Vinpocetine — A Stroke of Good Luck

Vinpocetine—a synthetic derivative of a compound found in the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor)— has been shown to enhance blood circulation in the brain, dilate blood vessels, and exert antioxidant properties.¹ In the United States, vinpocetine has traditionally been used to promote blood flow; in Europe it's been used for more than two decades to treat stroke patients.² Intravenous dosing with vinpocetine increases glucose (blood sugar) to the brain in both the unaffected and stroke-affected regions, enhancing rehabilitation for stroke patients. Blood flow, however, appears to increase only in the unaffected region.³

Although several human studies have examined its safety and efficacy in enhancing blood flow and improving memory, oftentimes these studies lack the quality testing needed to assess the real merits of vinpocetine. Despite these shortcomings, the overall research to date shows great promise for vinpocetine as a poststroke agent with an apparently exceptional safety record.⁴

References

1. Kiss B, Karpati E. Mechanism of action of vinpocetine. Acta Pharm Hung 1996 Sep;66(5):213-24.

2. Bereczki D, Fekete I. Vinpocetine for acute ischemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;2:CD000480.

3. Szakall S, et al. Cerebral effects of a single dose of intravenous vinpocetine in chronic stroke patients: a PET study. J Neuroimaging 1998;8:197-204.

4. Hindmarch I, et al. Efficacy and tolerance of vinpocetine in ambulant patients suffering from mild to moderate organic psychosyndromes. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1991;6:31-43.