Avena Sativa

The Basics On Avena Sativa

What is Avena Sativa?

Oat straw extract.

What are other names for Avena Sativa?

AVENA SATIVA, AVENA SATIVA (OAT), OAT, and OATS

What is Avena Sativa used for?

Oatmeal possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its administration is effective on a variety of dermatologic inflammatory diseases such as pruritus, atopic dermatitis, acneiform eruptions, and viral infections2. Additionally, oatmeal plays a role in cosmetics preparations and skin protection against ultraviolet rays. Oatmeal possesses different types of phenols which exert the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Avenanthramides are phenolic compounds present in oats at approximately 300 parts per million (ppm) and exhibit antioxidant activity in various cell types. They are responsible for the potent anti-inflammatory effect of oatmeal that appears to mediate the anti-irritant effects of oats1. Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract is generally applied topically to the skin as a colloidal extract. It offers the following benefits to our skin2. Anti-itch activity Oatmeal has been used for centuries to decrease itching in a variety of xerotic dermatoses3. It has been illustrated that avenanthramides reduce oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity, resiniferatoxin-induced neurogenic inflammation, and compound 48/80-induced, histamine-mediated itch. Another in vitro study has shown that avenanthramides caused a considerable reduction in histamine release from mast cells stimulated by substance4. Another study evaluated the efficacy of liquid paraffin with 5% colloidal oatmeal in comparison with other contained liquid paraffin in the management of patients with burn injuries. They reported that product contains liquid paraffin with 5% colloidal oatmeal significantly decreased itching and patients requested significantly less antihistamine5. Atopic dermatitis Colloidal grain suspensions of oatmeal are considered as adjuncts in atopic dermatitis therapy, especially in the United States. On the other hand, many young children have been treated with colloidal grains in Italy6. Studies have demonstrated that topical formulation of natural colloidal oatmeal, particularly avenanthramide, alleviates symptoms by restoring the cutaneous barrier. Additionally, it may play a crucial role in decreasing the use of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors in atopic dermatitis7, 4 ,8. In a double-blinded, randomized patch study, Pigatto and colleagues showed that topical colloidal grains could be used as an adjunct in the management of mild atopic dermatitis in children under 2 years of age. Furthermore, no sensitivity to topical colloidal grains reported in the patients7. In contrary, another study demonstrated that oat sensitization for allergy testing is higher than expected in atopic dermatitis children. It is possibly due to repeated applications of cosmetics with oats on an impaired epidermal barrier9. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring inflammatory disease that affects 1%-3% of the population worldwide. Psoriasis is considered a psychosocial and medically debilitating disorder10. It is hypothesized that colloidal oatmeal can be effective in the treatment of psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties11. Acneiform eruptions It has been illustrated that treatment with colloidal oatmeal lotion is effective in controlling the acneiform eruptions associated with epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) inhibitor drugs such as cetuximab, erlotinib, panitumumab, sorafenib, and multiple tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. As such, it increases patients’ compliance with antineoplastic therapy12. Antigenotoxicity It has been found that avenanthramides show antigenotoxic activities that are comparable to those of ascorbic acid, which have the potential to exert beneficial physiological effects13. Antiviral activity The dramatic antiviral properties of an oatmeal extract are likely due to inhibitory effects on eicosanoid formation, expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and arachidonic acid mobilization in human keratinocytes14. In an open trial study conducted by, Safa et al, patients with molluscum contagiosum were treated successfully with a zinc oxide cream containing colloidal oatmeal15. Antifungal activity Oat seed extracts show a high degree of antifungal activity and can be applied directly on rye bread to prevent the formation of P. roqueforti colonies16. Skin protection Ultraviolet A (UVA) in the range of 320-370 nm is absorbed by flavonoids in oats. The use of colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to the Over-The-Counter Final Monograph for Skin Protectant Drug Products issued in June 20031. Skin Moisturizing Today, colloidal oatmeal is available in the form of moisturizing creams. The high concentration of starches and beta-glucans in oat are responsible for its protective and water-holding functions. The hydration of the skin is one of the most important agents involved in preserving the integrity of the stratum corneum barrier. Oatmeal is a good option for moisturizing of dry or sensitive skin1. Cosmetics Avenacins are another class of phenolic esters in oats which structurally belong to saponins. A large lipophilic region and a short chain of sugar residues, which interact with non-lipid components are characteristic of avenacins. Saponins have a soap-like action for this structure. Accordingly; saponins are mostly responsible for the cleansing activity of oat. A variety of functional properties make colloidal oatmeal as a cleanser, buffer, as well as a soothing agent. Additionally, colloidal oatmeal can be used in shampoos and shaving gels1, 15. Some recent studies have shown that treatment with oatmeal colloidal formulations offers new and innovative treatments for dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions17. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found in oats were found beneficial in the treatment of xerosis and dermatitis18.

How Avena Sativa is classified

Skin-Soothing, Plant Extracts

Recommendations for using Avena Sativa during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Limited data suggests no known risk

 

Avena Sativa During Pregnancy

What we know about using Avena Sativa while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

Data on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of A. sativa (oat)-derived ingredients were not found in the published literature, nor were unpublished data provided. Anti-Estrogenic Activity When 23-24-day-old female rats (n = 5-10) were subcutaneously injected with any of 3 A. sativa hay extracts (0.15 mL in olive oil) and 0.05 µg estradiol, uterine weights were less than in the rats injected with estradiol alone.89 This result was consistent when the extraction solvent was ether, the chloroform-extract fraction of the ether extract, or the fraction obtained from the ether extract passed over an alumina column and eluted with chloroform. The extracts were processed by first extracting ground A. sativa hay with HCl followed by precipitation with ethanol. The solids were filtered out and discarded. The ethanol was evaporated and the remaining aqueous phase was extracted with ether in a separating funnel. The residue was then extracted with chloroform.

General safety info about Avena Sativa from CIR

This is a safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients. The functions of these ingredients in cosmetics include: abrasives, antioxidant, skin-conditioning agents, absorbents, and bulking agents. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data related to these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. The Panel stated that industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities and concluded that all but one of the A. sativa (oat)-derived ingredients are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration described this safety assessment when formulated to be non-sensitizing; data are insufficient to come to a conclusion of safety for avena sativa (oat) meristem cell extract.

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Avena Sativa

Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Mask, Laura Mercier Refining Creme Polish, Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo Powder