Although individual components derived from oats (Avena sativa) have been found to possess novel properties, these have not been exploited commercially to any great extent, the biggest obstacle being a lack of markets for by products. Applications for proteinaceous fractions of oats have been developed by Basic Bio Systems, Inc. and it is now proposed to refine the resulting oil by-product and determine its feasibility for use in skin care applications. Oats have the highest oil content among the cereal grains. Although the fatty acid profile for oats is similar to other cereals, oat oil has a uniquely high concentration and diversity of natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are frequently of benefit in topical skin therapy because of reduced peroxidative degradation of skin lipids, reduced transepidermal water loss, and/or antimicrobial activity. Accordingly, the proposed study will investigate the isolation and refining processes necessary to obtain an oil with maximum antioxidant activity via the solvent extraction of oats. Also, oat soap will be prepared by saponification. The pharmacologic effects of both the oil and soap will be evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Minimum inhibitory concentrations will be determined against common pathogens to evaluate antifungal and antibacterial activity.Applications:Successful completion of this Phase I study will provide processing methodology for manufacturing oat oil with maximum antioxidant activity. The results of pharmacological and microbiological studies will establish whether such oil (or derivative soap) has potential for becoming a significant topical therapy. Confirmation would require subsequent clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy. A favorable outcome would establish these materials as major new ingredients in the skin care industry.
