Avenanthramide

Avenanthramides are a type of oat phytoalexins that exist predominantly in the groats of oat seeds.

Among a group of at least 25 avenanthramides that differ in the substituents on the cinnamic acid and anthranilic acid rings, three are predominant in oat grain: Bc (also called avenanthramide C), Bf (also called avenanthramide B) and Bp (also called avenanthramide A).

In vitro experiments indicate that they have significant antioxidant activities, with Bc > Bf > Bp. In human and animal tests, this antioxidant capacity provides health benefits ranging from reduced rate of LDL oxidation to protecting against cancers and heart disease.