by Deirdre Layne Published July 8, 2020
Vinpocetine is an inexpensive supplement derived from the periwinkle plant. In European countries, it is commonly used to improve blood flow to the brain, stroke recovery, enhance memory, and prevent dementia and epileptic seizures.
However, feedback on Vinpocetine from the web is even more extensive, with people reporting a phenomenal improvement in eyesight to increased memory and dream recall.
While it is sold without a prescription in the United States, Vinpocetine requires a prescription in countries like Germany and France. In the EU, Vinpocetine is only available as a prescription to treat cerebrovascular diseases and dysfunctional cognitive abilities.
In the United States, Vinpocetine has never been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but it is available for sale directly to consumers as dietary supplements. Vinpocetine is often included as an active ingredient in nutritional supplements for brain health.
Because Vinpocetine acts as a vasodilator, manufacturers claim cognitive enhancement and neuronal protection due to increased brain blood flow. Vinpocetine is also added to bodybuilding products to increase blood flow to muscles. (1)
Vinpocetine is a derivative of Vincamine, an alkaloid of the periwinkle plant Vinca Minor. It has been shown to protect the brain through cerebral circulation, brain metabolism, and blood flow. (2)
Vinpocetine was first isolated from the periwinkle plant by the Hungarian chemist Csaba Szántay in 1975. In 1978, a Hungarian drug company, Gedeon Richter, began manufacturing it in 1978 under the brand name Cavinton [3].
People take Vinpocetine supplements for the following:
Dementia
Seizures
Headaches
Hearing Loss
Vision
Amnesia
Alzheimer's
Tinnitus
Stroke Prevention and Recovery
Memory Enhancement
Menopause
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Motion Sickness
Alertness
Cognitive Function
Concentration
Reaction Times
Bladder Leakage
Calcium-Buildup
Vinpocetine is frequently used for preventing and reducing the effects of an ischemic stroke. This kind of stroke occurs when a blood clot stops blood flow in the brain, causing brain cells to die because they do not receive oxygen.
People take vinpocetine to help keep blood from clotting and protect the neurons against the harmful effects of oxygen deprivation.
Vinpocetine acts as a calcium-chelating agent. In one uncontrolled study, researchers found that vinpocetine use for 3 to 12 months could eliminate calcium buildup in people undergoing dialysis.
The standard dosage of Vinpocetine is 5 mg taken three times a day with food. Some people take up to 20 mg at each meal, specifically for improving cerebral blood flow.
For maximum absorption, Vinpocetine should always be taken with food.
One study showed that Vinpocetine is detectable in the blood within 20 minutes of consumption. [4]
Since Earth Clinic doesn't have much feedback on this supplement yet, we went looking on the web for reviews about it. Below are some fascinating reviews from various vinpocetine products on iherb.com.
Exciting feedback, especially about improved hearing and eyesight! Please make sure to tell us about your experience with this supplement!
"Vinpocetine does what ginkgo CLAIMS to do: gets the blood flowing in your brain! I use two per day, and I could feel the difference within 2-3 days. I'm a little sharper, a little clearer. After several months of use I believe that my hearing has improved--an interesting side effect that I wasn't expecting."
"As a result of constant stress, frequent headaches, difficulty concentrating, accompanied by drowsiness and, oddly enough, subsequent insomnia. Fog in the head. Doctors have indicated a narrowing of the vessels of the brain. After a month of taking the drug, everything was fine. And work and sleep. I took 1 tablet in the morning and evening."
"I felt the changes only on the third jar. I took one tablet twice a day. My head brightened, it is easier to remember, I think, a veil passed (this is when the brain is like in a viscous fog, my personal sensations) I also drank magnesium. I always drink it. All bright head!"
"I went from 100% of the time wearing spectacles to 5% of the time thanks to Vinpocetine."
"I tried this for my memory but was shocked that it helped with my bladder leaking when I coughed... great product."
"... The result was pleasing - firstly, headaches almost completely disappeared, attention and concentration increased, memory improved - it became less likely to forget things and things that used to fly out of my head. A friend also likes this drug, she says that in addition to improving brain function, it reduces the manifestations of VVD. About the fact that vinpocetine can lower blood pressure. My pressure is reduced - a maximum of 110/70..."
"Vinpocetine is a fascinating supplement and I noticed it makes my dreams more vivid, but not weird, which I like.."
"I buy vinpocetine for a few months, especially for the eyes. In addition I take Vision Optimizer from Jarow Formula. I needed to go to the doctor to change my glasses. He was amazed that he didn't understand how the diopters fell so much( from -2.5 to -075) and so fast. In conclusion he recommended that I continue to take the same products or whatever supports the eye blood flow.Also my mind is very fast, I feel the brain full of energy"
"I have been taking this product for approximately ten years. I initially used it to improve my eye sight as one of my hobbies was , at that time, long distance target shooting using ex military rifles with open sights, My eyesight improved immensely, so much so that one one occasion I beat the club champion. At almost 82 years my eyesight is still good, and my eye specialist, a renowned professor says my sight has actually improved over the past few years. I recently changed direction in my life from a physical set of hobbies to a more sedate life style having taken up learning the violin and learning to speak french. I take 1 or 2 of these 10 mg Vinpocetine tablets daily because it keeps my mind sharp."
"Have been using for many years. It helps with circulation in my ears to reduce ringing."
Vinpocetine goes by the following names:
Some healthcare providers give Vinpocetine by IV for treating seizure disorders and strokes.
While more than 100 safety and effectiveness studies have been funded by Hungarian manufacturer Gedeon Richter, only a few double-blind controlled clinical studies have been published.
Blood Thinner
Because it thins the blood, caution should be exercised when using vinpocetine with other blood thinners such as vitamin E, fish oil, melatonin and warfarin.
Pregnancy
Studies have shown that dosages above 10mg per day have been linked to fetal toxicity in animal studies. Therefore, to be safe, women should avoid taking this supplement during pregnancy.
While not available on Amazon, you can easily find Vinpocetine at most health food stores in the brain enhancement section and online.
Iherb.com, Vitacost, and Life Extension carry it. Prices range from $7 on up.
Do you take Vinpocetine? Please send us your feedback and any side effects reported on this nootropic supplement!
