Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is reported to have cerebral blood-flow enhancing [|[2]] and neuroprotective effects, [|[3]] and is used as a drug in Eastern Europe for the treatment of [|cerebrovascular disorders] and age-related memory impairment. [|[4]] Vinpocetine is widely marketed as a supplement for [|vasodilation] and as a [|nootropic] for the improvement of memory. In other words, Vinpocetine may help support brain functions such as concentration and memory by activating cerebral metabolism. A small subset of users report uncomfortable, adverse reactions to vinpocetine. A low initial dosage is ordinarily recommended. Vinpocetine has been identified as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that might have a potential role in the treatment of some diseases.
 * Vinpocetine** (brand names: **Cavinton**, **Intelectol**; chemical name: **ethyl apovincaminate**) is a semisynthetic derivative alkaloid of [|vincamine] (sometimes described as "a [|synthetic] [|ethyl ester] of [|apovincamine] "), [|[1]] an extract from the [|periwinkle] plant.

Since vinpocetine is said to improve blood flow to the brain, it is used for enhancing memory and preventing Alzheimer's disease and other conditions that harm learning, memory, and information processing skills as people age. Vinpocetine is also used for preventing and reducing the change of disability and death from ischemic stroke, sometimes used to treat symptoms of menopause, chronic fatigue, and seizure disorders and preventing motion sickness.

**What is Vinpocetine?**
Vinpocetine (pronounced vin-poe-ce-teen) is a synthetic compound derived from vincamine, a substance found naturally in the leaves of the [|lesser periwinkle plant] (Vinca minor). Vinpocetine was developed in the late 1960s.

Vinpocetine is available as a prescription drug in Europe and Japan. In the the United States and Canada, it’s sold in health food stores and online as a dietary supplement.

**Why Do People Use Vinpocetine**
> Vinpocetine is thought to increase blood circulation in the brain, which may explain why some preliminary studies suggest that it may reduce brain impairment and dementia after an [|ischemic stroke]. Although promising, well-designed human studies are needed. > Vinpocetine is also being explored as a complementary treatment for people with [|Alzheimer’s disease]. It’s thought to enhance the brain's use of oxygen, protect brain cells against damage, and increase blood flow to the brain by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase. > Although preliminary studies on the use of vinpocetine for Alzheimer's disease showed promise, a critical review of previously published studies found that the evidence as a whole was too weak to rely on, due to limitations in the design of the studies. More research is needed. > Studies suggest that vinpocetine may help with [|tinnitus] after trauma to the ear. > Vinpocetine is marketed in North America as a supplement that can boost memory and brain function in healthy people, but there is no real evidence yet that it can help. > > ===**Side Effects and Safety Concerns**=== > Side effects of vinpocetine may include indigestion, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, facial flushing, insomnia, headache, drowsiness and dry mouth. Vinpocetine may also cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. > Vinpocetine shouldn’t be taken by pregnant or nursing women. The safety of vinpocetine in people with liver or kidney damage isn't known. People with bleeding disorders, low blood pressure or seizure disorders shouldn't use vinpocetine. It also shouldn't be used two weeks before or after a surgical or dental procedure. > There is one case report of [|agranulocytosis] associated with the use of vinpocetine. > > ===**Possible Drug Interactions**=== > Vinpocetine shouldn’t be taken by people who are taking drugs or herbs that “thin” the blood (anticlotting or antiplatelet medications), such as aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine), (Trental) pentoxifylline, vitamin E, garlic or ginkgo. It should not be used with Coumadin (warfarin).
 * Stroke and vascular dementia
 * Alzheimer's disease
 * Tinnitus
 * To boost brain function

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinpocetine

Mechanism of action
Vinpocetine has been shown to selectively inhibit voltage-sensitive Na+ channels, resulting in a dose-dependent decrease in evoked extracellular Ca+ ions in striatal nerve endings. [|[10]] The Na+ channel inhibiting properties of vinpocetine are thought to contribute to a general neuroprotective effect through blockade of excitotoxicity and attenuation of neuronal damage induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. [|[11]] Vinpocetine is also a [|phosphodiesterase] (PDE) type-1 inhibitor, [|[12]] (with an [|IC50] of approximately 10−5 M.) leading to increases in intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cGMP), an action that causes the vasorelaxant effects of vinpocetine on cerebral smooth muscle tissue. [|[13]][|[14]] Independent of vinpocetine's action on PDE, vinpocetine inhibits [|IKK] preventing [|IκB] degradation and the following translocation of [|NF-κB] to the cell nucleus. [|[5]][|[6]] Increases in neuronal levels of DOPAC, a metabolic breakdown product of [|dopamine], have been shown to occur in striatal isolated nerve endings as a result of exposure to vinpocetine. [|[15]] Such an effect is consistent with the biogenic pharmacology of [|reserpine], a structural relative of vinpocetine, which depletes catecholamine levels and causes [|depression] as a side effect of the cardiovascular and anti-psychotic effects. [|[15]] However, this effect tends to be reversible upon cessation of Vinpocetine administration, with full remission typically occurring within 3–4 weeks.

Side Effects:

Vinpocetine is generally tolerated well and without many cases of adverse reaction reported. [|[16]] No serious side effects have been reported in any clinical trials, [|[17]] although none of these trials have been long-term. [|[8]] According to a Dr. Wollschlaeger, "a critical review of the literature has reported no adverse effects. Vinpocetine appears to be safe, without any adverse effects. The only reported side effect, in a very small number of cases, was a slightly upset stomach, which is almost always a side effect for some people taking herbs. We have not seen any adverse effects or drug-herb interactions, and it seems safe to take with other drugs, including diabetes drugs, and blood thinners like [|Coumadin] ." [|[18]]

The safety of vinpocetine in pregnant women has not been evaluated.

Vinpocetine has been implicated in one case to induce [|agranulocytosis], [|[19]] a condition in which [|granulocytes] are markedly decreased. Some people have anecdotally noted that their continued use of vinpocetine reduces immune function. [|Commission E] warned that vinpocetine reduced immune function and could cause [|apoptosis] in the long term. [|[20]]

Other alkaloids extracted from the periwinkle family, including [|Vincristine] and [|Vinblastine] are powerful chemotherapeutic agents which impair formation of microtubules and thus growth of related cancers, intestinal epithelium and bone marrow.