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Alzheimer's Supplements
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Ginkgo
Huperzine A
Phosphatidylserine
Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine; Periwinkle

Proposed Uses: Alzheimer's Disease and Other Forms of Dementia; Enhancing Mental Function (in healthy people) ; Strokes

Vinpocetine is derived from vincamine, a constituent found in the leaves of common periwinkle as well as various African plants. It is used as a treatment for memory loss and mental impairment.

Developed in Hungary over 20 years ago, vinpocetine is sold in Europe as a drug under the name Cavinton. In the United States it is available as a "dietary supplement," although the substance probably doesn't fit that category by any rational definition. Vinpocetine doesn't exist to any significant extent in nature. Producing it requires significant chemical work performed in the laboratory.

Some evidence supports the idea that vinpocetine can enhance memory and mental function, especially in those with Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. It is also widely marketed for enhancing memory in healthy people, but there is no real evidence that it is helpful for this purpose.

A controlled trial of 203 individuals with mild dementia found significant benefit. Benefits have been seen in other studies as well. However, a major review found that overall the evidence that it works remains too weak to rely upon, due to limitations in study quality.

30 individuals who had just had a stroke received either placebo or vinpocetine along with conventional treatment for 30 days. The results showed that participants in the vinpocetine group experienced a significantly reduced level of residual disability as measured at 3 months.

Dosage
The usual dose of vinpocetine is 10-mg capsules 3 times per day, although dosages ranging from half to twice that amount have been used in studies. Vinpocetine reportedly is better absorbed when taken with a meal.

Safety Issues
No serious side effects have been reported in any of the clinical trials. However, there is one case report of vinpocetine apparently causing agranulocytosis (loss of certain white blood cells).

Vinpocetine inhibits blood platelets from forming clots, and for this reason it couldcause problems if it is taken by individuals with bleeding problems, during the period immediately before or after surgery or labor and delivery, or in combinationwith medications or natural substances that also affect platelet activity, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), pentoxifylline (Trental), garlic, ginkgo, policosanol, or high-dosage vitamin E.

The drug warfarin (Coumadin) affects blood clotting, but not through actions on platelets. One study found only a minimal interaction between warfarin and vinpocetine, and interestingly, it was in the direction of decreased clotting.Nonetheless, combination therapy with vinpocetine and warfarin should not be attempted except under the supervision of a physician.

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