What is "avenanthramide"

n. (context organic chemistry English) Any of a class of phytoalexins found in the groats of oat seeds

Avenanthramides (Anthranilic acid amides) are a group of phenolic alkaloids found mainly in oats (Avena sativa), but also present in white cabbage, butterflies, eggs (Pieris brassicae and P. rapae) and in fungus infected carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). A number of studies demonstrate that these natural products have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-itch, anti-irritant, and antiatherogenic activities. Oat kernel extracts with standardized levels of Avenanthramides are ideal for skin, hair, baby and sun care products. The name “Avenanthramides” was coined by Collins when he reported the presence of these compounds in oat kernels. It was later found that three avenanthamides were the open ring amides of Avenalumins I, II and III which were previously reported as oat phytoalexins by Mayama and co-workers.