Vinpocetine

Related Terms

14-Ethoxycarbonyl-(3alpha,16alpha-ethyl)-14,15-eburnamine, apovincaminic acid, Cavinton?, cezayirmeneksesi (Turkish), Crioceras longiflorus, ethyl apovincaminate, Eusenium?, Intelectol?, kavinton, myrtle vincapervinc, periwinkle, RGH-4405, TCV-3b, Vinca minor, vinRx, vintoperol, Voacanga africana.
Note: Vincamine is a compound found in periwinkle. It is not covered in this summary.

Background

Vinpocetine is a synthetic compound discovered during the late 1960s that is derived from chemicals found in periwinkle (Vinca minor) leaves. In 1978, vinpocetine was first introduced into clinical practice as Cavinton?. It has since been approved for sale in countries around the world. It is sold as a drug in Europe and as a dietary supplement in the United States.
Vinpocetine has become popular for its protective effects on the nervous system. It has also been used to maintain and improve brain health and has been marketed as a memory-boosting supplement to improve attention, alertness, and cognition.
Research in humans suggests that vinpocetine may be useful for treating brain disorders, hearing impairment, memory, eye disorders, kidney impairment, stroke, and uncontrolled urination. However, other initial research has suggested that it lacks any obvious treatment benefit in Alzheimer's disease. Further high-quality research is needed in these areas to confirm results.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


According to early research, vinpocetine has shown some beneficial effects in people with brain-related disorders. Further research in this area is needed to confirm findings.

 B


According to early research, vinpocetine has shown some beneficial effects in people with brain-related disorders. Further research in this area is needed to confirm findings.

 B


Research reviews suggest that vinpocetine may be useful for the treatment of various mental conditions that display distinct physical symptoms. Such conditions include dementia and those caused by a disordered blood supply to the brain or dysfunctional energy metabolism. However, findings in this area are not conclusive at present. Large-scale research conducted in people with well-defined types of cognitive impairment is needed in this area.

 B


Research reviews suggest that vinpocetine may be useful for the treatment of various mental conditions that display distinct physical symptoms. Such conditions include dementia and those caused by a disordered blood supply to the brain or dysfunctional energy metabolism. However, findings in this area are not conclusive at present. Large-scale research conducted in people with well-defined types of cognitive impairment is needed in this area.

 B


Limited research suggests that vinpocetine may be useful for improving bladder control and managing uncontrolled urination. Further research in this area is warranted.

 C


Limited research suggests that vinpocetine may be useful for improving bladder control and managing uncontrolled urination. Further research in this area is warranted.

 C


Early research suggests that vinpocetine may be useful in treating radiation-induced encephalopathy (brain disease or damage). Further research in this area is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that vinpocetine may be useful in treating radiation-induced encephalopathy (brain disease or damage). Further research in this area is needed.

 C


Some research suggests vinpocetine may be useful in treating eye disorders that impair vision, including macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye condition in which cells in the center of the retina deteriorate and result in blurred vision. Further research in this area is needed.

 C


Some research suggests vinpocetine may be useful in treating eye disorders that impair vision, including macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye condition in which cells in the center of the retina deteriorate and result in blurred vision. Further research in this area is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests vinpocetine may improve hearing and relieve tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Further high-quality research in this area is needed to confirm results.

 C


Limited evidence suggests vinpocetine may improve hearing and relieve tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Further high-quality research in this area is needed to confirm results.

 C


Limited research suggests vinpocetine may be effective in filtering excess calcium deposits in people with kidney failure. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests vinpocetine may be effective in filtering excess calcium deposits in people with kidney failure. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests vinpocetine may be effective for improving memory. Further research in this area is needed before any conclusions may be made.

 C


Early research suggests vinpocetine may be effective for improving memory. Further research in this area is needed before any conclusions may be made.

 C


Mixed findings have been reported regarding the use of vinpocetine in people with stroke. According to some reviews, it has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life. Although this is promising, positive findings are not consistent between studies. Further high-quality research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


Mixed findings have been reported regarding the use of vinpocetine in people with stroke. According to some reviews, it has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life. Although this is promising, positive findings are not consistent between studies. Further high-quality research is needed in this area before any firm conclusions may be made.

 C


In people with Alzheimer's disease, vinpocetine lacked any beneficial effects for improving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

 D


In people with Alzheimer's disease, vinpocetine lacked any beneficial effects for improving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Food is believed to increase vinpocetine absorption and minimize the risk of stomach upset.
For central nervous system disorders, 10 milligrams of vinpocetine for 30 days, followed by five milligrams for 60 days, has been taken by mouth. In addition, 5, 10, or 20 milligrams of vinpocetine has been taken by mouth three times daily for 12 weeks. For decreased blood supply to the brain, 60 milligrams of vinpocetine taken daily by mouth is commonly used.
For eye disorders, 10 milligrams of vinpocetine has been taken by mouth three times daily for two months.
For memory, 10, 20, or 40 milligrams of vinpocetine has been taken by mouth three times daily for two days.
For mind and body conditions, 5-20 milligrams of vinpocetine has been taken by mouth three times daily for periods of 12 weeks, 16 weeks, or one year.
For stroke, 20 milligrams of vinpocetine (Run Tan?) has been injected into veins for 14 days, as an adjunct to routine therapy. Additionally, 20 milligrams of vinpocetine infused with 500 milliliters of saline has been injected as a single dose. A similar infusion has also been injected into veins over 60 minutes, followed by 10 milligrams of vinpocetine taken by mouth three times daily for three months. Vinpocetine and 200 milliliters of dextran have been injected in to veins over one hour, daily for three weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Vinpocetine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Vinpocetine may change how the body uses glucose for energy. Caution is advised when using medications that may lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Vinpocetine may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Vinpocetine may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents that inhibit phosphodiesterase enzyme activity, antacids, and calcium channel blockers.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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