does not lead to toxicity. The doses of deer velvet evaluated in the rats were far greater than any doses anticipated for human consumption. The trial study suggests that it is not likely that acute or subchronic toxicological risks will occur with doses of deer velvet commonly used by humans.
These initial trials have formed the basis for further studies.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) "This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease