Vinpocetine

What does it do?

Vinpocetine is a chemical substance synthesized from vincamine, a natural constituent found in the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle).

Vinpocetine appears to have antioxidant,1 blood flow enhancing,2 3 4 5 and other effects that may be beneficial to brain function. 6 7 8 9 10 Research, primarily in Europe, has investigated these possible benefits in people with memory disorders (dementias) and people who have suffered strokes.

Where is it found?

Vinpocetine is synthesized from vincamine, a constituent of the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle)

Vinpocetine has been used in connection with the following condition (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating Health Concerns
3Stars

Age-related cognitive decline
2Stars

Stroke (intravenous vinpocetine only)

Vertigo
1Star

Alzheimer’s disease

Memory

Retinopathy

Urinary incontinence
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Vinpocetine is not an essential nutrient, so no deficiencies are possible.

How much is usually taken?

Research has typically used 30 to 60 mg per day of vinpocetine. Taking vinpocetine with food appears to dramatically improve its absorption. 11

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Studies on vinpocetine report no serious side effects with amounts up to 60 mg per day. 12 Vinpocetine has blood-thinning effects, 13 which suggests that people with bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant or other blood-thinning medications should consult a doctor before taking vinpocetine. However, one study found no such interaction between vinpocetine and the anticoagulant drug warfarin. 14

Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with vinpocetine. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

References

1. Santos MS, Duarte AI, Moreira PI, Oliveira CR. Synaptosomal response to oxidative stress: effect of vinpocetine. Free Radic Res 2000;32:57–66.

2. Bonoczk P, Panczel G, Nagy Z. Vinpocetine increases cerebral blood flow and oxygenation in stroke patients: a near infrared spectroscopy and transcranial Doppler study. Eur J Ultrasound 2002;15:85–91.

3. Miyazaki M. The effect of a cerebral vasodilator, vinpocetine, on cerebral vascular resistance evaluated by the Doppler ultrasonic technique in patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Angiology 1995;46:53–8.

4. Solti F, Iskum M, Czako E. Effect of ethyl apovincaminate on the cerebral circulation. Studies in patients with obliterative cerebral arterial disease. Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26:1945–7.

5. Hadjiev D, Yancheva S. Rheoencephalographic and psychological studies with ethyl apovincaminate in cerebral vascular insufficiency. Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26:1947–50.

6. Hayakawa M. Effect of vinpocetine on red blood cell deformability in stroke patients. Arzneimittelforschung 1992;42:425–7.

7. Osawa M, Maruyama S. Effects of TCV-3B (vinpocetine) on blood viscosity in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Ther Hung 1985;33:7–12.

8. Krieglstein J, Rischke R. Vinpocetine increases the neuroprotective effect of adenosine in vitro. Eur J Pharmacol 1991;205:7–10.

9. Bereczki D, Fekete I. A systematic review of vinpocetine therapy in acute ischaemic stroke. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1999;55:349–52 [review].

10. Kiss B, Karpati E. Mechanism of action of vinpocetine [in Hungarian; English abstract]. Acta Pharm Hung 1996;66:213–24.

11. Lohmann A, Dingler E, Sommer W, et al. Bioavailability of vinpocetine and interference of the time of application with food intake. Arzneimittelforschung 1992;42:914–7.

12. Hindmarch I, Fuchs HH, Erzigkeit H. Efficacy and tolerance of vinpocetine in ambulant patients suffering from mild to moderate organic psychosyndromes. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1991;6:31–43.

13. Osawa M, Maruyama S. Effects of TCV-3B (vinpocetine) on blood viscosity in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Ther Hung 1985;33:7–12.

14. Hitzenberger G, Sommer W, Grandt R. Influence of vinpocetine on warfarin-induced inhibition of coagulation. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1990;28:323–8.