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The Nootropic Brain Remedy Called Vinpocetine

| Modified on Jul 18, 2020
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by Deirdre Layne
Published July 8, 2020

Vinpocetine is an inexpensive supplement derived from the periwinkle plant. In European countries, it is commonly used to improve blood flow to the brain, stroke recovery, enhance memory, and prevent dementia and epileptic seizures.

However, feedback on Vinpocetine from the web is even more extensive, with people reporting a phenomenal improvement in eyesight to increased memory and dream recall.

Doesn't Require a Prescription in the USA

While it is sold without a prescription in the United States, Vinpocetine requires a prescription in countries like Germany and France.  In the EU, Vinpocetine is only available as a prescription to treat cerebrovascular diseases and dysfunctional cognitive abilities.

In the United States, Vinpocetine has never been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but it is available for sale directly to consumers as dietary supplements. Vinpocetine is often included as an active ingredient in nutritional supplements for brain health.

Because Vinpocetine acts as a vasodilator, manufacturers claim cognitive enhancement and neuronal protection due to increased brain blood flow. Vinpocetine is also added to bodybuilding products to increase blood flow to muscles. (1)

What Is Vinpocetine?

Vinpocetine is a derivative of Vincamine, an alkaloid of the periwinkle plant Vinca Minor. It has been shown to protect the brain through cerebral circulation, brain metabolism, and blood flow. (2)

Vinpocetine was first isolated from the periwinkle plant by the Hungarian chemist Csaba Szántay in 1975. In 1978, a Hungarian drug company, Gedeon Richter, began manufacturing it in 1978 under the brand name Cavinton [3].

Benefits of Vinpocetine

People take Vinpocetine supplements for the following:

Dementia
Seizures
Headaches
Hearing Loss
Vision
Amnesia
Alzheimer's
Tinnitus
Stroke Prevention and Recovery
Memory Enhancement
Menopause
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Motion Sickness
Alertness
Cognitive Function
Concentration
Reaction Times
Bladder Leakage
Calcium-Buildup

Vinpocetine for Strokes

Vinpocetine is frequently used for preventing and reducing the effects of an ischemic stroke. This kind of stroke occurs when a blood clot stops blood flow in the brain, causing brain cells to die because they do not receive oxygen.

People take vinpocetine to help keep blood from clotting and protect the neurons against the harmful effects of oxygen deprivation.

Vinpocetine Eliminates Calcium Buildup in People Undergoing Dialysis

Vinpocetine acts as a calcium-chelating agent. In one uncontrolled study, researchers found that vinpocetine use for 3 to 12 months could eliminate calcium buildup in people undergoing dialysis.

Vinpocetine Dosage

The standard dosage of Vinpocetine is 5 mg taken three times a day with food. Some people take up to 20 mg at each meal, specifically for improving cerebral blood flow.

For maximum absorption, Vinpocetine should always be taken with food.

Works Fast

One study showed that Vinpocetine is detectable in the blood within 20 minutes of consumption. [4]

Vinpocetine Reviews

Since Earth Clinic doesn't have much feedback on this supplement yet, we went looking on the web for reviews about it. Below are some fascinating reviews from various vinpocetine products on iherb.com.

Exciting feedback, especially about improved hearing and eyesight! Please make sure to tell us about your experience with this supplement!

"Vinpocetine does what ginkgo CLAIMS to do: gets the blood flowing in your brain! I use two per day, and I could feel the difference within 2-3 days. I'm a little sharper, a little clearer. After several months of use I believe that my hearing has improved--an interesting side effect that I wasn't expecting."

"As a result of constant stress, frequent headaches, difficulty concentrating, accompanied by drowsiness and, oddly enough, subsequent insomnia. Fog in the head. Doctors have indicated a narrowing of the vessels of the brain. After a month of taking the drug, everything was fine. And work and sleep. I took 1 tablet in the morning and evening."

"I felt the changes only on the third jar. I took one tablet twice a day. My head brightened, it is easier to remember, I think, a veil passed (this is when the brain is like in a viscous fog, my personal sensations) I also drank magnesium. I always drink it. All bright head!"

"I went from 100% of the time wearing spectacles to 5% of the time thanks to Vinpocetine."

"I tried this for my memory but was shocked that it helped with my bladder leaking when I coughed... great product."

"...  The result was pleasing - firstly, headaches almost completely disappeared, attention and concentration increased, memory improved - it became less likely to forget things and things that used to fly out of my head. A friend also likes this drug, she says that in addition to improving brain function, it reduces the manifestations of VVD. About the fact that vinpocetine can lower blood pressure. My pressure is reduced - a maximum of 110/70..."

"Vinpocetine is a fascinating supplement and I noticed it makes my dreams more vivid, but not weird, which I like.."

"I buy vinpocetine for a few months, especially for the eyes. In addition I take Vision Optimizer from Jarow Formula. I needed to go to the doctor to change my glasses. He was amazed that he didn't understand how the diopters fell so much( from -2.5 to -075) and so fast. In conclusion he recommended that I continue to take the same products or whatever supports the eye blood flow.Also my mind is very fast, I feel the brain full of energy"

"I have been taking this product for approximately ten years. I initially used it to improve my eye sight as one of my hobbies was , at that time, long distance target shooting using ex military rifles with open sights, My eyesight improved immensely, so much so that one one occasion I beat the club champion. At almost 82 years my eyesight is still good, and my eye specialist, a renowned professor says my sight has actually improved over the past few years. I recently changed direction in my life from a physical set of hobbies to a more sedate life style having taken up learning the violin and learning to speak french. I take 1 or 2 of these 10 mg Vinpocetine tablets daily because it keeps my mind sharp."

"Have been using for many years. It helps with circulation in my ears to reduce ringing."

Other Names of Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine goes by the following names:

  • Vinpocetin
  • Vinpocetina
  • Vinpocétine
  • AY-27255 
  • Cavinton Eburnamenine-14-carboxylic acid 
  • Ethyl Apovincaminate
  • Ethylapovincaminoate 
  • Ethyl Ester
  • RGH-4405
  • TCV-3b

Vinpocetine IV

Some healthcare providers give Vinpocetine by IV for treating seizure disorders and strokes.

Studies and Research

While more than 100 safety and effectiveness studies have been funded by Hungarian manufacturer Gedeon Richter, only a few double-blind controlled clinical studies have been published.

Cautions and Warnings

Blood Thinner

Because it thins the blood, caution should be exercised when using vinpocetine with other blood thinners such as vitamin E, fish oil, melatonin and warfarin.

Pregnancy

Studies have shown that dosages above 10mg per day have been linked to fetal toxicity in animal studies. Therefore, to be safe, women should avoid taking this supplement during pregnancy.

Where to Buy

While not available on Amazon, you can easily find Vinpocetine at most health food stores in the brain enhancement section and online.

Iherb.com, Vitacost, and Life Extension carry it.  Prices range from $7 on up.

Send Us Your Feedback!

Do you take Vinpocetine? Please send us your feedback and any side effects reported on this nootropic supplement!

Related Links:

Natural Cures for Brain Fog
Natural Remedies for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Concussion
Periwinkle Cures and Natural Remedies
Top Natural Remedies for Alzheimer's and Dementia

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Brain Ischemia

1 User Review
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Posted by Luis (Cali, Colombia) on 07/08/2020
 ★★★★★

My mother in her advanced age suffered mild ischemias that made her fade twice. I helped her by giving her vinpocetine once a day in the morning. Never again suffered from this ailment.

EC: For those who don't know, Brain Ischemia is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand.

Replied by Gigi
(Edison, NJ)
07/18/2020

Just wondering what brand do you buy?

Dementia

1 User Review
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Posted by John (Big Lakes) on 07/08/2020
 ★★★★★

I use Vinpocetine and also recommend it to friends and family for dementia. A sibling is taking it. She was getting early signs of dementia and the supplement is definitely helping to reverse that.

It is also beneficial for Parkinson's Disease, anxiety and depression at less than 31 mg per day.

One side effect I have seen with vinpocetine is that it thins the blood and can be a problem for people who are already on a blood thinner or who take other supplements that have blood thinning effects such as vitamin E and fish oil.

General Feedback

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Posted by Hope (Toronto) on 07/09/2020

Hi!

Regarding Vinpocentine... any comments about the fact that it is made in a laboratory? All the articles I read state synthetically or chemically derived from periwinkle. So that means what exactly? That this supplement is more like a medication than a supplement? I understand that many supplements are made in labs... Just trying to get a clearer understanding from science-leaning health readers. Thank you.

General Feedback
Posted by Art (California) on 07/08/2020 2340 posts
 ★★★★★

Hi Deirdre!

This is an excellent article on a very useful supplement for multiple health benefits! Thank you for posting it!!!

Art

EC: Thanks so much! Glad you like it, Art!

Memory Recall

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Marta (Chicago) on 07/08/2020
 ★★★★★

I tested a bottle of Vincopenine (sp?) a few years ago after reading an article on it. I was impressed by the memory recall I had on the first day. All of a sudden, I started having memories from childhood, when I was 5 years old. I was remembering my playmates names from kindergarten class and all sorts of interesting memories from jungle gym equipment outside. After that first day, I noticed that my brain was considerably sharper. Good for those dull-witted days!! Would love to hear from others who have tried this supplement. It's been off my radar for a while now but I am going to try it again soon!

Interesting that Amazon doesn't sell it. Is that because it's not sold in Canada and other countries because it's a nootropic?

Replied by Art
(California)
07/08/2020
2340 posts

Marta,

It appears that Amazon Canada does sell Vinpocetine.

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=vinpocetine&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Art

Marianne
(Ontario)
07/18/2020
12 posts

I have just purchased Vinpocetine at my Health store in Newmarket/Ontario

The product is called "VINPO-15" and it is made by AOR Canada. This company also formulates a lot of supplements ( my preferred company)

Since I have started this product only one day ago I cannot give any answers as how good it works but I will follow-up on this.

Replied by Den
(SE Missouri)
07/08/2020

Hi everyone,

I bought the Vinpocetine, 10 mg, 100 vegetarian tablets today at Life Extension. It was at 70% off regular price! Amazing how the universe works with you when you really want something.

And with all of the positives attributes the Vinpocetine has, how can one go wrong?

Was chatting with a friend and she was concerned about the expiration date, so I called Life Extension, most things are for two years. So I'll be checking the expiration dates when it arrives.

Clarity of thinking, hearing and eyesight are biggies for me, can't remember other things that might improve for me. looking forward to using the product.

As I'm writing the post, I can't read other things that I might receive help with. But in time I'll post any improvements.

i just love this site! It's full of great info on so many things, and especially when others share exactly what they use and how they use it to accomplish what they were wanting.

Dennis

Ps. At that price, I kinda got greedy,,, 😊

Memory Recall
Posted by Mary (Clemmons, Nc) on 08/01/2016 10 posts

I have just started researching about Vinca...or Periwinkle. I actually grow some of the flowers in my garden and for some reason have never learned of its medicinal purposes. I have no idea what kind of Periwinkle/Vinca that I have growing, but I do know it's a very tenacious plant and seems to even flourish the extreme heat and droughts here in NC. However, I had read somewhere that it was supposed to be helpful for the hearing... and since I've lately had a problem with hearing, I wanted to take something natural to see if it would help.

I'm a bit worried though about the Periwinkle's poisonous issues? Also, I would really like to know how come the Pharmaceutical companies manage to make a drug from it. I didn't think they could patent anything that was natural?

I'd appreciate any info regarding my questions since I'm eager to learn more and possibly start taking some of it.

Thanks!

Replied by Jennifer
(Texas)
09/01/2016
★★★★★

I have used vinpocetine supplements (made from the seeds of periwinkle) to help with memory while I have been studying and have had adrenal fatigue. My ND was fine with me using it.

I believe the reason the FDA can make and patent a drug from any herb is that they isolate the constituent they want to use and make a drug from or including that constituent. So they are not patenting the herb but the drug they made using something from the herb. In fact, it seems that many companies do this - skin care, supplements, etc. - and then patent their product. It doesn't mean the product has the whole plant in it, it is often an extract or part of the plant. By the time we get it in a prescription or other form, the actual strength you are getting is not all that great - IMO!



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