Avenanthramide C from underutilized oat glumes exhibits dual anti-oxidant and anti-thrombotic effects in oxidative damage and thrombosis models

Abstract

Avenanthramides (Avns), particularly Avn-C, are unique phenolic compounds found in oats, known for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study evaluated Avn-C's bioactivity using oxidative damage models in HUVECs induced by t-BOOH and thrombosis models in zebrafish induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ). Avn-C exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 7.38 μg mL⁻¹ for DPPH radical scavenging. It effectively reduced t-BOOH-induced apoptosis, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, inhibited IL-17 signaling, and lowered pro-inflammatory cytokine release, thus mitigating oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction. In vivo, Avn-C significantly alleviated thrombosis symptoms induced by PHZ in zebrafish. To explore enhanced bioactivity applications, we quantified Avns in different oat plants’ parts and growth stages using UHPLC-QqQ-MS. Notably, the glume, often overlooked, contains significantly higher levels of these compounds than the traditionally emphasized oat bran. These findings enhance our understanding of Avn distribution and emphasize the innovative development value of oat glumes.