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Pharmacotherapy with avena sativa - a double blind study
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmacy
|October 1, 1976
Summary
A study on smoking cessation found that an Avena sativa extract showed no significant effect. However, a notable placebo effect was observed, and light smokers were more successful at quitting than heavy smokers.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Smoking remains a significant public health concern, driving demand for effective cessation aids.
- Avena sativa (oats) has been anecdotally suggested to aid in smoking cessation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of an Avena sativa extract in aiding smoking cessation.
- To evaluate the placebo effect in smoking cessation interventions.
- To explore differences in cessation rates between light and heavy smokers.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind study involving 100 non-hospitalized smokers (average 20 cigarettes/day).
- Participants received either an Avena sativa extract or a placebo.
- Data collected via query-sheets to minimize personal contact.
Main Results:
- A significant placebo effect of 35% was observed for smoking cessation.
- The Avena sativa extract did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect on cessation rates.
- Light smokers exhibited a higher rate of successful cessation compared to heavy smokers.
Conclusions:
- Avena sativa extract was not found to be effective for smoking cessation in this study.
- The placebo effect plays a substantial role in smoking cessation interventions.
- Smoking cessation success may be influenced by baseline smoking intensity.