Abstract

In Viet Nam, raising deer for collecting velvet antler becomes popular. However, qualitative analyses of them by chemical compositions are rare. Thus, we determine chemical contents and biologically active compounds to give a scientific foundation which supports the nutrient values and medicine of Velvet antler (Cervus nippon sp.). The results show that micro mineral contents such as Fe, Zn, and Pb are very low. The contents of ash, macro-mineral (for example, Ca, P), collagens increased downward from the upper to the base of Velvet antler. In contract, those of total sugars, reducing sugars, lipid, protein, glucosamine decreased downward from the the upper to the base. There are 13 amino acids in Velvet antler (accomplished by HPLC). We also have found the present of low molecular weight fractions (≤ 10 kDa) that are considered a biologically active compound.