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Source
Vinpocetine is derived from vincamine, the major alkaloid found in the periwinkle plant. Vinpocetine is supplied in 1mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets under the trade names Cavinton, Remedial, and Vincaton.
Function; Reasons For Use
Vinpocetine has been used orally for many years in Europe to enhance memory and mental function by:- Increasing the neuronal firing rate
- Improving blood supply to the brain
- Increasing oxygen and glucose use by the brain
- Improving brain tolerance to low oxygen levels
- Increasing ATP levels in the brain
- Reducing abnormal coagulation of blood
- Raising brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Vinpocetine improves brain energy and blood supply and has been used as a preventative and a treatment of stroke injury. It acts as a cerebral metabolic activator, which may improve cerebral circulation and enhance oxygen and glucose utilization in the brain as it is a cognitive enhancer, sharpening mental alertness and memory. Vinpocetine may diminish brain dysfunction due to hypoxia or poor cerebral metabolism. It improves oxygen and glucose utilization by brain cells and increase their resistance to damage by poor circulation. It improves eyesight, hearing, and concentration. It is known as a 'smart drug'.
Directions
30 to 40mg a day is recommended.
Side-Effects
Side-effects are very rare, but may include nausea. No toxic effects have been seen to result from vinpocetine use at levels far above therapeutic dosages, which are usually in the range of 5-20mg per day. There are no known interactions with other drugs.
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Vinpocetine can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
A compound consisting of the nucleotide adenosine attached through its ribose group to three phosphoric acid molecules. It serves to store energy in muscles which is released when it is hydrolyzed to adenosine diphosphate.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Neurotransmitters (Neurotransmitter)
Chemicals in the brain that aid in the transmission of nerve impulses. Various Neurotransmitters are responsible for different functions including controlling mood and muscle movement and inhibiting or causing the sensation of pain.
Serotonin
A phenolic amine neurotransmitter (C10H12N2O) that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum and gastric membranes of mammals. Considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
Tinnitus (Tinnitis)
A sensation of noise (ringing or roaring) that is caused by a bodily condition and can usually only be heard by the person affected.
Vasodilation (Vasodilator)
Widening or enlarging of blood vessels, particularly arterioles, usually caused by nerve impulses or certain drugs that relax smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels.
Last updated: Jun 22, 2008
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