Wild Green Oat Extract
Also known as: Wild green oat extract, green oat herb extract, Neuravena, Avena sativa
Overview
Wild green oat extract, derived from the immature *Avena sativa* plant, is a botanical supplement primarily used for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and circulatory support. It contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, avenanthramides, and saponins, which are believed to contribute to its effects. Marketed for improving mental performance, attention, and vascular health, particularly in older adults, it is available in various forms, with standardized extracts like Neuravena® being common in research. While the evidence base is still developing, several randomized controlled trials and a systematic review suggest its efficacy in improving cognitive function and cerebrovascular health.
Benefits
Wild green oat extract has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits. Acute doses (800–1290 mg) have been shown to significantly improve cognitive tasks related to attention, tracking accuracy, and subtraction speed in healthy adults, with moderate effect sizes (0.4-0.6) and statistical significance (p < 0.05). This includes faster reaction times without compromising accuracy. Chronic supplementation over several weeks (e.g., 8 weeks) in older adults has shown benefits in overall cognitive function and cerebrovascular responsiveness, suggesting a neurovascular support mechanism. Furthermore, chronic intake has been linked to improved brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and cerebral blood flow, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits that contribute to brain health. While less robust, some evidence also suggests mild anxiolytic effects and improved mood.
How it works
Wild green oat extract primarily works by modulating neurophysiological activity and enhancing cerebral blood flow. It influences event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with attention and conflict monitoring (ERN/N2, P3a/P3b), indicating direct effects on brain function. The extract is believed to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain by promoting vasodilation and increasing cerebral blood flow. Its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and avenanthramides, likely exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to neuroprotection. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, the observed acute central nervous system effects at doses around 800 mg suggest sufficient systemic availability.
Side effects
Wild green oat extract is generally well-tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, primarily involving occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. To date, the scientific literature has not documented any significant drug interactions or contraindications. Studies involving special populations, such as older adults, have also not raised any specific safety concerns. Overall, its safety profile appears favorable, especially at the dosages typically used in research for cognitive and vascular benefits.
Dosage
For acute cognitive enhancement in healthy adults, an effective dose of approximately 800–1290 mg is recommended. For chronic benefits, such as improvements in cognitive and vascular outcomes in older adults, a daily dosage of around 800 mg, taken for 8 weeks or longer, has been studied. Acute effects on cognition can be observed within hours of ingestion, while chronic effects require several weeks of consistent supplementation. There is no established maximum dose, but clinical studies have not reported adverse effects at the aforementioned levels. Standardized extracts, such as Neuravena®, are commonly used in research to ensure consistent potency.
FAQs
Is it safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports safety for at least 8 weeks of use; longer-term data are limited, but no safety signals have emerged from existing research.
How quickly does it work?
Acute cognitive benefits can appear within hours of ingestion, while vascular and chronic cognitive benefits typically require several weeks of consistent supplementation.
Does it improve memory?
Evidence primarily supports improvements in attention, processing speed, and executive function rather than direct enhancement of memory recall or storage.
Can it replace prescription nootropics?
It acts as a mild cognitive enhancer with fewer side effects compared to prescription drugs, but it is generally less potent; further research is needed to fully compare efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7352613/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that acute doses of wild green oat extract (860–1290 mg) significantly improved tracking accuracy and subtraction task speed in healthy adults, with moderate effect sizes. The study highlights the extract's potential for acute cognitive enhancement.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.748188/full – This randomized controlled trial involving young healthy adults demonstrated that an 800 mg dose of wild green oat extract improved neurophysiological markers (ERPs) and cognitive task speed without compromising accuracy. The findings suggest a direct impact on brain activity related to cognitive processing.
- https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q40zx/chronic-consumption-of-a-wild-green-oat-extract-neuravena-improves-brachial-flow-mediated-dilatation-and-cerebrovascular-responsiveness-in-older-adults – This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover RCT in older adults showed that chronic supplementation with wild green oat extract (Neuravena®) for 8 weeks improved brachial flow-mediated dilation, cerebrovascular responsiveness, and cognitive performance. This indicates both vascular and cognitive benefits from long-term use.
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