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Vinpocetine (periwinkle) |
Exciting break through new product to improve your memory, protect against premature brain aging, and even have a positive effect on mood.
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What is Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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Vinpocetine is an antioxidant and herbal supplement that has been found to increase dilation of blood vessels, enhance circulation in the brain, and improve oxygen usage.
Vinpocetine is a partly-synthetic substance produced from the extract of the periwinkle plant (vinca minor L). Widely used in Eastern Europe as a drug for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders and age-related memory impairment – it is sold and marketed in the United States as a supplement that improves memory function. Plasma vinpocetine (in the blood stream) can cross the blood-brain barrier, and levels in the bloodstream peak in an hour and a half after oral ingestion.
Reports show that vinpocetine improves blood flow in the brain, an overall vascular-dilating effect, and has neuroprotective effects that may help prevent Alzheimer’s. Increases in levels of dopamine, and increases in loosening of cerebral smooth muscle tissue are seen as a result of exposure to vinpocetine.
Researchers in Europe recommend vinpocetine over gingko biloba - another supplement effective for memory and brain function - since vinpocetine has been shown to be more effective in a much shorter period of time. Patients report feeling improvements within seven to ten days, while results on gingko biloba appear in 4 to 8 weeks.
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History of Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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Vinpocetine is a synthetic by-product of the extract of the leaves of the lesser periwinkle plant (Vinca minor L). The periwinkle plant is a vine-like evergreen shrub, native to Europe, and grown in gardens for hundreds of years. It has a long history of use as a tonic for alleviating age-related weariness, as well as use as a stringent for mouth sores and bleeding gums. Vinpocetine was first developed in Hungary in the 1950s, and has been carefully studied by European scientists ever since.
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Benefits of Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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Vinpocetine’s major mechanism of action is as a vasodilator in the head region – meaning that it relaxes veins and allows for greater blood flow and greater oxygenation of cells. With increased oxygen, cell metabolism increases, allowing for faster healing of damaged tissue.
Most studies have centered around treatments for injuries and disorders in the head region. Studies show that vinpocetine leads to improvements in some aspects of memory, and is widely used in Europe as a treatment for chronic cerebrovascular diseases. Increased oxygenation provides a protective effect on the cells of the brain, and vinpocetine continues to be investigated as a substance that may possibly prevent Alzheimer’s.
Other possible benefits of vinpocetine that are currently being studied include treatments for: stroke patients, vascular dementia patients, depression, psychosis (such as schizophrenia), Meniere’s disease (vertigo) and tinnitus, reducing brain impairment after trauma, and reducing memory problems associated with hypothyroidism.
Vinpocetine is also being used as a treatment for less-known disorders such as: protecting the retina against the hepatitis B virus, improving eyesight and hearing loss, alleviation for menopausal symptoms, helping alcoholics recover from ethanol-induced toxicity, and dealing with space motion sickness.
In the United States, vinpocetine is marketed as a supplement that helps enhance performance for memory function, recall, concentration, and overall alertness. The majority of studies on vinpocetine have been conducted in Europe, and show that vinpocetine can improve short-term memory. More studies need to be conducted before conclusive statements can be made about the other possible benefits of vinpocetine.
Research on this subject:
Avetisov SE, Kiseleva TN, Lagutina IuM, Kraychuk EA. Effect of vasoactive agents on visual functions and ocular blood flow in patients with early manifestations of age-related macular degeneration. Vestn Oftalmol. 2007 May-Jun;123(3):26-8.
Balestreri R, Fontana L, Astengo F. A double-blind placebo controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of vinpocetine in the treatment of patients with chronic vascular senile cerebral dysfunction. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1987 May;35(5):425-30.
Coleston DM, Hindmarch I. Possible memory-enhancing properties of vinpocetine. Drug Dev Res. 1988;14:191-193.
Cusnir V, Slepova O, Dumbrava V, Zaiteva N, Cusnir R, Midrigan I. Ocular manifestations of hepatitis B. Oftalmologia. 1997;41(2):25-7.
Hidaka H, Hagiwara M, Watanabe Y. Trend in the development of cyclic nucleotide metabolism and their clinical application. Nippon Rinsho. 1991 Apr;49(4):961-7.
Kolarov G, Orbetsova M, Nalbanski B, et al. Complex effects on climacteric symptoms. Akush Ginekol (Sofia). 2001;42(2):37-41.
Nikolaev MP, Konstantinova ZD, Mertsalova ON, Sheremet AS. Prospects of using cavinton for treating Meniere’s disease. Vestn Otorinolaringol. 1980 May-Jun;(3):18-22.
Valikovics A. Investigation of the effect of vincopetine on cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions. Ideggyogy Sz. 2007 Jul 30;60(7-8):301-10.
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Sources and Forms of Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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Vinpocetine is available as a prescription drug in Europe and Japan. In the United States and Canada, it is sold as a dietary supplement in many health food stores and online health websites. Supplemental vinpocetine is most often seen as 5 mg and 10 mg capsules.
Although vinpocetine is derived from a plant, it does not exist in nature. In ancient times, the periwinkle plant has been known to be used as a tonic/tea for alleviating age-related weariness. Despite the periwinkle’s history, there is no known benefit of direct ingestion of the periwinkle plant, as the human body is incapable of converting periwinkle into vinpocetine. This substance requires many hours of chemical re-working and conversion in a laboratory.
Research on this subject:
Annussek, Greg. (2004). Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine: Periwinkle . Independence, KY: Thomson Gale.
DiPiro J, Talbert R, Yee G, Matzke G. (2008). Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical.
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Recommended Dosage of Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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It is strongly recommended that first-time users of vinpocetine ingest only 2 to 5mg, with a meal, to determine if there are any adverse effects. Once it has been determined that it is well-tolerated, users can increase dosage to 10 to 40 mg per day. A typical dosage for treating brain fog and memory problems is 5 mg taken 3 times a day (15 mg total daily).
Researchers have tried doubling the dose, and have found that vinpocetine in greater amounts than 15 mg does not make any difference in terms of results. For long-term treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease – the prolonged intake of vinpocetine should be kept to 10 mg once daily.
As a general rule, many doctors recommend taking a break one or two days a week from supplements, and taking a full week off once every few months. Vinpocetine was found to be 60% to 100% more potent when taken with food than when taken on an empty stomach.
Always consult a medical professional prior to starting any nutritional supplement therapy.
Research on this subject:
Balestreri R, Fontana L, Astengo F. A double-blind placebo controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of vinpocetine in the treatment of patients with chronic vascular senile cerebral dysfunction. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1987 May;35(5):425-30.
Lohmann A, Dingler E, Sommer W, et al. Bioavailability of vinpocetine and interference of the time of application with food intake. Arzneimittelforschung. 1992;42:914-917.
Mankovskii NB, Mints Ala, Karaban IN, et al. Experience with the use of cavinton in the treatment of patients with incipient senile atherosclerotic encephalopathy. Vrach Delo. 1987 Jan;(1):46-9.
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Safety and Side Effects of Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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There have been few adverse reactions reported in the majority of human trials on vinpocetine. However, much of the evidence is anecdotal, and more studies (with larger sample sizes and longer duration) need to be performed before definitive conclusions can be made as to the safety of long-term vinpocetine usage.
Due to the possibility of adverse reactions, a low initial dose is always recommended. Vinpocetine is not recommended for those who: are pregnant, lactating, or plan to become pregnant; with allergies to other medications (over-the-counter, dietary supplements, or prescription); have a history of depression; have a history of breast cancer; have low blood pressure; have chronic constipation; have a seizure disorder; have liver problems; have kidney problems; have a bleeding disorder; have high blood pressure; and have heart or blood vessel disease.
Vinpocetine may induce agranulocytosis, a condition in which white blood cell counts are significantly decreased. People who are taking drugs or herbs that have blood-thinning or anti-clotting properties should not take this supplement. Other medications that cannot be taken with vinpocetine include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), pentoxifylline (Trental), warfarin (Coumadin), vitamin E, garlic, or gingko biloba.
Continual vinpocetine use has been implicated in lowered immune function, and may cause apoptosis (programmed cell death leading to cancer) in the long term. Those considering a vinpocetine regimen should do so under the direct supervision of their doctor.
Side effects can include breathing or tightness in the throat or chest; chest pain; skin hives; rash, or itchy, swollen skin; changes in blood pressure or heart rate; upset stomach; indigestion; headaches; dizziness; anxiety; facial flushing; insomnia; drowsiness; and dry mouth. Vinpocetine should never be used two weeks before or after a surgical or dental procedure.
Research on this subject:
Brinker, F. (1998). Herb contraindications and drug interactions. (2nd Ed). Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Martin, E. (1978). Hazards of Medication: A Manual on Drug Interactions, Contraindications, and Adverse Reactions with Other Prescribing and Drug Information. Hagerstown, MD: Lippincott.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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Can Vinpocetine be used to treat Alzheimer’s?
Vinpocetine has been found to help those suffering from “pre-dementia”, as well as mild to moderate dementia. On a 12 week oral vinpocetine treatment, pre-dementia patients (those patients with very mild dementia) showed significant improvement in cognitive functions.
In a frequently-reviewed, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey, England – 203 patients suffering from mild to moderate dementia were studied for a duration of 16 weeks. Patients on a 10 mg vinpocetine regimen performed slightly better on cognitive function tests than those on the 20 mg regimen.
Another double-blind clinical trial studied 42 patients on differing amounts of vinpocetine, along with an additional 42 patients with matching placebo tablets. Patients taking the vinpocetine consistently scored better in self-reported evaluations including the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Scale, the Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric (SCAG) Scale, and the Mini-Mental Status Questionnaire (MMSQ).
Vinpocetine studies continue to be promising and seem to be effective in treating mild forms of cognitive impairment, however as of yet there does not seem to be evidence of mental health improvement with individuals already suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s.
Research on this subject:
Balestreri R, Fnotana L, Astengo F. A double-blind placebo controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of vinpocetine in the treatment of patients with chronic vascular senile cerebral dysfunction. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1987 May;35(5):425-30.
Hindmarch I, Fuchs HH, Erziqkeit H. Efficacy and tolerance of vinpocetine in ambulant patients suffering from mild to moderate organic psychosyndromes. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1991 Spring;6(1):31-43.
Thal LJ, Salmon DP, Lasker B, Bower D, Klauber MR. The safety and lack of efficacy of vinpocetine in Alzheimer’s disease. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1989 Jun;37(6):515-20.
Valikovics A. Investigation of the effect of vincopetine on cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions. Ideggyogy Sz. 2007 Jul 30;60(7-8):301-10.
Can Vinpocetine supplementation help improve my memory?
Vinpocetine has been found to be extremely effective in improving the memory retrieval (recall) in animals. In humans, vinpocetine is somewhat effective in improving both memory retrieval (recall) and short-term, working memory.
Rats given an acute dose of vinpocetine 60 minutes prior to testing tended to successfully perform tasks testing for retention. This memory retrieval enhancement was dose-related, and demonstrated a strong cognitive-activating ability of vinpocetine in animals.
A human version of this study was conducted on 12 healthy female volunteers. The subjects were “pre-treated” with and acute dose of vinpocetine (40 mg 3 times per day for two days), or were given a placebo. On the third day of this treatment, and one hour following the morning dosage, the subjects completed several mental acuity tests. The vinpocetine-treated group showed a significant improvement in memory as tested by the Sternberg Memory Scanning Test.
Another double-blind study was conducted on 24 normal adults. Ten tasks testing perception, attention, and short-term memory were performed and measured. Subjects were either given a supplement capsule or a placebo to consume for 14 days. After consuming the supplement each day, the subjects performed all tasks twice. Measurements showed a reliable decrease in response time in the supplemented group, with largest gains seen in tasks requiring short-term memory processing. The evidence points to a slight enhancement in human short-term memory performance when vinpocetine is taken prior to the task.
Research on this subject:
DeNoble VJ. Vinpocetine enhances retrieval of a step-through passive avoidance response in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1987 Jan;26(1):183-6.
Polich J, Gloria R. Cognitive effects of a Ginkgo biloba/vinpocetine compound in normal adults: systematic assessment of perception, attention and memory. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2001 Jul;16(5):409-416.
Subhan Z, Hindmarch I. Psychopharmacological effects of vinpocetine in normal healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1985;28(5):567-71.
Does Vinpocetine have any anti-aging effects?
While no evidence exists suggesting that vinpocetine has age-reversing effects, there is some evidence showing that vinpocetine supplementation can help delay the onset of many of the different markers of aging. Vinpocetine’s overall neuro-protective effects guard against degradation in memory, cognition, hearing, and vision.
Studies involving guinea pigs showed direct evidence that vinpocetine supplementation (of 2 mg per kg of body weight) protected them against hearing loss induced by antibiotics, as well as hearing declines accompanying epileptic seizures. Hearing loss due to epileptic seizures occurs over a period of time – where epileptic cortical activity eventually leads to physical alterations in the inner ear.
Though the animal studies on vinpocetine’s protective effects on hearing have been positive, similar studies on humans do not exist, however, there are a few anecdotal accounts of vinpocetine treatments improving symptoms in those who have noise-induced tinnitus.
Laboratory studies indicate that vinpocetine protects cells from oxidative stress, particularly those caused by Abeta toxicity. The presence of Abeta peptides is a strong indicator of the eventual onset of Alzheimer’s. Forty patients aged 40 to 65, suffering from age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision deterioration), were divided into two groups.
One group was placed on a daily regimen of 10 mg of vinpocetine, the other group was placed on a daily regimen of conventional therapy (antioxidants plus lutein-containing medications). After a period of two months, the vinpocetine-treated group were observed to have better visual acuity and improved retinal function, as compared to the control group.
Research on this subject:
Avetisov SE, Kiseleva TN, Lagutina IuM, Kraychuk EA. Effect of vasoactive agents on visual functions and ocular blood flow in patients with early manifestations of age-related macular degeneration. Vestn Oftalmol. 2007 May-Jun;123(3):26-8.
Pereira C, Agostinho P, Oliveira CR. Vinpocetine attenuates the metabolic dysfunction induced by amyloid beta-peptides in PC12 cells. Free Radic Res. 2000 Nov;33(5):497-506.
Sitges M, Nekrassov V. Vinpocetine prevents 4-aminopyridine-induced changes in the EEG, the auditory brainstem responses and hearing. Clin Neurophysiol. 2004;115:2711-2717.
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Additional Research on Vinpocetine (periwinkle): |
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Vinpocetine and Anti-Aging
Gerkowicz K, Toczolowski J, Jedrejewski D, Jankowska I, Szponar B. Clinical trials of using Cavinton in the form of intravenous infusion in the treatment of macular degeneration. Klin Oczna. 1987 Mar;89(3):95-6.
Gulvas B, Halldin C, Sandell J, et al. PET studies on the brain uptake and regional distribution of 11C vinpocetine in human subjects. Acta Neurol Scand. 2002 Dec;106(6):325-32.
Kidd PM. A review of nutrients and botanicals in the integrative management of cognitive dysfunction. Altern Med Rev. 1999 Jun;4(3):144-61.
Tarnok K, Kiss E, Luiten PG, et al. Effects of Vinpocetine on mitochondrial function and neuroprotection in primary cortical neurons. Neurochem Int. 2008 Dec;53(6-8):289-95.
Vegh S, Szikszay E, Bonoczk P, et al. Retrospective analysis of the effect of vinpocetine infusion in ophthalmologic disorders. Ory Hetil. 2006 Dec 10;147(49):2361-5.
Vinpocetine and Alzheimer's
Akhondzadeh S, Abbasi SH. Herbal medicine in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2006 Mar-Apr;21(2):113-8.
Johnsen S, Hughes S, Bullock R, Hindmarch I. Prediction of the rate of decline in cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease: a model based on simple demographic data and widely used rating scales. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2003;16(4):276-82.
McDaniel MA, Maier SF, Einstein GO. “Brain-specific” nutrients: a memory cure? Nutrition. 2003 Nov-Dec;19(11-12):957-75.
Sitges M, Nekrassov V. Vinpocetine prevents 4-aminopyridine-induced changes in the EEG, the auditory brainstem responses and hearing. Clin Neurophysiol. 2004 Dec;115(12):2711-7.
Szatmari SZ, Whitehouse PJ. Vinpocetine for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(1):CD003119.
Vinpocetine and Memory Enhancement
Coleston DM, Hindmarch I. Possible memory-enhancing properties of vinpocetine. Drug Dev Res. 1988;14:191-193.
Miyazaki M. Correlation between cerebral circulation and intellectual impairment in patients with “aging Brain”, and the effect of vinpocetine on cerebral circulation. Drug Dev Res. 1988:14:199-204.
Pepeu G, Spignoli G. Nootropic drugs and brain cholinergic mechanisms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1989;13 Suppl:S77-88.
Satoh M, Watanabe S. Pharmacology of long-term potentiation. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 1993 Sep;102(3):225-34.
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