Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic compound derived from Vincamine, which is an alkaloid from the Periwinkle flower. We prefer it to straight Vincamine, which upsets patient’s stomachs much more often. Vinpocetine was developed in Hungary and is a prescription drug throughout Europe and in Japan.

Periwinkle or Vinca Minor is a mother lode of important alkaloids. Both Vinchristine and Vinblastine are chemotherapeutic alkaloids from Periwinkle. The ancient Europeans considered Periwinkle a magical plant. The French called it the violet of sorcerers.

Vinpocetine is the most important ingredient to the success of our peripheral neuropathy protocol. It has a specific action where it increases blood flow at the end of nerves. This protocol is almost always effective, except when loss of circulation is too extreme.

Vinpocetine has a vast array of uses, many of which are based on increased peripheral circulation. It does cross the blood brain barrier. It is used for mild dementia, with improved cognition and concentration. It oxygenates the brain and can be used for depression as well.

One of our favorite applications is for altitude sickness. Start it at least 3 days before ascending to high altitude. For patients traveling to Machu Picchu where you go from sea level to 11000 feet, we have seen it enormously helpful.

To augment sexual experience we use a higher dose of Vinpocetine. It turns on skin sensation and can be used at the same time as ED drugs, like Viagra, but is generally not strong enough to replace their use entirely. Vinpocetine like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis all inhibit Phosphodiesterase which also promises a neuroprotective effect. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases are a family of enzymes that are involved in cell signaling. Inhibiting these enzymes holds much promise in therapeutic interventions of disease and are a hot research topic.