Vinpocetine has shown promising applications in eye health and vision improvement.

Studies have demonstrated its potential in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with early research indicating that oral administration of vinpocetine for 2 months may improve vision in AMD patients[1].

Additionally, vinpocetine has exhibited protective effects against retinal ischemia, a condition that can lead to vision loss.

In ex vivo and in vivo models of retinal ischemia, vinpocetine reduced metabolic demand and improved retinal function, possibly by increasing glucose availability and enhancing glutamate homeostasis[3].

The compound has also been investigated for its potential in managing eye diseases with underlying vascular disorders, as it may improve blood circulation in the eye[6].

Furthermore, recent research has explored vinpocetine's application in treating myopia, suggesting it may help prevent or control the progression of this common vision condition[7].

These findings collectively highlight vinpocetine's potential as a multifaceted agent for maintaining and improving ocular health.

Citations:

[1] https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/vinpocetine.htm

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766389/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25696811/

[4] https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/10/2502

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27899287/

[6] https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/ra/d3ra07325d

[7] https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240165089A1/en

[8] https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpcell.00291.2014

Background:

Vinpocetine, a synthetic derivative of the alkaloid vincamine found in the lesser periwinkle plant (Vinca minor L.), has a fascinating history of discovery and development.

Originally synthesized in the late 1960s, vinpocetine was first marketed in Hungary around 1978 under the trade name Cavinton[7][9].

This innovative compound quickly gained recognition for its potential in treating cerebrovascular disorders and cognitive impairments.

Developed by Hungarian researchers, vinpocetine has since been used clinically in many Asian and European countries for the prevention and treatment of stroke, senile dementia, and memory disturbances[9].

Its ability to enhance cerebral blood flow and metabolism, coupled with its neuroprotective properties, has made vinpocetine a subject of interest in the scientific community for over four decades[5][9].

Relevant quotes:

"Vinpocetine has been initially developed for the treatment of neurological diseases associated with cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke and dementia"[9] - As stated in a comprehensive review published in the journal Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

"There's significant evidence that it aids memory and cognitive function" - Dr. Ray Sahelian, a nutrition expert and author, as quoted in a Chiro.org article[8].

"Although the basic science is interesting, the evidence for beneficial effect of vinpocetine on patients with dementia is inconclusive and does not support clinical use"[6] - Conclusion from a review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Citations:

[1] https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/v/vinpocetine.html

[2] https://bepharco.com/en-US/vinpocetin-in-neurological-diseases

[3] https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/vinpocetine-market-109977

[4] https://ajprd.com/index.php/journal/article/download/71/65

[5] https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/vinpocetine

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2731997/

[7] https://www.drugs.com/npp/vinpocetine.html

[8] https://chiro.org/nutrition/Vinpocetine.shtml

[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766389/

[10] https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/ra/d3ra07325d

[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinpocetine

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Vinpocetine has been initially developed for the treatment of neurological diseases associated with cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke and dementia"[1]

"Vinpocetine improves brain blood flow by acting as a cerebral vasodilator"[1]

"Vinpocetine significantly attenuated vessel wall thickening and neointimal formation in mouse carotid arteries after ligation injury"[1]

References:

1. "An update on Vinpocetine: New discoveries and clinical implications" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766389/)

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Cerebral vasodilation[1]

2. Enhancement of cerebral metabolism[1]

3. Antioxidant activity[1]

4. Prevention of neurotoxic calcium and sodium elevation[1]

5. Anti-inflammatory effects[7]

Related benefits:

1. Improvement in cognitive performance[3]

2. Enhancement of short-term memory[3]

3. Attenuation of high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis[1]

4. Prevention of neuronal damage[3]

5. Protection against gastric lesions caused by excessive alcohol consumption[5]

Suggested daily human dosage ranges:

1. 5 to 20 mg per day[4]

2. 5 to 90 mg per day (based on available supplement dosages)[4]

3. 5-10 mg three times daily for treating memory and thinking disorders[8]

Botanical information:

- Botanical name: Vinca minor L.[2]

- Common names: Lesser periwinkle, myrtle, creeping myrtle[2]

- Typical content range: Not provided in the search results

- Plant amount for suggested dosage: Not provided in the search results

Citations:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5766389/

[2] https://www.drugs.com/npp/vinpocetine.html

[3] https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/vinpocetine

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559689/

[5] https://alzheimersprevention.org/vinpocetine-food-thought/

[6] https://taylorandfrancis.com/knowledge/Medicine_and_healthcare/Pharmaceutical_medicine/Vinpocetine/

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2890434/

[8] https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/vinpocetine.htm

[9] https://www.fda.gov/food/information-select-dietary-supplement-ingredients-and-other-substances/vinpocetine-dietary-supplements

[10] https://nootropicsexpert.com/vinpocetine/

[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinpocetine

[12] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48461-4

[13] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5655200/