Deer Antler Extracts: Extraction Methods and Functional Properties

For centuries humans have been interested in using biologically active compounds of animal origin to supplement their diets and to prevent and treat diseases. Nowadays, many extracts are produced to ensure the availability of dietary supplements to consumers worldwide. However, with the population constantly growing, there is a need to develop more effective extraction methods that can enable producers to supply the global market with high-quality products. In this paper, we study the structures and the chemical compositions of antler extracts prepared with antlers of the Altai wapiti and the Tundra Reindeer and compare conventional percolation with a circular (recurring) percolation method that involves multiple, repeated usage of the solvent. We also examine the concentration of the solvent. We argue that circular percolation provides dietary supplement producers with more opportunities, as with this method, the obtained extract is richer in biologically active compounds. The findings of the study can be of interest to dietary supplement producers.