Does Oat Straw Increase Testosterone Levels? Know Science!

We have been researching various ingredients in testosterone boosters for quite some time now and lately, We noticed many folks trying to understand whether oat straw has the potential to improve testosterone. Also scientifically called Avena sativa, this herb is known to offer various benefits associated with skin health, blood sugar, weight management, brain fitness, and mental health. But, nothing much has been heard about its contribution to testosterone production.

So to see if there’s any scientific connection between oat straw and testosterone, We have researched the available studies surrounding oat straw. Let’s take a look at the findings:

Oat Straw And Testosterone: Is There Any Connection?

Oatstraw is marketed for improving male sexual function and when combined with other herbs like saw palmetto, it also reportedly supports prostate health. We did a stringent evaluation of all the literature available on various forms of oats from plant parts to oatmeal, straw, or extracts to understand its health benefits. While some articles highlight various benefits of oats, none of them have established any effect of oat straw or other forms on testosterone health.

Interestingly, a couple of articles mentioned a compound derivative of oats called ‘Avenacosides’ which is believed to be responsible for the health benefits associated with oats. Commonly used as a food additive or flavour enhancer, Avenacosides are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support the metabolic system and improve integumentary health. There might be some indirect effect on male testicular health given that Avenacosides may protect the cells from oxidative stress damage. However, there is no supporting evidence to conclude this link, and detailed research is needed for better clarity.

The Standalone Evidence Of Oatstraw And Testosterone

After an extensive search, We found just one study that has established some direct association of oat straws with male sexual health. This clinical intervention from 2018 was conducted to evaluate the effects of oats on sperm production and male reproductive health in infertility caused due to high levels of fluoride. Fluoride exposure is found to have adverse effects on the body including testosterone. Inducing it in animal subjects (rats) damaged their testicular tissue, and reduced the testosterone levels.

Researchers found that supplementation of oats extracts reduced the damage to the reproductive parts and also lowered the effects of fluoride on testosterone. However, it is important to note here that the team did not report any increase in testosterone levels.

So unless you are exposed to life-threatening amounts of fluoride, this finding, or rather oat straw may not be of much use to you.

Other Studies Involving Oatstraw

A review of the health benefits of Oats suggests that oat derivatives can help boost glutathione levels in the body. This is because of the presence of ‘Avenanthramides’, the compound that we discussed earlier. You are probably wondering if this has anything to do with testosterone. Another independent study established that low glutathione levels can be one of the potential reasons behind erectile dysfunction.

Again, even though none of the presented studies have reported any changes in testosterone, people usually tend to associate erectile dysfunction with low testosterone given that it can be one of the reasons. In reality, though, erectile issues can be caused due to various other reasons, among the common ones being heart issues, diabetes, excess body weight, nerve disorders, and more.

One of the studies from 2011 that evaluated the effects of aphrodisiac herbs for treating sexual dysfunction in men has listed Avena sativa (oats) as one of the herbs for improving sexual dysfunction. However, there is no report on whether it affects testosterone in any way.

We came across more studies that have listed oat straw but haven’t done actual research on it. One of them is a 2018 study evaluating the effects of a few herbs which also includes Oat straw (Avena sativa). Researchers noticed that there was no change in the testosterone levels on oats supplementation when compared to groups that took other herbs.

Can Oat Straw Affect Testosterone Negatively?

Well, this may startle you but some studies have shown that oat straw may affect the testosterone levels negatively. This comes from the concept that given hormones are nothing but cholesterol, consuming oats reduces cholesterol which affects hormone health.

A case in point will be a comprehensive study on the effect of atorvastatin on testosterone. The findings state that while there was no change in testosterone levels in men, a high dose of oats-derived avenanthramides may reduce total testosterone in women by significantly increasing SHBG activity. There were no changes in the free testosterone in the cases.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that there is no evidence anywhere about oat straw increasing testosterone levels. We have done a thorough search of all possible studies surrounding oats. Most of the studies have demonstrated nil effect. One of them also reported a decrease in testosterone levels in women which might be due to a decrease in the cholesterol levels which is the building block of testosterone.

While many people take oats as a weight loss aid, you should remember that it may also affect your testosterone levels when taken in larger amounts. So, if you are trying to improve your testosterone production and trying to cut down body weight at the same time, oats may not be a great choice. Instead, there are several other testosterone-boosting foods and testosterone supplements that, when combined with regular exercise, can bring about healthy changes in the body.