Vinpocetine is a neuroprotective nootropic, an extraction from flower-plant vinca minor. It works as a cognitive enhancer, memory booster, while also uplifting mood and supporting overall well-being.
Overview of Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine (aka Cavinton, Intelctol) is an extract from flowering plant vinca minor (or myrtle); a flower-family native to Portugal, France, and other parts of central and southern Europe.
A 1975 discovery by Hungarian chemist named Csaba Szantay. Only three years after the invention, production of the extract in pill form started. Some of the primary uses of Vinpocetine as a nootropic are memory and cognition improvement, increasing learning capacity, and mood enhancement.
Medical applications extend to the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, dementia, and strokes. It is very safe and has (almost) no side effects.
Its excellent safety profile is inspiring more companies to study and research Vinpocetine to explore other possible therapeutic and nootropic benefits.
Although less popular comparing to other nootropics, the research as well as the knowledge of it is rapidly growing
Vinpocetine Benefits
- Improves Memory and Cognition
- Increases Focus, Concentration, and Brain Blood Flow
- Enhances Learning Capacity, Information Processing, and Attention
- Reduces Cognitive Decline and Increases Overall Well-Being
- Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory
Supporting research:
Improves Memory and Cognition
Vinpocetine is widely in use for memory improvement. In Eastern Europe, it is a medical prescription for treating memory-related problems and disorders.
Clinical trials confirm its effect on improving memory formation, and individuals receiving Vinpocetine report it’s beneficial especially in remembering and recalling information.
Other studies also confirm it as a memory enhancer that can be used by anyone looking to improve their memory. [R]
Increases Focus, Concentration, and Brain Blood Flow
Vinpocetine increases cerebral blood flow and supports better blood circulation without having adverse effects on blood pressure.
The better blood flow and circulation leads to an increase in productivity within the brain. This productivity increases and allows for better focus and concentration, as well as allowing for longer and steady attention span.
Take notes, fellow ADHD ADHE’s – (attention-deficit hyperactive extraordinary). [R] [R]
Enhances Learning Capacity, Information Processing, and Attention
Vinpocetine improves the body’s ability of converting dietary glucose and fat to ATP, which is the coenzyme that transmits chemical energy for metabolism.
Having more ATP ready for use in the brain leads to better intellectual capability, and thereby learning becomes more comfortable and faster.
Moreover, the presence of sufficient ATP reduces feelings of mental exhaustion and “brain fog,” as well as supports feelings of mental clarity. [R]
Reduces Cognitive Decline and Increases Overall Well-Being
An increase in overall well-being is a result of a reduction in the rate of cognitive decline. [R] [R]
Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory
Vinpocetine also acts as an anti-inflammation agent in the brain. It reduces expression of the pro-inflammation and vascular cell adhesion molecules which can lead to neuronal death in some conditions (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s).
The anti-inflammatory qualities of vinpocetine make it a promising neuroprotectant that is likely to have significant anti-aging and longevity benefits.
Vinpocetine Mechanism of Action
Early studies show that Vinpocetine benefits the brain in many ways, one of which is by improving blood flow, circulation, and utilization of oxygen. Unlike common stimulants, Vinpocetine increases blood flow in the brain without affecting the rest of the body.
It targets impaired cells and areas of poor circulation within the brain. Enhancing blood flow, circulation, and oxygenation allows the brain to tolerate conditions of lack of sufficient oxygen (such as ischemia and hypoxia) better. Those conditions can relate to strokes and similar injuries.
The elevation of blood flow and oxygenation result the nootropic effect.
Furthermore, improving circulation and oxygenation in the brain also enhances the overall brain function while increasing the production of ATP. All of which are vital for cerebral metabolism. By generating sufficient amounts of ATP, vinpocetine increases the use of glucose thereby improves mental clarity.
Vinpocetine interacts with sodium, calcium, and potassium ion channels within the brain, modulating the release of various neurotransmitters.
That includes, but not limited to acetylcholine, noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. Increasing the availability of those neurotransmitters not only affects memory and overall cognition but may also improve mood by relieving feelings of anxiety and enhancing energy and well-being.
Vinpocetine also acts as an anti-inflammation agent in the brain. It reduces expression of the pro-inflammation and vascular cell adhesion molecules which can lead to neuronal death in some conditions (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s).
The anti-inflammatory qualities of vinpocetine make it a promising neuroprotectant that is likely to have significant anti-aging and longevity benefits.
Vinpocetine Dosage
For general health and prevention purposes, the low dose is 5mg 3x per day at meals and ranges up to 20 mg 3x per day.
These doses are for neuroprotection, enhancing cerebral blood flow, and reducing the rate of cognitive decline.
For nootropic purposes, suggestion doses of 30 to 45 mg, 3 times a day, alongside food.
Vinpocetine Side Effects
Vinpocetine is very safe and has (almost) no side effects. It is also very well tolerated and has no reported adverse effects.
New users rarely experience a soft version of caffeine “buzz” that fades away as tolerance to vinpocetine is increased. Keep in mind that increasing the daily dosage to over 40 mg could decrease benefits.
Conclusion
Vinpocetine’s unique mechanisms of action, great cognitive enhancement abilities, and insurance of neuroprotection are leading to increasing attention within the nootropic community.
It’s a safe brain-booster that works well with other nootropics, thereby becoming an attractive addition to nootropic stacks. It’s affordable and easily accessible.
If you are interested in further optimizing your brain, enhancing its blood circulation, as well as allowing it to function at maximum productivity; vinpocetine is a nootropic worthy of your consideration.