Avenae herba

Oat herb is the common name for the aerial parts of the plant Avena sativa L. harvested before flowering.

The HMPC conclusions only cover oat herb preparations that are obtained by comminuting (reducing into tiny pieces) the aerial parts, by expressing the juice of the fresh aerial parts, or by putting the fresh or dried plant material in a solvent (such as ethanol or water) to dissolve compounds and form a liquid extract. The solvent may then be evaporated to obtain a dry extract.

Herbal medicines containing these oat herb preparations are usually available in solid or liquid forms to be taken by mouth or as herbal tea to be drunk.

Oat herb preparations may also be found in combination with other herbal substances in some herbal medicines. These combinations are not covered in this summary.

The HMPC concluded that, on the basis of its long-standing use, these oat herb preparations can be used to relieve mild symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep.

Oat herb medicines should only be used in adults and adolescents over the age of 12 years. If symptoms persist while taking the medicine a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted. Detailed instructions on how to take oat herb medicines and who can use them can be found in the package leaflet that comes with the medicine.

The HMPC conclusions on the use of these oat herb medicines for mental stress and to aid sleep are based on their ‘traditional use’. This means that, although there is insufficient evidence from clinical trials, the effectiveness of these herbal medicines is plausible and there is evidence that they have been used safely in this way for at least 30 years (including at least 15 years within the EU). Moreover, the intended use does not require medical supervision.

In its assessment, the HMPC noted laboratory studies in rats which showed oat herb medicines to reduce stress when given in food over a 7 week period.

For detailed information on the studies assessed by the HMPC, see the HMPC assessment report.

At the time of the HMPC assessment, no side effects had been reported with these medicines.

Further information on the risks associated with these oat herb medicines, including the appropriate precautions for their safe use, can be found in the monograph under the section ‘Documents’.

Any applications for the licensing of medicines containing oat herb have to be submitted to the national authorities responsible for medicinal products, which will assess the application for the herbal medicine and take into account the scientific conclusions of the HMPC.

Information on the use and licensing of oat herb medicines in EU Member States should be obtained from the relevant national authorities.

Further information on the HMPC assessment of oat herb medicines, including details of the Committee’s conclusions, can be found in the section ‘Documents’.

For more information about treatment with oat herb medicines, read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine or contact your doctor or pharmacist.