Vinpocetine comes from the periwinkle plant and is well known for its positive effects on the brain. It enhances blood circulation and oxygen flow and helps with improving focus on mental and physical activities.

Reported Effects

1. May lead to weight loss.

2. Boosts memory and brain performance.

3. Increases oxygenation of the blood going to the brain.

Vinpocetine results in a variety of physical and mental changes, including the following:

Brain function boost – this product is marketed as a supplement that boosts memory and brain performance, as well as to improve focus and determination in sports and exercise activities. It helps increase oxygenation of the blood going to the brain, and even protects the brain cells from damage.

Fat loss – it has thermogenic properties and produces heat that may potentially lead to fat loss or weight improvement.It has been known to increase blood circulation to the brain also helping against dementia, strokes, and other brain impairments.

Vinpocetine is even used as support treatment for people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and inhibits an enzyme named phosphodiesterase. It serves as an antioxidant and may enhance glucose delivery to the brain. It has been known to help with tinnitus, a symptom that may result from loud sounds or other trauma to the ears.

Vinpocetine may improve memory impairment related to old age, can improve depression, improve visual conditions, and may even treat ulcers.

Possible Dangers

In general, Vinpocetine is safe and has minimal side effects to the body. In a few people, however, it may result in upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, anxiety, headaches or drowsiness, which are common side effects for herbal intake. It has been connected with agranulocytosis, which results to decreased granulocytes. Some have even reported reduced immunity functions.

Pregnant women or those breast-feeding should also avoid taking this. People suffering from bleeding disorders or seizure problems should also avoid using it. While there is no scientific support for harmful impacts, safety should always be a priority.

FDA Approved?

Vinpocetine was approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement in July 1999. Since then, vinpocetine products have been introduced to several products by dietary supplement manufacturers.

Studies

A review of 36 studies on Vinpocetine revealed that there are positive results associated with the dosage, but indicated no conclusive evidence if there are long-term side effects or even a big difference in healthy people. This was published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, and involved 1,912 subjects.

Another trial tested the scores of subjects in the Sandoz Clinical Assessment-Geriatric scale, the Clinical Global Impression scale and the Mini-Mental Status Questionnaire. One group was placebo controlled, while the other group was given supplements. The supplemented test subjects scored better on the exams, and no serious side effects were found. (1987 Balestreri R,FontanaL, Astengo F)

Another placebo-controlled trial with a more random set of patients had subjects take different doses of vinpocetine for sixteen weeks, and they showed marked improvement in their test results, as well. (1991 Hindmarch I, Fuchs HH, Erzigkeit H)

Supplements using this Ingredient:

1. Myogenix HyperShock

2. GAT Jetfuel

3. VPX Redline Xtreme RTD

4. VPX Redline Concentrate

5. S.A.N. Tight

6. VPX RedLine RTD

7. iSatori MX-LS7

8. Irwin Naturals Ginkgo Smart

9. VPX Redline Princess

10. SciVation Dialene 4x

Conclusion

Similar to Huperzine A, most of the studies related to Alzheimer’s are promising at best and have not been fully backed up with evidence. A lot more testing and research, perhaps with new methods and procedures, needs to be taken to get more conclusive results.

However, the overall impact to improved brain activity is clear based on the studies. This is why the likes of Vinpocetine and Huperzine A are widely used not only as a supplement for diseases, but for improved gym and sports performance as well.