- 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.
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Vinpocetine
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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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- 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;35(5):425-430. View Abstract
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- Feigin VL, Doronin BM, Popova TF, et al. Vinpocetine treatment in acute ischaemic stroke: a pilot single-blind randomized clinical trial. Eur J Neurol 2001;8(1):81-85. View Abstract
- Hindmarch I, Fuchs HH, Erzigkeit H. Efficacy and tolerance of vinpocetine in ambulant patients suffering from mild to moderate organic psychosyndromes. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1991;6(1):31-43. View Abstract
- Kemeny V, Molnar S, Andrejkovics M, et al. Acute and chronic effects of vinpocetine on cerebral hemodynamics and neuropsychological performance in multi-infarct patients. J Clin Pharmacol 2005;45(9):1048-1054. View Abstract
- McDaniel MA, Maier SF, Einstein GO. "Brain-specific" nutrients: a memory cure? Nutrition 2003;19(11-12):957-975. View Abstract
- Montorsi F, Corbin J, Phillips S. Review of phosphodiesterases in the urogenital system: new directions for therapeutic intervention. J Sex Med 2004;1(3):322-336. View Abstract
- Szatmari SZ, Whitehouse PJ. Vinpocetine for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(1):CD003119. View Abstract
- Thal LJ, Salmon DP, Lasker B, et al. The safety and lack of efficacy of vinpocetine in Alzheimer's disease. J Am Geriatr Soc 1989;37(6):515-520. View Abstract
- Ueyoshi A, Ota K. Clinical appraisal of vinpocetine for the removal of intractable tumoral calcinosis in haemodialysis patients with renal failure. J Int Med Res 1992;20(5):435-443. View Abstract
- Vas A, Gulyas B, Szabo Z, et al. Clinical and non-clinical investigations using positron emission tomography, near infrared spectroscopy and transcranial Doppler methods on the neuroprotective drug vinpocetine: a summary of evidences. J Neurol Sci 2002;203-204:259-262. View Abstract
- Vegh S, Szikszay E, Bonoczk P, et al. [Retrospective analysis of the effect of vinpocetine infusion in ophthalmologic disorders]. Orv Hetil 2006;147(49):2361-2365. View Abstract
- Vinpocetine. Monograph. Altern Med Rev 2002;7(3):240-243. View Abstract
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