In the UK the population is ageing and living longer than ever before. Cognitive function naturally declines with age and has been attributed to a number of factors including reduced synaptic plasticity, increased oxidative damage and reduced cerebral blood flow which has been consistently observed in both normal ageing and dementia. In functional terms ageing is associated with decrements in working memory and top-down control in selective attention. There is growing evidence to suggest that various lifestyle factors can either promote or attenuate cognitive ageing including smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise and diet. Dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals or other food components is one approach to better nutrition and potentially better cognitive function adopted by 40% older adults aged 55+ in the UK (1) and novel supplements and functional foods are continually under development to meet this growing demand. The below study is an example of a human efficacy intervention trial for one such novel supplement that was investigated for its effects on cognitive function.Neuravena® is an extract of wild green oats (Avena sativa) containing a range of potentially bioactive constituents including avenanthramides, saponins, phytoalexin and flavonoids such as vitexin and isovitexin, developed with reference to its inhibitory effect on the enzymes monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4)(2). Beneficial effects of the extract on cognitive function have previously been demonstrated in both animal (3) and human trials (4). In addition, acute modulatory effects of the extract on cerebro-electrical activity (as measured by EEG) have been demonstrated (5), and chronic administration of 1500 mg extract per day has also been shown to improve peripheral and cerebral vasodilation (6) although this was not associated with any effects on cognitive function (7). The current study investigated the effects of separate single doses of Neuravena® on the performance of a wide range of computerised cognitive tasks selected to assess global functioning (speed, accuracy), and attention, working memory, episodic memory, and executive function. Forty-two healthy adults aged 40-65 years who self-reported memory decline took part. The study employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design with cognitive performance/mood being assessed prior to (Baseline) and 1, 2.5, 4 and 6 hours after the consumption of placebo and two separate doses of Neuravena® (800 mg, 1600 mg). Each treatment was taken on two occasions (i.e. a total of 6 assessments). The assessments were separated by a 7 day wash-out period.Data were analysed using a linear mixed models; significant main effects of treatment or interactions with treatment were analysed further using post hoc pairwise comparisons. The data indicate that the ingestion of single doses of 800 mg of Neuravena® was associated with a number of significant benefits to cognitive function. Most notably, 800 mg led to a significant improvement on a global ‘Speed of Performance’ measure which incorporated reaction times from all of the timed computerised tasks within the task battery (p = 0.019). However, in terms of individual tasks, this dose was also associated with some evidence of improved executive function [Peg and Ball planning time (p = 0.002) and completion time (p = 0.005)], improved working memory performance [Corsi blocks tasks, Visit 2 only (p = 0.022)] and improved episodic memory [Delayed word recall (p = 0.021)]. The pattern for the 1600 mg dose of Neuravena® was less pronounced with both improvements and decrements being observed across a small number of tasks.In conclusion, the lower (800 mg) of two doses of Neuravena® administered here to older adults who self-reported memory decline resulted in broad improvements to cognitive function. The persistence of these effects following chronic supplementation warrents further investigation.