An extract from wild green oat improves rat behaviour

Preparations from green oat have traditionally been used to support mental health and cognitive function (1, 2). CNS indications include anxiety, tension, stress, excitation and neurasthenia, although the effectiveness has not been documented so far (3).

To investigate the efficacy of the herb for the traditional indications, a water-ethanol extract from wild green oat, Neuravena® (EFLA®955), was tested in vivo in rats for its behavioural effects after chronic oral administration via food mixed with extract. 36 male Sprague Dawley rats received (A) standard diet (controls), (B) 10g/kg extract-admixed food or (C) 100g/kg extract-admixed food. The following behavioural tests were performed: Elevated plus maze, forced swimming, conditioned avoidance response and tetradic encounter. Body weight, food and fluid consumption were measured and apparent physical appearance was determined twice a week. Apart from a slightly decreased food and fluid intake in the high dose group there were no side effects observed during the treatment. Due to these side effects, the high dose was considered as too high, behavioural effects were not taken into further account. The low dose led to an improvement of active stress response, an enhanced speed of learning as indicated by increased shock avoidances and an improved synchrony in social behaviour that can be interpreted as increased social interest of the extract-treated animals. It may be concluded that the extract is suitable to improve behavioural initiative in different test settings.

References: [1] Müller, I. (1990) Die pflanzlichen Heilmittel der Hildegard von Bingen. Otto Müller Verlag. Salzburg. [2] Wichtl M (2002). Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka, 4. Auflage. Wissenschaftliche Verlags-Gesellschaft. Stuttgart. [3] Klein J, Blumenthal M (eds) (1998). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin TX.