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Research Reveals Antioxidant Properties of Sika Deer Gelatins
A recent study has unveiled the antioxidant benefits of gelatins derived from the antlers, skin, and bones of sika deer (Cervus nippon). This research paves the way for further exploration into the potential health-promoting applications of these gelatins, particularly in combatting oxidative stress.
Published on June 13, 2024, in the journal Pharmacognosy Research, the study comes at a time when Japan is experiencing a notable increase in sika deer population, which has resulted in various societal challenges, such as agricultural damage, traffic incidents, and ecological disruptions. As a response, strategies for deer population management via hunting have been implemented, yet there remains a limited exploration of using the deer’s by-products beyond meat consumption.
In traditional Chinese medicine, however, parts of the deer, including its antlers and bones, have long been recognized for their health benefits. To enhance the understanding and utility of sika deer in modern health applications, this research examined the in vitro antioxidant capacity of gelatin sourced from their antlers, skins, and bones, comparing it to that derived from donkeys, cattle, pigs, and fish.
The significant findings of the study include:
- Gelatins extracted from sika deer originating from Hokkaido show promising antioxidant properties.
- These deer gelatins exhibit superior antioxidant activity compared to commonly consumed gelatins and collagen peptides sourced from bovine, pig, and fish.
- Future investigations will aim to further establish the role of sika deer gelatins as beneficial resources in reducing oxidative stress.
The research was spearheaded by Professor Wei Li from the Department of Pharmacognosy at Toho University in Japan, in partnership with Dalian Medical University in China and Hokkaido Rokubiken Co., Ltd. in Japan.
For further reading: Kouharu Otsuki et al, “Antioxidant Activity of Gelatins from Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)”, Pharmacognosy Research (2024). DOI: 10.5530/pres.16.3.70
Citation: “Gelatins from antlers, skin and bones of sika deer exhibit antioxidant activity, study finds” (2024, September 25) retrieved from Phys.org.
This research illustrates the potential of utilizing underexplored biological materials in promoting health, while also addressing environmental concerns associated with increased deer populations.
Source
phys.org