Green oat formulation positively affects cognitive performance

Healthy adults may realise improvements in cognitive performance tasks without tiredness when supplementing with a green oat extract, according to a new clinical trial published in Frontiers in Neuroscience (10 Oct 2021. DOI:10.3389/fnins.2021.748188). Coordinated out of the Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Barcelona, the researchers explored whether acute administration of 800 mg of green oat extract (as Neuravena®, from IFF Health) could positively impact markers of cognitive performance including processing speed, working memory and attention.

The single-session, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial included two groups of 10 participants matched for main sociodemographic variables (i.e., age, gender, years of education, body  mass index). Participants completed a one-hour session of neurophysiological acquisition and task performance (baseline); a one-hour resting period at the beginning of which the active intervention (Neuravena 800 mg) or placebo was administered; and another hour of neurophysiological acquisition and task performance. Both groups were compared on measures of behavioural task performance and event-related potentials (ERPs) components related to performance monitoring, target detection and attention.

Following intervention, all negative markers were significantly reduced and performance was faster with no loss of accuracy. No neurophysiological differences were found in the placebo group before and after treatment, and performance worsened significantly in terms of reaction time and accuracy. The researchers concluded acute administration of Neuravena could optimise neural resources and positively influence cognitive performance in tasks associated with executive function, processing speed and attention. Further, the intervention prevents deleterious effects of tiredness during task performance.

Trevor Wagner, business development manager, IFF Health, commented: “Suitable for a wide range of consumers, Neuravena is highly marketable to those looking to address mental fatigue, reaction times and performance. Nootropics are often sought after by e-gamers aiming to naturally boost visual acuity, mental function, and energy. With a fast-acting ingredient, such as Neuravena, e-sport enthusiasts, students and general consumers alike can benefit from an increased speed of sustained performance in cognitive tasks.”