Vinpocetine
Uses
Vinpocetine is a chemical substance synthesized from vincamine, a natural constituent found in the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle).
Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
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 vinpocetine 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.
Vinpocetine 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 vinpocetine 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 vinpocetine. |
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.
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
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.
- Top of the page
-
Next Section:
How It Works
-
Previous Section:
Uses - Top of the page
-
Next Section:
Interactions
-
Previous Section:
How It Works - Top of the page
-
Next Section:
Side Effects
-
Previous Section:
Interactions - Top of the page
-
Next Section:
Related Information
-
Previous Section:
Side Effects - Top of the page
-
Next Section:
References
-
Previous Section:
Related Information - Top of the page
-
Next Section:
-
Previous Section:
References - Top of the page
Last Review: 06-08-2015
Copyright © 2020 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.
Learn more about TraceGains, the company.
The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2020.
