Vinpocetine
PDE1-inhibiting neuroprotective nootropic from a Vinca minor alkaloid (Cavinton), a cerebral circulation enhancer.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS VINPOCETINE?
Detailed overview
Vinpocetine is a neuroprotective nootropic semisynthesized from vincamine, an alkaloid of the lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor), developed in 1978 by the Hungarian company Gedeon Richter under the name Cavinton. It mainly inhibits phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1), raising intracellular cAMP and cGMP, dilating cerebral vessels and improving cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery. It also blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and reduces calcium influx (neuroprotection), and dampens the IKK-β / NF-κB inflammatory pathway. In Europe, Japan and the post-Soviet region it has been used for decades as a prescription cerebral-circulation drug, whereas in the United States the FDA has not approved it and in 2019 warned about risk during pregnancy.
Mechanism
PDE1 inhibitor + sodium-channel blocker
Half-life
About 1-2 hours (short)
Legal status
EU/JP prescription, US: not FDA-approved
Receptor profile
- PDE1 phosphodiesteraseStrong
- Voltage-gated sodium channelsModerate
- IKK-β / NF-κB inflammatory pathwayModerate
- Red blood cell deformabilityModerate
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- Facial flushing, especially after dosing
- Nausea and other gastrointestinal upset
- Dizziness and headache
- Transient drop in blood pressure (mild hypotension)
- Sleep disturbance or dry mouth in some users
- Theoretically increased bleeding tendency from its antiplatelet effect
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the FDA warned specifically about fetal risk in 2019; avoid
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant / antiplatelet therapy (increased bleeding risk)
- Avoid in the days before scheduled surgery due to bleeding risk
- Marked hypotension, as it may lower blood pressure further
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Vinpocetine for cognitive impairment and dementia
Szatmari SZ, Whitehouse PJ
Vinpocetine for acute ischaemic stroke
Bereczki D, Fekete I
Vinpocetine Inhibits NF-κB-Dependent Inflammation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Zhang F, Yan C, Wei C, Yao Y, Ma X, Gong Z, et al.
The treatment of cognitive dysfunction in dementia: a multiple treatments meta-analysis
Perng CH, Chang YC, Tzang RF
Inhibitory effects of vinpocetine on the progression of atherosclerosis
Zhuang J, Peng W, Li H, Lu Y, Wang K, Fan F, et al.
FAQ
FAQ
PDE1-inhibiting neuroprotective nootropic from a Vinca minor alkaloid (Cavinton), a cerebral circulation enhancer.
Telegram
Have a question about Vinpocetine?
Reach out to us on Telegram for a personalized stack. We'll be happy to help.
Personalized consultation
Want a detailed conversation tailored to your data?
Fill out the prep intake form (your goals, training and health data), and the advisor prepares from it to give genuinely personalized guidance.
Fill out the form~5–7 min · prep questionnaire · confidential · GDPR-compliant
Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.