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Friling M, García-Muñoz AM, Lavie A, Pérez-Piñero S, Victoria-Montesinos D, López-Román FJ, García-Guillén AI, Muñoz-Carrillo JC, Cánovas F, Ivanir E, Jalanka J. Dietary supplementation with a wild green oat extract ( Avena sativa L.) to improve wellness and wellbeing during smoking reduction or cessation: a randomized double-blind controlled study. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1405156. [PMID: 38962436 PMCID: PMC11220258 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1405156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Smoking reduction or cessation are critical public health goals, given the well-documented risks of tobacco use to health. Reducing smoking frequency and cessation entirely are challenging due to nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms, which can significantly affect mental wellness and overall wellbeing. Previous research has suggested that certain dietary supplements may support smoking cessation and reduction efforts by mitigating these adverse effects. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of supplementation with 900 mg/day of Neuravena®, a green oat extract (GOE) of Avena sativa L., in enhancing wellness and wellbeing during a smoking reduction or cessation experience. Methods This was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ClinicalTrials Identifier: NCT04749017 (https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04749017). Participants were assigned to one of the study groups, 72 participants were assigned to GOE and 73 to placebo. The subjects were followed for 8-weeks intervention period as well as an additional 4-week follow-up period. At subsequent visits, they underwent clinical assessments including assessments of quality of life, perceived stress, depression, nicotine dependence, anxiety, cognitive performance, and specific assessments of craving intensity. Results GOE was associated with greater improvements in elements of the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire as compared with placebo. Similar results were obtained from the SF-36 questionnaire and a visual QoL analogue scale (VAS). Perceived stress levels showed greater decline from baseline among the GOE supplemented participants as compared to placebo. Sleep quality parameters improved with GOE supplementation and worsened in the placebo group. At the end of the intervention period, the percentage of successful reducers (defined as >20% reduction in daily cigarettes) was higher in the GOE group as compared to placebo (66.7% vs. 49.3%, p = 0.034). The improvements from baseline in QoL measures in the GOE group persisted at 4 weeks after termination of the intervention. Conclusion GOE supplementation demonstrated greater improvements in quality of life measures, stress and sleep related parameters during a smoking reduction or cessation experience and the product was shown to be safe and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana María García-Muñoz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Silvia Pérez-Piñero
- Faculty of Medicine, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Javier López-Román
- Faculty of Medicine, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Primary Care Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Fernando Cánovas
- Faculty of Medicine, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Saadatmand S, Zohroudi F, Tangestani H. The Effect of Oral Chamomile on Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Clin Nutr Res 2024; 13:139-147. [PMID: 38784853 PMCID: PMC11109927 DOI: 10.7762/cnr.2024.13.2.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is a prevalent psychiatric issue that affects 4.05% of the global population. As complementary and alternative medicine gains popularity, many individuals with anxiety symptoms seek herbal remedies. This systematic review aims to explore the sedative efficacy of chamomile as an herbal medicine for anxiety treatment. Our search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases until August 2023. Among 389 papers found, after removing duplicates and irrelevant papers, 10 clinical trials investigating the effect of oral consumption of chamomile on anxiety were included. Two researchers independently completed all steps, including the screening process and data extraction. Out of the 10 articles selected, 9 studies have concluded that chamomile is effective in reducing anxiety. Even though, the exact mechanism of chamomile's anxiolytic action is not well understood, evidence suggests that its active compounds, including apigenin, may modulate the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis by affecting neurotransmitter pathways. This systematic review showed that chamomile potentially has an anxiolytic effect. In addition, due to the side effects of drugs used to treat anxiety disorders, the use of chamomile seems to be effective and less dangerous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogand Saadatmand
- Student Research and Technology Committee, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran
| | - Foad Zohroudi
- Student Research and Technology Committee, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran
| | - Hadith Tangestani
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran
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Zahar S, De Longis E, Hudry J. Revealing the Acute Effects of Dietary Components on Mood and Cognition: The Role of Autonomic Nervous System Responses. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1177. [PMID: 37626533 PMCID: PMC10452653 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13081177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of literature suggests dietary components can support mood and cognitive function through the impact of their bioactive or sensorial properties on neural pathways. Of interest, objective measures of the autonomic nervous system-such as those regulating bodily functions related to heartbeat and sweating-can be used to assess the acute effects of dietary components on mood and cognitive function. Technological advancements in the development of portable and wearable devices have made it possible to collect autonomic responses in real-world settings, creating an opportunity to study how the intake of dietary components impacts mood and cognitive function at an individual level, day-to-day. In this paper, we aimed to review the use of autonomic nervous system responses such as heart rate or skin galvanic response to investigate the acute effects of dietary components on mood and cognitive performance in healthy adult populations. In addition to examining the existing methodologies, we also propose new state-of-the-art techniques that use autonomic nervous system responses to detect changes in proxy patterns for the automatic detection of stress, alertness, and cognitive performance. These methodologies have potential applications for home-based nutrition interventions and personalized nutrition, enabling individuals to recognize the specific dietary components that impact their mental and cognitive health and tailor their nutrition accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sélima Zahar
- Brain Health Department, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland; (E.D.L.); (J.H.)
- Center for Neuroprosthetics, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Evelina De Longis
- Brain Health Department, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland; (E.D.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Julie Hudry
- Brain Health Department, Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland; (E.D.L.); (J.H.)
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Effect of Avena sativa (Oats) on cognitive function: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023; 53:144-150. [PMID: 36657906 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The effect of polyphenol-rich diets or supplements on cognitive function remains a contentious topic. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Avena sativa (oat extracts) on cognitive function among healthy adults. METHODS A structured literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from the database's establishment until March 17, 2022. Data on cognitive function, regarding accuracy and speed of performance, were gathered from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the acute or chronic effects of Avena sativa in healthy subjects. The Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. RESULTS We included six RCTs, of which three were crossover designs, with a total of 287 individuals. Four studies investigated the acute effect of Avena sativa, while two investigated its chronic effect. Acute ingestion of Avena sativa appeared to positively influence the accuracy and speed of performance. While short-term chronic supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in cognitive function, long-term chronic supplementation did not. Overall, the evidence was of average quality. CONCLUSION Acute supplementation with Avena sativa may improve cognitive function in healthy volunteers. Given the small number of trials included and the disparity of the intervention dose, the conclusions of this study should be interpreted with caution. More high-quality, long-term studies are warranted.
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Dal Cero M, Saller R, Leonti M, Weckerle CS. Trends of Medicinal Plant Use over the Last 2000 Years in Central Europe. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:135. [PMID: 36616265 PMCID: PMC9823631 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plant knowledge in Central Europe can be traced back from the present to antiquity, through written sources. Approximately 100 medicinal plant taxa have a history of continuous use. In this paper, we focus on use patterns over time and the link between historical and traditional uses with the current scientific evidence. We discuss our findings against the backdrop of changing eras and medicinal concepts. Based on use-records from totally 16 historical, popular and scientific herbals, we analyze how use categories of 102 medicinal plant taxa developed over time. Overall, 56 of the 102 taxa maintained continuous use throughout all time periods. For approximately 30% of the continuous uses, scientific evidence supporting their use exists, compared to 11% for recently added uses and 6% for discontinuous uses. Dermatology and gastroenterology are use categories that are relevant across all time periods. They are associated with a high diversity of medicinal taxa and continuously used medicinal species with scientific evidence. Antidotes, apotropaic (protective) magic, and humoral detoxification were important use categories in the past. New applications reflecting biomedical progress and epidemiological challenges are cardiovascular and tonic uses. Changes in medicinal concepts are mirrored in plant use and specifically in changes in the importance of use categories. Our finding supports the concept of social validation of plant uses, i.e., the assumption that longstanding use practice and tradition may suggest efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Dal Cero
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marco Leonti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Caroline S. Weckerle
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
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Martinez-Horta S, Ivanir E, Perrinjaquet-Moccetti T, Keuter MH, Kulisevsky J. Effects of a Green Oat Herb Extract on Cognitive Performance and Neurophysiological Activity: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:748188. [PMID: 34658781 PMCID: PMC8517335 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.748188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Green oat extracts have been used for centuries in traditional medicine in view of their supposed beneficial effects on cognition and mood. Recently, a specific green oat formulation (Neuravena®) showed to have significant bioactive compounds potentially associated with the enhancement of processing speed, working memory and attention. The main aim of the current study was to compare the potential effect of acute administration of 800 mg of Neuravena® with placebo on a set of neurophysiological correlates of processing speed, attention, performance-monitoring and inhibitory control. Twenty healthy participants were randomized to receive either Neuravena® or placebo. Electroencephalographic (EEG) signal acquisition was obtained while participants carried out the modified Eriksen flanker and oddball tasks. Both groups were compared on measures of behavioral task performance, and a set of event-related potentials (ERPs) components related to performance monitoring (the error-related negativity; ERN and the N2), target detection, and attention (P3a/P3b). Following active-intervention N2, ERN, and P3a/P3b were significantly reduced and performance was faster, with no loss of accuracy. Conversely, no neurophysiological differences were found in the placebo group before and after treatment and performance worsened significantly in terms of reaction time and accuracy. Acute administration of 800 mg of Neuravena® appears to enhance the optimization of neural resources and positively influences cognitive performance in tasks associated with executive functions, processing speed and attention. Moreover, Neuravena® prevents the deleterious effects of tiredness during task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Martinez-Horta
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red-Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Jaime Kulisevsky
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red-Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
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Acute and Chronic Effects of Green Oat ( Avena sativa) Extract on Cognitive Function and Mood during a Laboratory Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Humans. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061598. [PMID: 32485993 PMCID: PMC7352613 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Green oat (Avena sativa) extracts contain several groups of potentially psychoactive phytochemicals. Previous research has demonstrated improvements in cognitive function following a single dose of these extracts, but not following chronic supplementation. Additionally, whilst green oat extracts contain phytochemicals that may improve mood or protect against stress, for instance species-specific triterpene saponins, to date this possibility has not been examined. The current study investigated the effects of a single dose and four weeks of administration of a novel, Avena sativa herbal extract (cognitaven®) on cognitive function and mood, and changes in psychological state during a laboratory stressor. The study adopted a dose-ranging, double-blind, randomised, parallel groups design in which 132 healthy males and females (35 to 65 years) received either 430 mg, 860 mg, 1290 mg green oat extract or placebo for 29 days. Assessments of cognitive function, mood and changes in psychological state during a laboratory stressor (Observed Multitasking Stressor) were undertaken pre-dose and at 2 h and 4 h post-dose on the first (Day 1) and last days (Day 29) of supplementation. The results showed that both a single dose of 1290 mg and, to a greater extent, supplementation for four weeks with both 430 mg and 1290 mg green oat extract resulted in significantly improved performance on a computerised version of the Corsi Blocks working memory task and a multitasking task (verbal serial subtractions and computerised tracking) in comparison to placebo. After four weeks, the highest dose also decreased the physiological response to the stressor in terms of electrodermal activity. There were no treatment-related effects on mood. These results confirm the acute cognitive effects of Avena sativa extracts and are the first to demonstrate that chronic supplementation can benefit cognitive function and modulate the physiological response to a stressor.
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Lasica N, Raicevic V. Antidepressive potential of aqueous extract of common vervain ( V. officinalis L. Verbenaceae) and molecular docking studies of its main components as potential antidepressive agents: PS097. Porto Biomed J 2017; 2:208-209. [PMID: 32258691 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbj.2017.07.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N Lasica
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - V Raicevic
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
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Shekhawat MS, Kannan N, Manokari M, Ravindran C. In vitro regeneration of shoots and ex vitro rooting of an important medicinal plant Passiflora foetida L. through nodal segment cultures. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2015; 13:209-214. [PMID: 30647585 PMCID: PMC6299801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methods were developed in the present investigation for cloning and large scale plant production of Passiflora foetida L. germplasm selected from the East-Coast region of South India. Nodal shoot segments were used as explants. The explants were dressed and surface sterilized with 0.1% (w/v) HgCl2. Multiple shoots were induced (6.13 ± 0.22 shoots per explant) by proliferation of nodal shoot meristems on Murashige and Skoog (MS) semi-solid medium + 2.0 mg l-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The shoots of P. foetida were further multiplied (16.45 ± 0.44 shoots per explant) on MS medium + 0.5 mg l-1 each of BAP and Kinetin (Kin). The in vitro generated shoots were rooted on half-strength MS medium containing 2.5 mg l-1 indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). By this method 67% shoots were rooted. About 97% shoots were rooted ex vitro (8.33 ± 0.29 roots per shoot) when the cut ends of the shoots were treated with 300 mg l-1 IBA for 5 min. The in vitro rooted plants were hardened and acclimatized in the greenhouse and successfully (100%) transplanted to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahipal S. Shekhawat
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science, M.G.G.A.C., Mahe, Pondicherry 673311, India
| | - N. Kannan
- Biotechnology Unit, K.M. Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Pondicherry 605 008, India
| | - M. Manokari
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science, M.G.G.A.C., Mahe, Pondicherry 673311, India
| | - C.P. Ravindran
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science, M.G.G.A.C., Mahe, Pondicherry 673311, India
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Kennedy DO, Jackson PA, Forster J, Khan J, Grothe T, Perrinjaquet-Moccetti T, Haskell-Ramsay CF. Acute effects of a wild green-oat (Avena sativa) extract on cognitive function in middle-aged adults: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects trial. Nutr Neurosci 2015; 20:135-151. [PMID: 26618715 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2015.1101304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A wild green-oats extract (Neuravena®) containing a range of potentially bioactive components, including flavonoids and triterpene saponins, has previously been shown to enhance animal stress responses and memory, and improve cognitive performance in humans at a dose of 1600 mg. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced cross-over study assessed the effects of single doses of the green-oat extract (GOE) across a broad range of cognitive domains in healthy adults aged 40-65 years who self-reported that they felt that their memory had declined with age. Participants attended on six occasions, receiving a single dose of either placebo, 800, or 1600 mg GOE on each occasion, with the counterbalanced order of treatments repeated twice for each participant. Cognitive function was assessed with a range of computerized tasks measuring attention, spatial/working/episodic memory, and executive function pre-dose and at 1, 2.5, 4, and 6 hours post-dose. Results The results showed that 800mg GOE increased the speed of performance across post-dose assessments on a global measure including data from all of the timed tasks. It also improved performance of a delayed word recall task in terms of errors and an executive function task (Peg and Ball) in terms of decreased thinking time and overall completion time. Working memory span (Corsi blocks) was also increased, but only on the second occasion that this dose was taken. Discussion These results confirm the acute cognitive effects of GOE seen in previous research, and suggest that the optimal dose lies at or below 800 mg.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Kennedy
- a Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre , Northumbria University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| | - Philippa A Jackson
- a Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre , Northumbria University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| | - Joanne Forster
- a Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre , Northumbria University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| | - Julie Khan
- a Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre , Northumbria University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| | | | | | - Crystal F Haskell-Ramsay
- a Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre , Northumbria University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
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Chronic consumption of a wild green oat extract (Neuravena) improves brachial flow-mediated dilatation and cerebrovascular responsiveness in older adults. J Hypertens 2013; 31:192-200. [PMID: 23221935 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e32835b04d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart health benefits have been attributed to regular consumption of oats. Preclinical evidence suggests that a wild green oat extract (WGOE) may improve vasodilator function, but this is yet to be evaluated in humans. OBJECTIVE To determine whether regular daily consumption of WGOE can influence vasodilator function in systemic and cerebral arteries. METHODS Thirty-seven healthy older adults (>60 years) completed a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled two-way crossover dietary intervention with 1500 mg/day of encapsulated WGOE or placebo. All assessments were conducted at the end of each 12-week intervention arm, after participants had fasted for at least 4 h and at least 18 h after they had taken their last dose of supplement. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and hypercapnia-induced increases of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery were used to measure systemic and cerebral vasodilator responsiveness (CVR), respectively. RESULTS Compared with placebo, WGOE supplementation increased CVR and FMD to a similar extent (42 and 41%, respectively, P < 0.01 for both). The improvements in CVR and FMD were not correlated. Resting blood pressure did not alter with supplementation. Dose and treatment duration were well tolerated by participants. CONCLUSION WGOE supplementation can improve vasodilator function in systemic and cerebral arteries, suggesting a potential role in the maintenance of cardiovascular health.
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Sarris J, McIntyre E, Camfield DA. Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, Part 1: a review of preclinical studies. CNS Drugs 2013; 27:207-19. [PMID: 23436255 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-013-0044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Research in the area of herbal psychopharmacology has revealed a variety of promising medicines that may provide benefit in the treatment of general anxiety and specific anxiety disorders. However, a comprehensive review of plant-based anxiolytics has been absent to date. This article (part 1) reviews herbal medicines for which only preclinical investigations for anxiolytic activity have been performed. In part 2, we review herbal medicines for which there have been clinical investigations for anxiolytic activity. An open-ended, language-restricted (English) search of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted (up to 28 October 2012) using specific search criteria to identify herbal medicines that have been investigated for anxiolytic activity. This search of the literature revealed 1,525 papers, from which 53 herbal medicines were included in the full review (having at least one study using the whole plant extract). Of these plants, 21 had human clinical trial evidence (reviewed in part 2), with another 32 having solely preclinical studies (reviewed here in part 1). Preclinical evidence of anxiolytic activity (without human clinical trials) was found for Albizia julibrissin, Sonchus oleraceus, Uncaria rhynchophylla, Stachys lavandulifolia, Cecropia glazioui, Magnolia spp., Eschscholzia californica, Erythrina spp., Annona spp., Rubus brasiliensis, Apocynum venetum, Nauclea latifolia, Equisetum arvense, Tilia spp., Securidaca longepedunculata, Achillea millefolium, Leea indica, Juncus effusus, Coriandrum sativum, Eurycoma longifolia, Turnera diffusa, Euphorbia hirta, Justicia spp., Crocus sativus, Aloysia polystachya, Albies pindrow, Casimiroa edulis, Davilla rugosa, Gastrodia elata, Sphaerathus indicus, Zizyphus jujuba and Panax ginseng. Common mechanisms of action for the majority of botanicals reviewed primarily involve GABA, either via direct receptor binding or ionic channel or cell membrane modulation; GABA transaminase or glutamic acid decarboxylase inhibition; a range of monoaminergic effects; and potential cannabinoid receptor modulation. Future research should focus on conducting human clinical trials on the plants reviewed with promising anxiolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 2 Salisbury Street, Richmond, VIC, 3121, Australia.
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Wong RHX, Howe PRC, Bryan J, Coates AM, Buckley JD, Berry NM. Chronic effects of a wild green oat extract supplementation on cognitive performance in older adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Nutrients 2012; 4:331-42. [PMID: 22690320 PMCID: PMC3367260 DOI: 10.3390/nu4050331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim: Preliminary evaluation of a wild green oat extract (WGOE) (Neuravena® ELFA®955, Frutarom, Switzerland) revealed an acute cognitive benefit of supplementation. This study investigated whether regular daily WGOE supplementation would result in sustained cognitive improvements. Method: A 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial of WGOE supplementation (1500 mg/day) versus placebo was undertaken in 37 healthy adults aged 67 ± 0.8 years (mean ± SEM). Cognitive assessments included the Stroop colour-word test, letter cancellation, the rule-shift task, a computerised multi-tasking test battery and the trail-making task. All assessments were conducted in Week 12 and repeated in Week 24 whilst subjects were fasted and at least 18 h after taking the last dose of supplement. Result: Chronic WGOE supplementation did not affect any measures of cognition. Conclusion: It appears that the cognitive benefit of acute WGOE supplementation does not persist with chronic treatment in older adults with normal cognition. It remains to be seen whether sustained effects of WGOE supplementation may be more evident in those with mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H. X. Wong
- Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; (R.H.X.W.); (J.B.); (A.M.C.); (J.D.B.); (N.M.B.)
| | - Peter R. C. Howe
- Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; (R.H.X.W.); (J.B.); (A.M.C.); (J.D.B.); (N.M.B.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +61-8-8302-1200; Fax: +61-8-8302-2178
| | - Janet Bryan
- Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; (R.H.X.W.); (J.B.); (A.M.C.); (J.D.B.); (N.M.B.)
- School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Alison M. Coates
- Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; (R.H.X.W.); (J.B.); (A.M.C.); (J.D.B.); (N.M.B.)
| | - Jonathan D. Buckley
- Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; (R.H.X.W.); (J.B.); (A.M.C.); (J.D.B.); (N.M.B.)
| | - Narelle M. Berry
- Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; (R.H.X.W.); (J.B.); (A.M.C.); (J.D.B.); (N.M.B.)
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14
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Berry NM, Robinson MJ, Bryan J, Buckley JD, Murphy KJ, Howe PRC. Acute effects of an Avena sativa herb extract on responses to the Stroop Color-Word test. J Altern Complement Med 2011; 17:635-7. [PMID: 21711204 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Extracts from oat (Avena sativa) herb may benefit cognitive performance. This study investigated whether Neuravena(®), an oat herb extract, could acutely improve responses to the Stroop Color-Word test, a measure of attention and concentration and the ability to maintain task focus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Elderly volunteers with below-average cognitive performance consumed single doses (0, 1600, and 2400 mg) of oat herb extract at weekly intervals in a double-blind, randomized, crossover comparison. Resting blood pressure (BP) was assessed before and after supplementation, and a Stroop test was performed. RESULTS Significantly fewer errors were made during the color-naming component of the Stroop test after consuming the 1600-mg dose than after the 0-mg or 2400-mg doses (F (1,36)=18.85, p<0.001). In 7 subjects with suspected cognitive impairment, Stroop interference score was also improved by the 1600-mg dose compared to 0- and 2400-mg doses (F (1, 34)=2.40, p<0.01). Resting BP was unaffected by supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Taking 1600 mg of oat herb extract may acutely improve attention and concentration and the ability to maintain task focus in older adults with differing levels of cognitive status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narelle M Berry
- Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
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15
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Abascal K, Yarnell E. Bacopa for the Brain: A Smart Addition to Western Medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1089/act.2011.17106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Abascal
- The Botanical Medicine Academy in Vashon, Washington
| | - Eric Yarnell
- Northwest Naturopathic Urology, in Seattle, Washington, and is a faculty member at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington
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Abstract
A number of essential oils are currently in use as aromatherapy agents to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. Popular anxiolytic oils include lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rose (Rosa damascena), orange (Citrus sinensis), bergamot (Citrus aurantium), lemon (Citrus limon), sandalwood (Santalum album), clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), and rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.). This review discusses the chemical constituents and CNS effects of these aromatherapeutic essential oils, as well as recent studies on additional essential oils with anxiolytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- William N. Setzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama 35899, USA
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17
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Curanderismoand the Treatment of Alcoholism: Findings from a Focus Group of MexicanCuranderos. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2007. [DOI: 10.1300/j020v25n04_06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Yarnell
- Botanical Medicine Academy, Vashon, Washington and Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington
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19
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Yarnell E, Abascal K. Natural Approaches to Treating Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1089/act.2005.11.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Yarnell
- Botanical Medicine Academy, Vashon, Washington
- Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington
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