Neurvena
Also known as: Green oat extract, Neuravena®, Wild green oat, Avena sativa
Overview
Avena sativa, commonly known as wild green oat, is a botanical supplement primarily recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Neuravena® is a standardized extract derived from this herb, specifically studied for its potential to improve cognitive performance, attention, and overall quality of life, especially in situations involving stress or high cognitive demand. The extract contains a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, and avenanthramides, which are believed to contribute to its beneficial effects. While traditionally used for cognitive support, modern research, including several randomized controlled trials, has focused on its acute and chronic effects on brain function. It is available as an oral supplement.
Benefits
Avena sativa, particularly in its standardized Neuravena® extract form, offers several evidence-based benefits. Acute administration of 800 mg has been shown to improve neurophysiological markers related to attention and inhibitory control, leading to enhanced task performance speed without compromising accuracy in healthy adults. Chronic supplementation, with doses ranging from 430 mg to 1290 mg over 29 days, demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in spatial working memory and multitasking performance, with benefits increasing over time and persisting even before the next dose. Beyond cognitive function, an 8-week trial with 900 mg/day of Neuravena® significantly improved quality of life measures, reduced perceived stress, and enhanced sleep quality in smokers undergoing smoking reduction. This study also noted a higher success rate in smoking reduction among the Neuravena® group compared to placebo (66.7% vs. 49.3%, p=0.034), suggesting a supportive role in behavioral change.
How it works
Neuravena® exerts its effects by modulating neurophysiological activity, particularly in the fronto-temporal brain regions. It influences event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with key cognitive processes such as attention (P3a/P3b) and conflict monitoring (ERN/N2). While the exact molecular targets are still under investigation, it is believed to act through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. The bioactive compounds within the extract may also interact with neurotransmitter systems crucial for cognition, including cholinergic and glutamatergic signaling. These compounds exhibit moderate oral bioavailability, allowing for both acute effects within hours of administration and more sustained benefits with chronic supplementation.
Side effects
Neuravena® has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Studies have reported it to be safe and well-tolerated at doses up to 1290 mg/day for periods up to 4 weeks, and 900 mg/day for up to 8 weeks. No significant adverse events or serious side effects have been reported in the reviewed literature. Currently, there are no known major drug interactions or contraindications documented for Neuravena®. However, research on special populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children, is limited, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided. Individuals with known allergies to oats or gluten sensitivity should consult a healthcare professional before use, although the extract is typically processed to minimize gluten content.
Dosage
For acute cognitive benefits, a single dose of 800 mg of Neuravena® has been shown to be effective. For chronic cognitive enhancement, a minimum effective dose of approximately 430 mg/day has demonstrated benefits, with an optimal dose range typically between 800–1290 mg/day. The maximum safe dose observed in trials is 1290 mg/day for up to 4 weeks, or 900 mg/day for up to 8 weeks. Benefits can be observed both acutely (within hours post-dose) and after chronic supplementation over several weeks. Some trials have utilized divided dosing (e.g., morning and afternoon) to maintain consistent levels. Neuravena® is typically consumed as oral capsules of the standardized extract. It is advisable to follow the specific dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Neuravena® safe for long-term use?
Current research supports its safety for up to 8 weeks of use. Data on longer-term safety beyond this period are limited, so consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for extended use.
How soon do effects appear?
Acute cognitive improvements, such as enhanced attention and processing speed, can be observed within hours of a single dose. Chronic benefits, like improved working memory, typically develop over several weeks of consistent supplementation.
Does it improve mood?
While not primarily a mood enhancer, some studies indicate that Neuravena® can reduce perceived stress and improve overall quality of life, which may indirectly contribute to a better mood, particularly in stressed individuals.
Can it help with smoking cessation?
Research suggests that Neuravena® may support smoking reduction efforts by improving wellbeing, reducing stress, and enhancing sleep quality, potentially making it easier for individuals to cut down on smoking.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8517335/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the acute effects of 800 mg Neuravena® on cognitive function in healthy adults. It found significant improvements in neurophysiological markers (P3a/P3b, ERN/N2) related to attention and inhibitory control, leading to faster task performance without loss of accuracy. The study highlights the acute cognitive benefits of the extract.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1405156/full – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT involving smokers examined the effects of 900 mg/day Neuravena® over 8 weeks. It reported significant improvements in quality of life, reduced perceived stress, and enhanced sleep quality. Crucially, it also showed a higher percentage of successful smoking reducers in the Neuravena® group, suggesting a role in behavioral support.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0980/f2cfaa2ad85e0a4a665f14b92e1ad00adcd9.pdf – This source appears to be a PDF of a study, likely related to the Frontiers in Nutrition article, further detailing the findings on Neuravena's impact on quality of life, stress, and smoking reduction. It reinforces the clinical relevance of the extract for individuals undergoing behavioral changes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7352613/ – This dose-ranging, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT evaluated the effects of Neuravena® (430-1290 mg/day) over 29 days in healthy adults. It demonstrated dose-dependent cognitive improvements in spatial working memory and multitasking performance, with benefits observed both acutely and chronically. The study provides valuable insights into optimal dosing and sustained efficacy.
