Avena Sativa (Green Oats) Extract, Benefits, Sex Drive Support

Avena Sativa (Green Oats) Extract, Benefits, Sex Drive Support
by Dusty R. Green, M.Ed., Author / Research Scientist

A graduate school in San Francisco, California has been studying the effects of avena sativa (green oats) on sex drive for a couple of decades.  They discovered avena sativa (green oats) works by freeing up testosterone that gets stuck to various compounds in the body.  As we age, the bounding-up of testosterone gets worse.  Bound testosterone is not as effective as free testosterone in heightening thoughts and pleasure associated with sex.  This is true in both males and females.  It is also one of the major hormones, along with growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) that provides fertile ground for muscle growth. One of the first crossover double-blind studies performed involved 75 men and women who had taken Avena Sativa.  It showed a significant support for sex drive in men only.  The men in the study reported more consistent erections and pleasure during the act of sex.  In a prior pilot study, many men reported more orgasms with some even experiencing multiple orgasms. The double-blind study did not show the same positive results with the women in the study as the men.  All subjects consumed 300 mg. of green oats extract or a placebo every morning.  Group 1 took green oats for 28 days and group 2 took a placebo for 28 days.  They then switched groups with no one knowing who was taking the placebo or who was taking the green oats.

They later found out that women need a more potent form of green oats to support sex drives.  Women have more receptors in their brains for testosterone than men thus explaining the need for a stronger version.  They combined saw palmetto (an herb) with green oats which created the boost needed for women.  Saw palmetto, by the way, is very effective at supporting the  prostate gland in men.  As a result of this discovery, they created a union that works great for both men and women.  The scientists involved in this study found that avena sativa shows benefits in 68-70 percent of men and approximately 76 percent of women.

A Note on Prostate Issues
One cause of prostate enlargement is overproduction of a hormone metabolite called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is considered a prime culprit in the development of benign prostate enlargement and, possibly, prostate cancer.  The stimulating nature of dihydrotestosterone in the development of prostate disease is well-documented, since castration before age 40 prevents prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.  Additionally, castration is a proven therapy to reverse both benign and malignant prostate disease.  These findings strongly suggest that strategies to reduce DHT levels would prevent many forms of prostate disease.  The evidence that DHT is a cause of prostate disease comes from observations in 1974 that men with low blood levels of DHT maintain normal muscle mass, libido and a small prostate, compared with men with average DHT levels who suffer from enlarged prostates, frontal hair recession, diffuse beard growth and acne.  It appears that DHT is responsible for many of life's undesirable ills affecting males.  Testosterone is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which increases as men grow older, causing elevated DHT production, decreased serum testosterone, and enlargement of the prostate gland.  When the action of 5-alpha reductase is blocked, dramatic reductions in DHT levels occur.

Dose -- Suggested Use:
The recommended dose of this product made by Planetary Formulas can be varied over time to achieve maximum effect.  Two tablets contain 500 mg of avena sativa and 100 mg of saw palmetto.  Two tablets per day are more than sufficient for sex drive benefits -- male and female both.  If you are taking this product for prostate support, 6 tablets per day are recommended.  It is recommended you space your consumption of supplements throughout the day -- for sex drive, 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening and for prostate, 2 in morning, 2 in the afternoon, and 2 in the evening.  Actually, you may prefer our Natural Prostate Formula (more cost effective) for the prostate.

How Long Before it Takes Effect?
Reports vary.  Some feel an increase in energy within one or two hours.  Some say they start taking it on Thursday or Friday in anticipation of a sexual weekend.  Some report a week or more of regular daily use before they notice any sexual effects.

Any Side Effects?
Many men and women report increased energy, feelings of general well-being, and other positive states with use of this product.  The reports support references in historical and scientific journals which document the health strength enhancing effects of oats and oat-based products, but these effects were not studied systematically in the research study above.

Despite the fact that there is no indication that this product could be harmful or injurious to anyone, if you have a medical condition and are under medical supervision, you are advised to inform your physician.  If you have a known allergy to oats you may experience allergic symptoms in response to taking this product.

Both Genders
The label on the bottle states "Avena Sativa Oat Complex For Men."  This is a true statement.  Even though the formula was created for men, it is also ideal for women since it contains saw palmetto which is the necessary ingredient for it to work for women.  There is a women's version but it does not contain saw palmetto which is why we recommend this version for both genders.

References
Over 200 years ago, The German Pharmacopoeia touted avena sativa as an aphrodisiac.  "Its  sexual enhancement abilities are due to its testosterone-elevating properties."

Deborah Mitchell notes in Nature's Aphrodisiacs (Dell, 1999), "once oats are in the body, they release testosterone that has become bound to other components.  Bound testosterone is much less effective at stimulating sex drive centers in the brain."

Several studies cited by Esmond Choueke in Aphrodisiacs: A Guide to What Really Works (Citadel, 1998) support the libido-enhancing properties of wild green oats (Avena sativa).

A study done with green oats by the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in California  showed a substantial increase in the number of orgasms men and women experience along with more pleasure and frequent thoughts about sex.

• Keep Planetary Formulas avena sativa (green oats) complex out of reach of children,
• Do not exceed recommended dose,
• If you have a bad reaction, discontinue use immediately,
• When using, please inform your physician,
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using green oats extract,
• For maximum benefits concerning sex drive support, use avena sativa extract according to above dose/use.

For more information on sex drive, you may want to read Sex Drive - Choline/Vitamin B5 and Sexual Health Enhancement - Various Supplements and Destroying the Myth About Testosterone Replacement and Prostate Cancer.