Wild green oat extract sharpens the mind

07 Jul 2008 --- In a study conducted in Germany according to GCP, the impact of Neuravena on mental fitness and cognitive performance under pressurized situations was assessed using quantitative measurement of electrical brain activity.

07/07/08 After successful in-vitro and animal trials, the efficacy of Frutarom’s wild green oat extract Neuravena (EFLA955) has now been confirmed in a human clinical study. The extract was found to have a significant effect on brain activity and to enhance mental fitness and stress resistance.

With Neuravena, beneficial effects on mental performance such as concentration, learning ability and alertness have previously been observed in animal studies. In a study conducted in Germany according to GCP (Good Clinical Practice), the impact of Neuravena on mental fitness and cognitive performance under pressurized situations was assessed using quantitative measurement of electrical brain activity.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical study comprised twenty healthy men and women, aged 46.5 ± 8.2 years, who ingested one single dose of 2500 mg Neuravena or a placebo. Over a period of four hours, their baseline brain activity signals were recorded and analyzed. Brain activity was also measured while the subjects were exposed to mental pressure during a concentration stress test.

As each frequency range characterizes the activity of specific signalling substances in the brain and different brain regions are related to certain tasks (e.g. cognition), the overall pattern of how brain activity is influenced by Neuravena can be related to changes in human behavior.

Neuravena was found to significantly change the brain activity of the study participants. A considerable decrease in delta and theta wave activity was observed, particularly in brain regions closely connected to cognitive performance. In addition, alpha2 wave activity increased.

These changes are related to improved concentration, learning and memory as well as to stimulating properties. It can therefore be concluded that Neuravena improves overall mental fitness in everyday life and can help to avoid dips in cognitive performance during the course of the day.

Electrical brain activity during the concentration stress test was significantly increased for both theta and delta waves in the Neuravena group. This finding confirms that Neuravena positively influences brain activity under pressure and thus helps to improve concentration, learning and alertness during stressful situations.

Wild green oat is traditionally used for its positive effects on mental fitness, and Frutarom has substantiated these effects for Neuravena. Using a bioassay-guided development approach, the raw material used to manufacture the extract has been scientifically selected from dozens of green oat varieties based on its superior bioactivity. A proprietary process technology as well as contract cultivation of the scientifically selected raw material ensures the uniqueness of Neuravena..

Due to its strengthening and balancing effects on the brain, Neuravena offers potentially lucrative positioning possibilities for nutraceuticals and functional foods targeting cognitive support and stress coping abilities. It is suitable for a wide range of applications and target groups. Whether it is in the form of tablets, capsules, instant drinks or other beverages, in today’s stressful world, many consumers long for mental support in daily life. Stressed working professionals, teenagers preparing for exams and ageing baby boomers all want to stay active, efficient and sharp-minded.

As with other extracts in Frutarom’s EFLA Line, Neuravena is manufactured using Frutarom’s highly selective, proprietary process technology EFLAHyperPure. This ensures a high degree of purity, solubility and improved stability.
 

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