Overview of Vinpocetine (from Vinca minor)
Vinpocetine is an extract synthesized from vincamine, a natural constituent found in the leaves of the periwinkle plant Vinca minor. Vinca minor is also known as lesser periwinkle.
Vinca minor is a trailing and vine-like shrub that spreads along the ground. Its leaves are evergreen and it has solitary violet flowers. It is native to central and Southern Europe and southwestern Asia, particularly Turkey.
Vinpocetine Throughout History
Vinpocetine has been used for many years to improve concentration and to support memory.
For several decades, physicians in Hungary used Vinpocetine to treat both senility and blood vessel disorders of the brain. Vinpocetine is sold in Europe under the prescription name of Cavinton.
Vinpocetine is also used in other parts of Europe, Japan, Korea, and China.
Vinpocetine Health Benefits
Vincpocetine is used to improve both long-term and short-term memory, as well as to enhance alertness and awareness.
In particular, Vinpocetine is a cerbro-vaso dilator. As such, it improves blood flow to the brain and improves oxygen uptake by the brain. It enhances the brain’s ability to use glucose – which is one of only two energy substrates available to the human brain (the other being ketones).
This combination of functions greatly improves cognitive function. And unlike many supplements, these effects are not the result of cumulative doses, but are conferred by the consumption of just one 5 mg dose of the active ingredient.
Studies of Vinpocetine suggest benefits in individuals with a variety of cognitive symptoms and disorders.
Clinical Studies of Vinpocetine
Controlled clinical trials of Vinpocetine testing older human subjects with reported memory problems returned promising results on several cognitive tasks.1
In 1985, a double-blind trial reported in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology tested Vinpocetine’s effect regarding short-term memory of 12 healthy women. The results showed 30 percent higher scores on short-term memory tests than the placebo group.2
Many physicians believe that Vinpocetine is far more effective than other supplements used for memory and brain function. Although Vinpocetine contains many of the same cerebral-enhancing effects as Ginkgo biloba, its effectiveness is felt in a shorter time-frame.
The benefits borne out by other experiments show that Vinpocetine can dilate blood vessels, increase brain circulation, improve oxygen use, make red blood cells more adaptable, and inhibit aggregation of platelets.3
Safety of Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine has a long history of safe use – even sufferers of migraine headaches who may have problems with other cerebro-vaso dilators can use Vinpocetine safely.
Possible side effects of Vinpocetine to be aware of, however, include indigestion, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, facial flushing, insomnia, headache, drowsiness and dry mouth. Vinpocetine may also cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. Some studies found Vinpocetine to have fewer side effects than a placebo, resulting in nearly side-effect free results. Other studies, however, did find some rare mild gastrointestinal upset at higher dosages.
The safety of Vinpocetine in pregnant women has not been evaluated.
No interactions with pharmaceutical drugs have been reported; however, always consult your physician before beginning any new herbal treatment.
Again, consult your doctor before taking Vinpocetine if you are pregnant or already take a blood-thinning drug.
Dosage of Vinpocetine
Each serving of HerbalMana, which is 5 capsules, contains 20 milligrams of Vinpocetine.
Recommended dosage of Vinpocetine is between 10 to 40 milligrams daily. This dosage amount will rarely cause side-effects and is at the optimal level for effectiveness of the Vinpocetine.
Vinpocetine can be used both in the short-term, and also long-term. Its effects may be felt immediately.
References:
1. McDaniel MA, Maier SF, Einstein GO (2003). “‘Brain-specific’ nutrients: a memory cure?”. Nutrition 2003 Nov-Dec; 19 (11-12): 957–75. Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
2. Subhan Z, Hindmarch I. Psychopharmacological effects of vinpocetine in normal healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol . 1985;28:567-571.
3. Sahelian, Ray, M.D., Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood