Vinpocetine - a brain nutrient

Vinpocetine is a natural compound derived from Vincamine. Vincamine itself is an alkaloid from the plant Vincaminor. Vincamine and Vinpocetine are used in South America, Japan and Europe for the treatment of cognitive and cerebrovascular disorders. In the United States, Vinpocetine is available as a dietary supplement either as a single supplement or part of different formulas. It is also called Nootropic which means that it is a cognition enhancer. Vinpocetine may enhance cerebral blood flow, augment cognition, and express anti-seizure and neuro protection properties. It is also known as an antioxidant.

Possible mechanisms of action for Vinpocetine appear to be related to its calcium and sodium channel blocking effects. There was a report that Vinpocetine may inhibit the Acetyl Choline release. It also was found to have neuro protection effects against a variety of toxins. Through the mechanism of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase, Vinpocetine produces smooth muscle dilatation effects, and therefore increases cerebral blood flow. Some studies have shown Vinpocetine to have antioxidant effects equivalent to those of vitamin E.

Few animal and human studies have reported a fairly significant protective effect of Vinpocetine in the cases of brain ischemia (compromised brain flow supply). One double blind placebo controlled study that lasted sixteen weeks with over 200 participants revealed that the Vinpocetine treated group achieved significant improvement in cognitive performance tasks. Similar positive results were observed in another double blind controlled study in elderly patients taking Vinpocetine.

There is some evidence that Vinpocetine may have protective vision and hearing effects. Most likely this was related to the increased blood flow to the compromised area which helped to heal it. In one study Vinpocetine was found to improve retinal damage in cases of the Hepatitis B virus. Damage from the acoustic trauma was reduced by Vinpocetine treatment as well. Some reports show that Vinpocetine may have an effect of removing calcium from cholesterol induced atherosclerotic plaques.

Vinpocetine may express a blood thinning effect so people that are using Coumadin (Warfarin) and other blood thinners should use it cautiously. Occasionally Vinpocetine may express hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects, especially in people who are taking anti-hypertensive medication. Therefore, patients taking blood pressure medication should monitor their blood pressure regularly before deciding to take Vinpocetine.

Overall, Vinpocetine is considered to be a very safe compound.