Therapeutic Uses
May improve blood flow – Research shows that impaired blood flow is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Green oat extract contains a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which have been shown to improve heart health. In particular, they may improve blood flow by increasing the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels. One 24-week study in 37 older adults with excess weight found that supplementing with 1,500 mg of oat straw extract daily significantly improved measures of blood flow in the heart and brain, compared with a placebo. While research shows that oat straw extract may help maintain a healthy heart, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand its effects.
May reduce inflammation – Chronic inflammation has been shown to increase your risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Oat straw extract is rich in many antioxidants, including avenanthramides, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation, thereby decreasing your risk of these illnesses. Additionally, test-tube studies indicate that avenanthramides from oats can reduce the production and secretion of cytokines, which are proinflammatory compounds that are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
May boost brain function – Oat straw extract may help boost brain function in older adults. Two studies in older adults with impaired brain function found that supplementing with 800–1,600 mg of green oat extract significantly improved memory, attention, and concentration. However, these studies were funded by the company that created the supplement, which may have influenced these findings. Another 12-week study in 36 healthy adults with normal brain function observed that supplementing with 1,500 mg of green oat extract daily did not change measures of attention, memory, task focus, accuracy, or multi-tasking performance. Overall, current research on oat straw extract and brain function is limited, and it has not been shown to benefit adults with normal brain function.
May improve mood – Traditionally, oat straw extract has been used to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. While research is limited, some studies suggest that the extract may improve mood by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), which is found in immune cells. Research suggests that inhibiting PDE4 may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, oat straw extract may reduce levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which may be involved in the development of depression and other psychiatric disorders. One rat study found that a low dose of green oat extract over seven weeks significantly improved the animals’ ability to cope and react to stress, compared with a placebo. However, these results have not been replicated in humans.
Medicinal Uses: *Bladder disorders *Coughs *Eczema *Eye ailments *Flu *Frostbite *Gout *Impetigo *Joint pain *Management of healthy bones, skin, hair and nails *Nervous system *Rheumatism *Swine (H1N1) flu
Oat Straw Side Effects: Putting oat-containing products on the skin can cause some people to break out. While oat straw is naturally gluten-free, there may be a risk of cross-contamination during processing. Those needing to avoid gluten should only buy oat straw extract that is certified gluten-free.
Oat Straw Drug Interactions: None noted
