Investigation of Quality Assessment for Different Grades of Velvet Antler: a Strategy Combined Microscopic Observation, Delayed Luminescence and Chemical Analysis

Background: As a famous animal-derived herbal medicine, the pharmacological functions of velvet antler are widely recognized in the world. However, there are still great limitations on quality standard and control system of velvet antler. Methods In this research, microscopic observation, delayed luminescence (DL) and chemical analysis were used to evaluate the four grades of velvet antler slices obtained from Cervus nippon Temminck and Cervus elaphus Linnaeu. In addition, those three measurement platforms have been used to compared the two of the four grades among Cervus nippon Temminck, Cervus elaphus Linnaeu and Rangifer tarandus. Results We assessed the quality grades of velvet antler slices by using microscopic observation, delayed luminescence and chemical analysis. These techniques are able to indicate the difference of different grades of velvet antler slices to a certain extent, and has their own advantages, respectively. Conclusion As a new, rapid and systemic tool, DL provides a technique for studying the overall property of different grades of velvet antler slices, and the integrated assessment by measuring microscopic observation, DL and chemical components may provide a novel means to measure animal-derived herbal quality control.