Related Terms

• 14-Ethoxycarbonyl-(3alpha,16alpha-ethyl)-14,15-eburnamine, apovincaminic acid, Cavinton®, cezayirmenekşesi (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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Antioxidant, astringent (reducing bleeding by contracting tissue), bleeding gums, blood thinner, blood vessel dilation (widening of blood vessels), cognitive disorders, depression, energy booster, energy metabolism (brain), erectile dysfunction, excessive menstrual bleeding, genital disorders, hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply), immune function, increased cerebral blood flow, menopausal disorders, motion sickness, mouth sores, nervous system disorders (central pontine myelinolysis), retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), seizures, ulcer, wound healing (keloid scars).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for vinpocetine in children.

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.

Allergies

• Avoid in people with a known allergy or sensitivity to vinpocetine.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Vinpocetine may cause diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and digesting, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, epileptic seizures, excitation, excess irritability, flushed skin, headache, hives, irregular and/or rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, low white blood cell count, nausea, nervousness, premature heart beats, sleep disturbances, stomach distress, stomach pressure, upper abdominal pain, vertigo, and vomiting.

• Food is believed to increase vinpocetine absorption and minimize the risk of stomach upset.

• Vinpocetine may change how the body uses glucose for energy. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Use cautiously in people with a history of abnormal heart rhythm, especially when injected into veins or muscle.

• Use cautiously in people with compromised immune function, nervous disorders, sensitive skin, or a sensitive stomach.

• Use cautiously when combined with agents that inhibit phosphodiesterase enzyme activity, antacids, blood pressure-lowering agents, blood vessel-widening agents, and calcium channel blockers (i.e. flunarizine, nimodipine), due to possible interactions.

• Vinpocetine may increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid use in people with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Avoid use two weeks before or after any surgical or dental procedure, due to an increased risk of bleeding.

• Avoid use in pregnant or lactating women, due to a lack of safety information.

• Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to vinpocetine.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is currently a lack of scientific evidence on the use of vinpocetine during pregnancy or lactation.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Vinpocetine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Vinpocetine may change how the body uses glucose for energy. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Vinpocetine may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Vinpocetine may also interact with antacids, calcium channel blockers, citrus, garlic, green tea, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, onions, phosphatidylserine, phosphorus, scopolamine, and sodium.

• Food has been shown to increase the biological availability of vinpocetine by 60-80%.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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