There are a lot of nootropics that provide multiple benefits. Take aniracetam, for example. Not only can it improve cognition, but it can also reduce anxiety. Or take modafinil. It can increase wakefulness and it can increase focus. It’s common for nootropics to have multiple benefits. One nootropic that has an incredibly varied set of potential benefits is vinpocetine. This interesting supplement can potentially improve mood, hearing, vision, cardiovascular health, and even has anti-inflammatory effects. In this article, we’re going to take an in-depth look at vinpocetine. We’ll examine its benefits, side effects, dosage, where to buy, and more. But first, let’s see exactly what vinpocetine is.
What Is Vinpocetine?
This substance is known to have a number of medicinal properties. Vinpocetine has been used medically in parts of Europe for over thirty years. It is a synthetic compound but derived from the seeds and leaves of the Periwinkle plant. Vinpocetine was first isolated from the Periwinkle plant by Hungarian chemist Csaba Szantay in 1975. By 1978 it was already being mass-produced by the Hungarian pharmaceutical company Richter Gedeon.
In some European countries, vinpocetine is a prescription medication. Doctors use it to treat various conditions, including cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke and dementia. In Germany, for example, pharmaceutical companies sell vinpocetine as a prescription drug under the brand name Cavinton.Other brand names for vinpocetine include Intelectol, Cognitol, and Neurovin.
Nootropic Potential
This fascinating substance has been scientifically shown to have a number of effects on the body and brain. Vinpocetine’s nootropic benefits are likely due, at least in part, to its ability to selectively inhibit voltage-sensitive sodium channels and decrease calcium ions in striatal nerve endings. Thought to have a general neuroprotective effect as a sodium channel inhibitor, vinpocetine blocks excitotoxicity and reduces neuronal damage from cerebral ischemia (reduced blood flow to the brain).
Vinpocetine affects several neurotransmitters involved in memory, focus, motivation, pleasure, reward, anxiety, and more. Studies have demonstrated its effect on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline), dopamine, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
In addition to its nootropic benefits which we’ll go over shortly, vinpocetine also has several effects on the body. One of these effects is vasodilation. Researchers have studied vinpocetine in stroke victims due to its vasodilator effect. It has also been shown to have anticonvulsant properties in animal studies. Finally, researchers have demonstrated vinpocetine’s anti-inflammatory properties, including its ability to reduce neuroinflammation.
Now that we’ve taken a look at what vinpocetine is, let’s discuss its potential nootropic benefits. Let’s explore both public opinions and scientific research on vinpocetine, derived from the Periwinkle plant.
Vinpocetine Nootropic Benefits
In addition to a number of physical effects, people from all around the world have reported nootropic effects from taking vinpocetine. Here are some of its reported nootropic benefits and the science to support these claims.
Improved Memory
One of the most commonly reported nootropic benefits of vinpocetine is its ability to improve memory. Users often say they find it easier to memorize and recall information when supplementing with vinpocetine. And there is a bit of science to support this claim.
A study done back in 1985 looked at the effect vinpocetine had on healthy female volunteers. The researchers administered either vinpocetine or a placebo to the women. While the women in the placebo group did not show any changes on any of the tests the researchers had them perform, the women in the vinpocetine group did. These women exhibited significant improvements on all the memory tests administered to them.
Another study done on healthy human volunteers from 2001 looked at the effect vinpocetine and another nootropic, ginkgo biloba, had on memory. The researchers administered either a placebo or capsules containing both ginkgo biloba and vinpocetine to the participants. The results of this study found that the participants in the ginkgo/vinpocetine group showed a significant improvement in short-term working memory processing while those in the placebo group did not.
Vinpocetine: Memory Studies
In addition to human studies demonstrating vinpocetine’s memory-improving effects, researchers have also conducted a number of animal studies. A 1986 study looked at the effect vinpocetine would have on rats with drug-induced (scopolamine) or hypoxia-induced (lack of oxygen) memory deficits. The results showed that vinpocetine significantly improved the rats’ memory in both groups.
The memory-boosting benefits of vinpocetine have been well documented. It has even been shown to improve cognitive impairments caused by flunitrazepam. More commonly known by the brand name Rohypnol (or “roofies” for short), flunitrazepam is often referred to as a “date rape drug.” The results of a 1987 study showed that vinpocetine improved short-term memory in healthy volunteers who had been given flunitrazepam.
While memory improvement is the most researched nootropic benefit of vinpocetine, it’s not the only one. Users also often report an increase in focus and attention.
Increased Focus and Attention
Another nootropic benefit that is often reported from taking vinpocetine is increased attention and focus. This benefit hasn’t been studied nearly as much as improved memory, but there has been some research done to support this claim.
The 1985 study mentioned above that looked at vinpocetine’s effect on memory also looked at its ability to affect processing speed and attention. The researchers found that, at a dosage of 40 milligrams (mg) a day, vinpocetine was able to reduce reaction time and improve memory.
A more recent human study aimed to determine if vinpocetine and other substances could reverse brain damage in football players. In this 2011 study, researchers administered a combination of supplements (including vinpocetine) to former NFL players to assess its effects on their memory, focus, attention, and other aspects of cognitive functioning. The results showed that the players showed significant improvements in focus, attention, memory, and other areas of cognition. While it’s not clear exactly what role vinpocetine played in the players’ improvements, these results are encouraging.
Some animal studies have also supported the claim that vinpocetine can increase focus and attention. A 2011 study looked at the effect vinpocetine had on hyperactive rats. The researchers induced hyperactivity in the rats by using ethanol. Then, they administered vinpocetine to the animals. The results showed that vinpocetine administration significantly decreased hyperactivity in the rats.
While more human studies are needed to conclusively state that vinpocetine increases focus and attention, the promising results of the existing studies are noteworthy.
Overall Cognitive Enhancement
A lot of vinpocetine users claim that it improves general cognition. I’ve heard people claim that it helps them to think clearer, faster, and more productively. In addition to the studies noted above that have shown improvements in specific areas of cognition, other studies have concluded that vinpocetine is a general cognitive enhancer.
A study published in 1987 looked at the safety and effectiveness of vinpocetine in the treatment of patients with cerebral (brain) dysfunction. In addition to improving a number of physical things like muscle strength, function, and coordination, this study showed that vinpocetine also significantly improved overall cognition. The researchers also found vinpocetine to be free of serious side effects.
In addition to being a vasodilator, vinpocetine has also been shown to increase blood flow to the brain. This may account for some of vinpocetine’s general nootropic effects. A 2005 study showed that both short-and-long-term vinpocetine administration improved blood flow and cognition in patients with multiple cerebral infarcts. The researchers also noted that the participants had no serious side effects and that vinpocetine was safe for long-term use.
After over three decades of research, it’s clear that vinpocetine can improve at least some aspects of cognitive performance. And it also seems to be very safe for most people. Let’s take a closer look at vinpocetine’s safety.
Vinpocetine Side Effects & Safety
In clinical trials, researchers have noted that humans tolerate vinpocetine very well, with no serious side effects reported. In the human studies mentioned above that explored vinpocetine’s safety, researchers found it to be free of any serious side effects.
While side effects from vinpocetine are rare and usually mild, they may include nausea, dizziness, flushing, drowsiness, insomnia, anxiety, dry mouth, and upset stomach. Since researchers have not studied vinpocetine in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers, these populations probably shouldn’t use it.
Vinpocetine Dosage/How To Take
The human studies mentioned above used daily dosages of vinpocetine ranging from 10-60 mg, usually divided into 2-3 doses. When used for nootropic purposes, some users report vinpocetine being effective at as little as 20 mg a day. However, many users report that they need 40 mg a day or more to notice its nootropic benefits.
As with any drug or supplement, you should always start at the low end of the dosage spectrum and work your way up as needed. Long-term use of dosages above 40 mg a day have not been studied. However, there are numerous anecdotal reports around the internet of people using much higher dosages for long periods of time with no serious side effects.
If you experience any unwanted side effects, stop taking vinpocetine and they should go away quickly. As with anything new you put in your body, it’s always a good idea to consult with a licensed medical professional first. This is especially true if you’re on one or more medications.
To reduce the possibility of upset stomach and increase the body’s absorption of vinpocetine, it should be taken with a small meal. Taking vinpocetine with food may increase its bioavailability by between 60-100% compared to taking it on an empty stomach.
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