Nootropic profile
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic compound derived from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor) that is one of the most effective natural cerebral vasodilators. It enhances brain blood flow, improves oxygen utilisation, and supports memory and cognitive function - widely prescribed in Europe for cerebrovascular disorders.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Vinpocetine?
Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic alkaloid derived from vincamine, a naturally occurring compound found in the lesser periwinkle plant (Vinca minor).
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Typical dose: 5–10 mg, three times daily with meals (15–30 mg total per day)
- Cognitive enhancement: 10–20 mg per day is commonly used for general brain support
- Clinical studies: Most studies used 15–30 mg per day in divided doses
- With food: Bioavailability increases approximately 60–100% when taken with food - always take with meals
- Onset: Some effects may be noticed within 1–2 hours; full cognitive benefits typically develop over several weeks of consistent use
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Occasional reports of mild headache, nausea, dizziness, and flushing.
- Blood thinning: Vinpocetine has anti-platelet effects. Do not combine with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel)...
- Blood pressure: May slightly lower blood pressure. Use caution if taking antihypertensive medications.
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy - animal studies showed potential risks to foetal development.
- Regulatory note: Classified as a dietary supplement in the UK/US. Prescription drug in many European countries. The FDA has expressed concerns about safety...
The science, if you're curious.
- Inhibits phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1) and relaxes cerebral vascular smooth muscle, selectively increasing blood flow to the brain by 5–7% without...
- Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in a use-dependent manner, protecting neurons from excitotoxic damage during ischaemia or excessive neural firing.
- Enhances the brain's ability to utilise oxygen and glucose, improving ATP production and overall brain energy metabolism.
- Inhibits platelet aggregation and improves red blood cell flexibility, enhancing microcirculation in small cerebral blood vessels.
Where to find it
- Periwinkle plant: Derived from vincamine found in Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle), a European flowering plant
- Supplements: Available as capsules and tablets in 5–10 mg doses
- Cavinton: The original branded pharmaceutical form manufactured by Gedeon Richter (Hungary); prescription-only in Europe
- Vincamine: The natural parent compound is also available as a supplement, though less potent and less studied than vinpocetine
Frequently asked
Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic compound derived from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor) that is one of the most effective natural cerebral vasodilators. It enhances brain blood flow, improves oxygen utilisation, and supports memory and cognitive function - widely prescribed in Europe for cerebrovascular disorders.
The main benefits people report from Vinpocetine are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.
Typical dose: 5–10 mg, three times daily with meals (15–30 mg total per day)Cognitive enhancement: 10–20 mg per day is commonly used for general brain supportClinical studies: Most studies used 15–30 mg per day in divided dosesWith food: Bioavailability increases approximately 60–100% when taken wit...
Side effects: Generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Occasional reports of mild headache, nausea, dizziness, and flushing.Blood thinning: Vinpocetine has anti-platelet effects. Do not combine with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel)...Blood pressur...
Inhibits phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1) and relaxes cerebral vascular smooth muscle, selectively increasing blood flow to the brain by 5–7% without...Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in a use-dependent manner, protecting neurons from excitotoxic damage during ischaemia or excessive neural firin...
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