Vinpocetine
Periwinkle-derived compound that increases cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization in the brain — used in Europe for decades.
Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic derivative of vincamine, an alkaloid from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor). It's been used in Europe for decades to treat cerebrovascular disorders and cognitive impairment. It works primarily by increasing cerebral blood flow, enhancing glucose and oxygen utilization in the brain, and providing neuroprotection. It also has anti-inflammatory and phosphodiesterase-inhibiting properties.
Increases blood flow to the brain
Protects neurons from damage
Inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes
How Vinpocetine works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
10-30mg daily in divided doses
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Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Vinpocetine capsules or tablets | Recommended |
Standard vinpocetine is well-absorbed with food. Usually sold in 5-10mg capsules.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: 8-12 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Note: Fat-soluble; absorption improved with food. Take earlier in day to avoid sleep interference.
Enhanced short-term and working memory
Improved concentration and mental clarity
Better brain circulation
Possible nausea or stomach discomfort
May provide cerebrovascular benefits; consult doctor
May enhance anticoagulant effects
Additive blood-thinning effects
Tip: Start with lower dose
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Usually transient
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Sawangjit R et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2023)
“Therefore, further large and well-designed studies are needed to support the evidence.”
Xu H et al. • Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (2021)
“This review will serve as a powerful reference for the screening of phytochemicals with potential clinical applications in ischemic stroke or the synthesis of new neuroprotective agents that take phytochemicals as leading compounds.”
Perng CH et al. • Psychopharmacology (2018)
“The most effective intervention for dementia available is symptomatic treatment for vascular dementia.”
Panda PK et al. • Neurocritical care (2022)
“Vinpocetine has some promising efficacy in patients with ischemic stroke when used in the acute stage in reducing the disability, but presently there is not enough evidence to suggest that it also reduces case fatality.”
Gutiérrez-Farfán I et al. • Journal of pharmacological sciences (2021)
“From 6 to 12 months and from 0 to 12 months there were significant differences with a tendency towards improvement, indicating that the aforementioned deterioration not only stopped, but that with ...”
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