Oat straw extract (Avena sativa)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Cognition · Anxiety · Sexual health

Young oat herb extract (not the grain) used traditionally for nervous exhaustion and as an aphrodisiac. The Neuravena extract improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety in two Australian trials in healthy adults. May work by inhibiting MAO-B and phosphodiesterase enzymes. The sexual health claims have minimal evidence. Generally very safe and well tolerated as oats are a common food.

Dose: 800–1,600 mg/day green oat extract (Neuravena form studied); well tolerated; limited evidence base