Vinpocetine

Uses

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

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
2 Stars
Age-Related Cognitive Decline
30 to 60 mg daily
Vinpocetine has been shown to improve dementia symptoms in patients with various brain diseases.

A double-blind trial found both 30 mg and 60 mg per day of improved symptoms of dementia in patients with various brain diseases. Another double-blind trial gave 30 mg per day of vinpocetine for one month, followed by 15 mg per day for an additional two months, to people with dementia associated with hardening of the arteries of the brain, and significant improvement in several measures of memory and other cognitive functions was reported. Other double-blind trials have reported similar effects of vinpocetine in people with some types of dementia or age-related cognitive decline. However, a study of Alzheimer patients in the United States found vinpocetine given in increasing amounts from 30 mg to 60 mg per day over the course of a year neither reversed nor slowed the decline in brain function measured by a number of different tests.
2 Stars
Stroke
30 to 60 mg per day taken with food
Vinpocetine injections have been reported to improve some measures of brain function in stroke patients and to reduce some of the brain function loss that typically follows a stroke.

given by intravenous injection has been reported to improve some biochemical measures of brain function in stroke patients. A controlled trial found intravenous vinpocetine given within 72 hours of a stroke reduced some of the losses in brain function that typically follow a stroke. However, the reliability of human stroke research using vinpocetine has been questioned, and more double-blind trials are needed. No studies using oral vinpocetine for treating acute strokes have been published.
2 Stars
Urinary Incontinence (urge incontinence )
5 mg three times daily for two weeks, then 10 mg three times daily for two weeks
In a small, preliminary study, some men and women with urge incontinence reported reduced symptoms and also improved in laboratory measures of bladder muscle control when supplementing with vinpocetine.
Vinpocetine is a semisynthetic derivative of vincamine, one of the major active compounds found in periwinkle. In a small, preliminary study, men and women with urge incontinence were given 5 mg of vinpocetine three times daily for two weeks, then 10 mg three times daily for an additional two weeks. About half of the subjects reported reduced symptoms of urge incontinence and also improved in laboratory measures of bladder muscle control. However, a small, double-blind trial found improvement in only one of several measures of urge incontinence. More double blind trials are needed to confirm these findings.
2 Stars
Vertigo
15 mg daily
Supplementing with vinpocetine has been shown to ease symptoms.

A preliminary trial showed that 15 mg per day of had a moderate or greater effect on reducing the signs and symptoms of vertigo in 77% of patients with this condition. Other preliminary reports exist describing benefits of vinpocetine for vertigo and other symptoms of inner ear disorders, but controlled research is needed to evaluate these claims.
1 Star
Retinopathy
Refer to label instructions
Preliminary studies have reported improved vision in people with various diseases of the retina who took vinpocetine.

Preliminary studies have reported improved vision in people with various diseases of the retina who took 45 mg per day of .

How It Works

How to Use It

Research has typically used 30 to 60 mg per day of vinpocetine. Taking vinpocetine with food appears to dramatically improve its absorption. 1

Where to Find It

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

Possible Deficiencies

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

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

Vinpocetine has blood-thinning effects,2 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. 3

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

What Are Drug Interactions
Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • Alprazolam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or alprazolam specifically.

  • Chlordiazepoxide

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines.

  • Clonazepam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines.

  • Clorazepate

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or clorazepate specifically.

  • Diazepam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines.

  • Estazolam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines.

  • Lorazepam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines.

  • Oxazepam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or oxazepam specifically.

  • Temazepam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines.

  • Triazolam

    In a preliminary trial, an extract of periwinkle called vinpocetine was shown to produce minor improvements in short-term memory among people taking flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine. Further study is needed to determine if vinpocetine would be a helpful adjunct to use of benzodiazepines, or triazolam specifically.

Reduces Effectiveness

  • none

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required

  • none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

Studies on vinpocetine report no serious side effects with amounts up to 60 mg per day.4

References

1. 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.

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

3. Hitzenberger G, Sommer W, Grandt R. Influence of vinpocetine on warfarin-induced inhibition of coagulation. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol1990;28:323-8.

4. 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.

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