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Oatstraw Extract

Also known as: Avena sativa, Oat straw, Green oat, Wild oat

Overview

Oat straw extract is derived from the stems and leaves of the unripened *Avena sativa* plant. It has been traditionally used in medicine for its potential benefits on cognition, mood, and physical health. The extract is rich in antioxidants such as avenanthramides, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals like triterpene saponins. Primary uses include improving cognitive function, mood, and blood flow, as well as reducing inflammation and stress. Research suggests that oat straw extract may enhance cognitive performance, particularly in tasks involving working memory, executive function, and attention. It may also improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production. While traditionally used to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, current evidence does not strongly support its effects on mood in healthy adults. More long-term and large-scale studies are needed to fully understand its effects.

Benefits

Oat straw extract has shown potential benefits in cognitive function and blood flow. Studies indicate that green oat extract can improve cognitive performance, particularly in tasks involving working memory, executive function, and attention. A dose of 1290 mg significantly improved performance on working memory and multitasking tasks compared to placebo. The extract may also improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production, which helps in dilating blood vessels. While traditionally used to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, the current evidence does not strongly support its effects on mood in healthy adults. However, it may reduce the physiological response to stressors. Oat straw extract is rich in antioxidants that may reduce chronic inflammation, although this has not been extensively studied in humans. The cognitive benefits have been observed primarily in healthy adults.

How it works

Oat straw extract is believed to work through several mechanisms. It inhibits monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) enzymes, which may increase dopaminergic availability and cerebral vasodilation. The antioxidants, particularly avenanthramides, may improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production. The extract affects the central nervous system (CNS) by improving cognitive functions and may have vasodilatory effects on peripheral and cerebral arteries. MAO-B and PDE-4 enzymes are key targets, which can influence neurotransmitter levels and vascular function. While the bioavailability of the extract's active components is not extensively studied, the observed effects suggest that the phytochemicals are absorbed and active in the body.

Side effects

Oat straw extract is generally considered safe for most people, but the evidence on long-term safety and use in special populations (children, pregnant women, etc.) is limited. There are no reported common side effects in the available studies. No specific uncommon or rare side effects have been documented. There are no known significant drug interactions, but more research is needed to confirm this. No specific contraindications are documented, but caution is advised for individuals with gluten intolerance due to potential cross-contamination during processing. The safety and efficacy in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers are unknown and require further study. Due to the limited number of studies, comprehensive safety data is lacking, and caution is advised when considering supplementation.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of oat straw extract appears to be around 430 mg, based on cognitive function improvements. Doses ranging from 430 mg to 1290 mg have shown benefits, with 1290 mg being the most effective dose studied. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses up to 1290 mg have been used without reported adverse effects. Acute benefits are observed within 2-4 hours post-dose, and chronic benefits are sustained over four weeks of supplementation. The extract can be found in capsules, powders, and tinctures. Capsules containing 400 mg of extract per dose have been used in studies. The absorption factors are not well-studied, but the observed effects suggest adequate bioavailability. There are no known required cofactors for the effective use of oat straw extract.

FAQs

Is oat straw extract safe?

While generally considered safe, consult a healthcare provider before use, especially in special populations like pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with pre-existing conditions.

When should I take oat straw extract?

Benefits are observed both acutely (2-4 hours post-dose) and with chronic supplementation (over four weeks). Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare provider.

What are the expected results from taking oat straw extract?

Users may experience improved cognitive function, particularly in working memory and executive tasks. Individual results may vary, and it is not a cure for cognitive impairments.

Is oat straw extract a cure for cognitive impairments?

No, it is not a cure for cognitive impairments but may enhance cognitive performance in healthy individuals. It should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.748188/full – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 20 healthy volunteers found that a green oat herb extract improved cognitive functions, including speed of performance, executive function, and memory. The extract inhibited MAO-B and PDE-4 enzymes. The study was limited by its small sample size and focus on healthy volunteers.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oat-straw-extract – This review article summarizes the potential benefits of oat straw extract, including improved brain function, mood, and blood flow. It highlights the need for more human studies to confirm these benefits. While useful for an overview, it lacks the rigor of primary research.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32485993/ – This randomized, double-blind study with 132 healthy adults found that chronic supplementation with green oat extract led to significant improvements in cognitive tasks and reduced physiological response to stressors. However, it did not find significant effects on mood. The study was well-designed with an adequate sample size and proper control group.