Description

INTRODUCTION

Vinpocetine is derived from Vincamine, an alkaloid found in the common periwinkle plant. Originally developed in Europe where it is marketed as a drug called Cavinton, Vinpocetine is sold in the United States as a dietary supplement to improve brain function. Studies in primates and humans have shown that Vinpocetine can pass through the blood-brain barrier.

Animal models suggest that Vinpocetine has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimitotic, anti-atherogenic, antithrombotic, and antiepileptic effects. Human studies show that Vinpocetine enhances short-term memory, cognitive performance, and improves chronic cerebral dysfunction in elderly patients. Vinpocetine is used to increase brain circulation, alertness, cognitive function, concentration, memory, lower inflammation and decrease oxidative stress. It has also been studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, but a systematic review did not find benefit. In a randomized open-label study, intravenous Vinpocetine adjunctive to treatment for acute cerebral infarction improved cerebral blood flow, neurological functioning, and cognition.

Vinpocetine inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In animal studies, it potentiates the effects of radiation therapy in tumour cells. However, Vinpocetine has not yet been studied in humans for its potential anticancer effects.

Vinpocetine should not be confused with chemotherapy drugs such as Vincristine or Vinblastine, which are also alkaloids derived from the periwinkle plant.

HOW VINPOCETINE WORKS

Vinpocetine influences the flow of important electrolytes by inhibiting certain sodium, calcium and potassium channel flows. These interactions can result in decreased neurotransmitter release (dopamine and/or glutamate). Excess dopamine and glutamate in the brain can cause excitotoxicity (cell death caused by the overactivation of neurons) and increased oxidative damage. Therefore, Vinpocetine is thought to have neuroprotective properties by decreasing the amount of dopamine and/or glutamate released in the brain.

Vinpocetine also inhibits PDE1. PDE1 inhibitors have inherent cardioprotective and cognitive-boosting properties (increase blood flow).

BENEFITS OF VINPOCETINE

— Increases Brain Blood Flow & Oxygenation
— Memory Enhancement
— Increases Cognitive Performance
— Supports Neural Protection
— Improves Liver Function
— Improves Focus and Concentration
— May Prevent Hearing Loss

RESEARCH DOSAGE

Take Vinpocetine with meals to enhance absorption. Most clinical studies have used between 5 and 20 mg Vinpocetine, given 3 times daily due to a short half-life (2 to 4 hours).

The standard low dose is 5 mg at each of these three meals, with 20 mg per meal seen as a high dose. This dose range is suitable for the purposes of neuroprotection, enhancing cerebral blood flow, and reducing the rate of cognitive decline.

SIDE EFFECTS

Vinpocetine is generally well tolerated, and no significant adverse side effects have been reported. The most common side effects are headaches and mild gastrointestinal upset, both of which are often relieved by lowering dosage.

Vinpocetine interacts with medications that slow blood clotting, including Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Warfarin, Heparin, Naproxen, and others. Taking Vinpocetine in combination with those drugs may increase the change of bruising and bleeding and is not recommended.‍

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