Scientific Name: Avena sativa
Constituents:
- Carbohydrates: Mucilage (β-glucan), Starch (60%), Mono & oligosaccharides
- Triterpenoid saponins (avenocosides) & sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol)
- Proteins (avenins)
- Indole alkaloids (gramine & avenanthramides)
- Nutrients (high source of Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) & B, iron, manganese, zinc, calcium, silicon and selenium), choline and phosphatidylcholine
- Flavonoids
Medicinal actions:
- Antioxidant
- Antispasmodic
- Cardiotonic
- Nervine Tonic
- Nutritional
- Vulnerary (Demulcent & Emollient)
Mechanism of Action & Pharmacology:
- High nutrient content (e.g silica & minerals) has connective tissue restorative qualities for bones, muscles, tendons & nerves and lends its use as a remedy for skin condition, especially in external applications.
- Extract has shown ability to inhibit the enzymes monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4), resulting in an inhibition of the degradation of monoamine neurotransmitters and the cellular second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), suggesting a wide range of potential effects within the brain relevant to cognitive function and mood, such as increased dopaminergic function to cerebral vasodilation.
- β-glucans have proven to help in lowering cholesterol.
- High starch and silica content acts as a demulcent, emollient and vulnerary, being incredible healing to the skin.
- Triterpenoid saponins (avenocosides) may act as precursors to steroidal hormones and are anti-fungal.
- High nutrient content is partly responsible for sedative action on the nervous system (has the highest content of iron, zinc and manganese of all grain species). Is theorized to stimulate the limbic system and motor ganglia, thereby increasing energy levels and one’s sense of well-being, and indole alkaloids (gramine) have relaxant properties.
Pharmacy:
- Infusion: Drink freely throughout the day
- Tincture
- Bath
- Topical in creams, lotions, oils and poultices
Safety & Toxicity Concerns:
- Potential for hypersensitivity in some individuals.
- Use caution in those with celiac or known gluten sensitivity (theoretical).
Interactions:
- None reported.
