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Nutritional Supplement

Vinpocetine

Also indexed as:Vincamine

  • Heart and Circulatory Health

    Stroke

    Vinpocetine injections have been reported to improve some measures of brain function in stroke patients and to reduce some of the brain function loss that typically follows a stroke.
    Stroke
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    Vinpocetine given by intravenous injection has been reported to improve some biochemical measures of brain function in stroke patients.1,2 A controlled trial found intravenous vinpocetine given within 72 hours of a stroke reduced some of the losses in brain function that typically follow a stroke.3 However, the reliability of human stroke research using vinpocetine has been questioned,4,5 and more double-blind trials are needed. No studies using oral vinpocetine for treating acute strokes have been published.

  • Kidney and Urinary Tract Health

    Urinary Incontinence

    In a small, preliminary study, some men and women with urge incontinence reported reduced symptoms and also improved in laboratory measures of bladder muscle control when supplementing with vinpocetine.
    Urinary Incontinence
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    Vinpocetine is a semisynthetic derivative of vincamine, one of the major active compounds found in periwinkle. In a small, preliminary study, men and women with urge incontinence were given 5 mg of vinpocetine three times daily for two weeks, then 10 mg three times daily for an additional two weeks. About half of the subjects reported reduced symptoms of urge incontinence and also improved in laboratory measures of bladder muscle control.6 However, a small, double-blind trial found improvement in only one of several measures of urge incontinence.7 More double blind trials are needed to confirm these findings.

  • Healthy Aging/Senior Health

    Age-Related Cognitive Decline

    Vinpocetine has been shown to improve dementia symptoms in patients with various brain diseases.
    Age-Related Cognitive Decline
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    A double-blind trial found both 30 mg and 60 mg per day of vinpocetine improved symptoms of dementia in patients with various brain diseases.8 Another double-blind trial gave 30 mg per day of vinpocetine for one month, followed by 15 mg per day for an additional two months, to people with dementia associated with hardening of the arteries of the brain, and significant improvement in several measures of memory and other cognitive functions was reported.9 Other double-blind trials have reported similar effects of vinpocetine in people with some types of dementia or age-related cognitive decline.10,11 However, a study of Alzheimer patients in the United States found vinpocetine given in increasing amounts from 30 mg to 60 mg per day over the course of a year neither reversed nor slowed the decline in brain function measured by a number of different tests.12

  • Brain Health

    Age-Related Cognitive Decline

    Vinpocetine has been shown to improve dementia symptoms in patients with various brain diseases.
    Age-Related Cognitive Decline
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    A double-blind trial found both 30 mg and 60 mg per day of vinpocetine improved symptoms of dementia in patients with various brain diseases.13 Another double-blind trial gave 30 mg per day of vinpocetine for one month, followed by 15 mg per day for an additional two months, to people with dementia associated with hardening of the arteries of the brain, and significant improvement in several measures of memory and other cognitive functions was reported.14 Other double-blind trials have reported similar effects of vinpocetine in people with some types of dementia or age-related cognitive decline.15,16 However, a study of Alzheimer patients in the United States found vinpocetine given in increasing amounts from 30 mg to 60 mg per day over the course of a year neither reversed nor slowed the decline in brain function measured by a number of different tests.17

  • Ear Health Support

    Vertigo

    Supplementing with vinpocetine has been shown to ease symptoms.
    Vertigo
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    A preliminary trial showed that 15 mg per day of vinpocetine had a moderate or greater effect on reducing the signs and symptoms of vertigo in 77% of patients with this condition.18 Other preliminary reports exist describing benefits of vinpocetine for vertigo and other symptoms of inner ear disorders,19 but controlled research is needed to evaluate these claims.

  • Blood Sugar and Diabetes Support

    Retinopathy

    Preliminary studies have reported improved vision in people with various diseases of the retina who took vinpocetine.
    Retinopathy
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    Preliminary studies have reported improved vision in people with various diseases of the retina who took 45 mg per day of vinpocetine.20

  • Eye Health Support

    Retinopathy

    Preliminary studies have reported improved vision in people with various diseases of the retina who took vinpocetine.
    Retinopathy
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    Preliminary studies have reported improved vision in people with various diseases of the retina who took 45 mg per day of vinpocetine.21

What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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References

1. Gulyas B, Bonoczk P, Vas A, et al. [The effect of a single-dose intravenous vinpocetine on brain metabolism in patients with ischemic stroke.] Orv Hetil2001;142:443-9 [in Hungarian].

2. Szakall S, Boros I, Balkay L, et al. Cerebral effects of a single dose of intravenous vinpocetine in chronic stroke patients: a PET study. J Neuroimaging1998;8:197-204.

3. Feigin VL, Doronin BM, Popova TF, et al. Vinpocetine treatment in acute ischaemic stroke: a pilot single-blind randomized clinical trial. Eur J Neurol2001;8:81-5.

4. Bereczki D, Fekete I. A systematic review of vinpocetine therapy in acute ischaemic stroke. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1999;55:349-52 [review].

5. Bereczki D, Fekete I. Vinpocetine for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Sys Rev2000;2:CD000480.

6. Truss MC, Stief CG, Uckert S, et al. Initial clinical experience with the selective phosphodiesterase-I isoenzyme inhibitor vinpocetine in the treatment of urge incontinence and low compliance bladder. World J Urol 2000;18:439-43.

7. Truss MC, Stief CG, Uckert S, et al. Phosphodiesterase 1 inhibition in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction: from bench to bedside. World J Urol 2001;19:344-50 [review].

8. 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;6:31-43.

9. 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;35:425-30.

10. Peruzza M, DeJacobis M. A double-blind placebo controlled evaluation of the efficacy and safety of vinpocetine in the treatment of patients with chronic vascular or degenerative senile cerebral dysfunction. Adv Ther 1986;3:201-9.

11. Manconi E, Binaghi F, Pitzus F. A double-blind clinical trial of vinpocetine in the treatment of cerebral insufficiency of vascular and degenerative origin. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp1986;30:702-709.

12. 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;37:515-20.

13. 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;6:31-43.

14. 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;35:425-30.

15. Peruzza M, DeJacobis M. A double-blind placebo controlled evaluation of the efficacy and safety of vinpocetine in the treatment of patients with chronic vascular or degenerative senile cerebral dysfunction. Adv Ther 1986;3:201-9.

16. Manconi E, Binaghi F, Pitzus F. A double-blind clinical trial of vinpocetine in the treatment of cerebral insufficiency of vascular and degenerative origin. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp1986;30:702-709.

17. 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;37:515-20.

18. Taiji H, Kanzaki J. Clinical study of vinpocetine in the treatment of vertigo. Jpn Pharmacol and Ther (Japan) 1986;14:577-89.

19. Ribari O, Zelen B, Kollar B. Ethyl apovincaminate in the treatment of sensorineural impairment of hearing. Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26:1977-80.

20. Brooser G, Anda L, Doman J. Preliminary report on the use of ethyl apovincaminate in affections of the eyeground. Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26:1973-5.

21. Brooser G, Anda L, Doman J. Preliminary report on the use of ethyl apovincaminate in affections of the eyeground. Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26:1973-5.

22. Lohmann A, Dingler E, Sommer W, et al. Bioavailability of vinpocetine and interference of the time of application with food intake. Arzneimittelforschung 1992;42:914-7.

23. 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;6:31-43.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.