Vinpocetine             vinpocetine article

Vinpocetine is a periwinkle plant extract (Vinca major) that improves brain function. It has been used medicinally in Europe since 1983 but didn't become available in the US until 1998.

Vinpocetine dilates the arteries of the brain but does not dilate other blood vessels.

Vinpocetine can prevent the occurrence of stroke. Vinpocetine can prevent much of the damage that occurs following stroke if administered immediately following stroke.

Vinpocetine may prevent Alzheimer's Disease and reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Vinpocetine improves circulation within the brain (i.e. it alleviates cerebral insufficiency).

Vinpocetine increases Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within the brain's neurons.

Vinpocetine improves the brain's utilization of glucose.

Vinpocetine can alleviate headaches.

Vinpocetine accelerates the rate of learning by 40% (in animal research).

Vinpocetine improves memory. Healthy subjects exhibited significant short-term memory improvement 1 hour after taking 40 mg of Vinpocetine (62%). 

Vinpocetine increases the length of time that short-term memory is retained.

Vinpocetine can block the action of drugs that disrupt memory.

Vinpocetine improves the brain's utilization of Oxygen and increases the resistance of Neurons to the damage that would otherwise be caused by Hypoxia.

Vinpocetine can alleviate speech impairment.

Vinpocetine improves circulation to the eyes thereby improving vision and eyesight disorders.

Vinpocetine improves impaired hearing and improves many inner-ear problems.

Vinpocetine improves Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Vinpocetine improved the vertigo (dizziness) of 77% of the patients in one study.

Vinpocetine reduces menopausal symptoms.

Vinpocetine increases the brain's turnover of Serotonin and Norepinephrine.

Vinpocetine improves the flexibility of red blood cells and may thereby help to prevent strokes.

Vinpocetine alleviates insomnia and several types of sleep disorders.

References

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  Szakall S, et al. Cerebral effects of a single dose of intravenous vinpocetine in chronic stroke patients: a PET study. J Neuroimaging 1998 Oct;8(4):197-204

  Feigin VL, et al. Vinpocetine treatment in acute ischaemic stroke a pilot single-blind randomized clinical trial. Eur J Neurol. 2001 Jan;8(1)81-5.

  Bonoczk P, et al. Role of sodium channel inhibition in neuroprotection: effect of vinpocetine. Brain Res Bull 2000 Oct;53(3):245-54.

  Meyer, E. D., et al. Pilot study about the application of Vinpocetine  in ENT. Z Klin Med. 4051-54, 1985.

  Pliushko, D. G., et al. Drug therapy of initial open-angle glaucoma. Oftalmol Zh. 272.74, 1989.

  Brooder, G., et al. Preliminary report on the use of Vinpocetine in affections of the eyeground. Arzneimittelforschung. 261973-1975, 1976.

  Kahan, A., et al. Use of ethyl Vinpocetine  in ophthalmological therapy. Arzneimittelforschung . 26(10a)1969-1972, 1976.

  Olah, V. A., et al. An in vitro study of the hydroxyl scavenger effect of Vinpocetine. Acta Paediatr Hung. 30(2)309-316, 1990.