Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a periwinkle plant extract (Vinca major) that improves brain function. It has been used medicinally in Europe since 1983 but didn't become available in the US until 1998.

Vinpocetine improves cerebral circulation by dilating the arteries of the brain but does not dilate other blood vessels..

Vinpocetine can prevent the occurrence of stroke. Vinpocetine can prevent much of the damage that occurs following stroke if administered immediately following stroke.
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Vinpocetine may prevent Alzheimer's Disease and reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Vinpocetine improves circulation within the brain (i.e. it alleviates cerebral insufficiency).

Vinpocetine increases Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within the brain's neurons.

Vinpocetine improves the brain's utilization of glucose.

Vinpocetine accelerates the rate of learning by 40% (in animal research).

Vinpocetine improves memory. Healthy subjects exhibited significant short-term memory improvement 1 hour after taking 40 mg of Vinpocetine (62%). 

Vinpocetine increases the length of time that short-term memory is retained.

Vinpocetine can block the action of drugs that disrupt memory.

Vinpocetine improves the brain's utilization of Oxygen and increases the resistance of Neurons to the damage that would otherwise be caused by Hypoxia.

Vinpocetine improves circulation to the eyes thereby improving vision and eyesight disorders.

Vinpocetine improves impaired hearing and improves many inner-ear problems.

Vinpocetine improves Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Vinpocetine improved the vertigo (dizziness) of 77% of the patients in one study.

Vinpocetine reduces menopausal symptoms.

Vinpocetine increases the brain's turnover of Serotonin and Norepinephrine.

Vinpocetine improves the flexibility of red blood cells and may thereby help to prevent strokes.

Vinpocetine alleviates insomnia and several types of sleep disorders.

References

Kiss B, Karpati E, Mechanism of action of vinpocetine, Acta Pharm Hung 1996 Sep;66(5):213-24

Feigin VL, et al. Vinpocetine treatment in acute ischaemic stroke a pilot single-blind randomized clinical trial. Eur J Neurol. 2001 Jan;8(1)81-5.

Bonoczk P, et al. Role of sodium channel inhibition in neuroprotection: effect of vinpocetine. Brain Res Bull 2000 Oct;53(3):245-54.

Szakall S, et al. Cerebral effects of a single dose of intravenous vinpocetine in chronic stroke patients: a PET study. J Neuroimaging 1998 Oct;8(4):197-204

A. Szobor and M. Klein (1976) "Vinpocetine therapy in neurovascular disease" Arzneim Forsch (drug research) 28, 1984-89.

F. Solti et al (1976) "Effect of vinpocetine on the cerebral circulation" Arzneim Forsch (drug research) 28, 1945-47.

A. Kaham & M. Olah (1976) "Use of vinpocetine in ophthalmological therapy" Arzneim Forsch (drug research) 28, 1969-72.