ABSTRACT
Using a lauryl sulfate-irritation model, Boyer and coworkers (1998) demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of several processed oatmeal extracts from
Avena Rheala
and
Avena Sativa
. Incorporating 20 percent of each oatmeal extract in a petrolatum ointment resulted in a similar 60 percent inhibition of perfusion blood flow, a measure of inflammation following application of 50
µ
l of 1 percent solution of lauryl sulfate to the forearm of 12 healthy volunteers, compared to the control. Oatmeal is recommended by veterinarians for treating skin allergies in pets.
