Vinpocetine Review: What are the Benefits of this Natural Nootropic?

Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetically derived alkaloid from the Vinca Minor plant with many benefits for mental performance.

Studies have shown this natural nootropic to be effective for improving memory function, learning and age-related cognitive impairment.

Vinpocetine is also a concentration booster known to increase mental energy metabolism while keeping your neurons safe from toxins and damage.

Many people consider Vinpocetine to be one of the basic nootropic supplements that should be taken by everyone on a daily basis. You will find Vinpocetine in Nootropic products like Alpha Brain or you can purchase it on its own for use in a stack.

Learn more about the mechanism of action and benefits of this herbal compound in our Vinpocetine review.

Vinpocetine

Herbal Supplement

Mental Energy

Memory

Brain Health

How It Works:

• Increases blood flow & brain metabolism
• Supports energy, focus & memory
• Combats free radicals & oxidative damage

Dosage:

Between 10 - 60 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What is Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine comes from one of 50 alkaloids that have been extracted from the Vinca Minor or Periwinkle plant.

It is a derivative of Vincamine which makes up between 25-65% of the indole alkaloid content in Vinca Minor.

The Vinpocetine used today is synthetically produced to ensure quality, but the herbal origins of this compound means that it is normally classified as a natural nootropic.

It was first isolated is 1975 by Csaba Szántay – a chemist in Hungary and later entered mainstream distribution in Eastern Europe where it is used to treat memory loss with aging.

There have been several double-blind clinical trials examining the effects of Vinpocetine on memory, learning and brain function with positive results. Researchers are continuing to study the potential implications for Vinpocetine in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The cognitive enhancement effects of Vinpocetine primarily come from the fact that it is a cerebral vasodilator which means it causes the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. Unlike other vasodilators, Vinpocetine’s effects specifically target the cerebrum and do not result in an increase in blood pressure throughout the body or added stress on the heart.

By dilating brain blood vessels, Vinpocetine can actually increase blood circulation to the brain which means that your brain receives more of the materials and nutrients it needs to function at a high level.

Improved blood flow also helps to remove unwanted toxins from neurons and supporting cells. In particular, Vinpocetine is associated with better oxygen supply and greater glucose uptake by your brain. This has the effect of promoting better cerebral metabolism and can increase energy and alertness levels.

Your brain uses 20% of the glucose (sugar) you consume as fuel for the many millions of brain processes that are constantly occurring.

Glucose and oxygen are converted by brain cells into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) which is the main energy source for your neurons. ATP also is involved in the transportation of nutrients and energy to all of the systems in your cells.

Vinpocetine is observed to increase production of ATP which explains why individuals generally feel more energized, experience greater clarity of thought, and can focus better after taking Vinpocetine.

The effects of Vinpocetine are not strictly limited to boosting energy levels in the brain. This nootropic compound can also boost neurotransmitter production for noradrenalin (norepinephrine), dopamine, serotonin and the all-important acetylcholine.

Vinpocetine also acts as an anti-inflammatory for your brain which could help to remedy a number of cognitive disorders in which this is a major symptom.

Finally, Vinpocetine has further been observed to stimulate neurons in the Locus Coeruleus (LC) which is the part of the brain that regulates wakefulness and arousal. By activating this nerve center, you can improve concentration and even promote faster information processing

Vinpocetine Benefits

The benefits of Vinpocetine resemble those of the more powerful nootropics such as Piracetam or Aniracetam. There are both purely cognitive benefits as well as overall improvements for mental performance and mood. Below are some of the key positive effects of Vinpocetine:

• Anti-oxidant and detoxifier for brain cells
• Promotes better neuron health
• Increases energy and alertness
• Powerful focus booster
• Improves short and long-term memory
• Prevents or reduces age-related skill impairment
• Some mood enhancement

Vinpocetine Side Effects

Vinpocetine is considered safe with low risk of side effects when used appropriate by healthy individuals. It has a lower toxicity rating than caffeine and is generally well tolerated.

While there are no serious Vinpocetine side effects, some people may experience mild discomfort when using this supplement. In some instances headaches, nausea, stomach pain, anxiety, light-headedness and difficulty falling asleep were reported.

Vinpocetine is contraindicated for people with bleeding disorders, immunocompromised individuals and people undergoing planned surgery within two weeks. There is insufficient evidence to determine safety for pregnant or nursing women and children.

This supplement has anti-platelet effects which means that it may affect blood clotting and platelet aggregation. For this reason, using it with anti-coagulant drugs or supplements could result in negative interactions.

It is advised to drink lots of water with Vinpocetine and do not take it too late in the day or it may induce insomnia. Check with your doctor before taking this or any supplement to determine whether it is appropriate for you and what the right way to use it is.

Vinpocetine Dosage

The recommended dosage for Vinpocetine is between 50 to 100 mg divided between two or three doses a day. You may experience positive results with even less than this amount – especially when used in a stack with other Nootropics. It is a good idea to start by taking 10 mg of Vinpocetine and do not increase until you have at least one week of side-effect free experience.

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