Vinpocetine – boosts memory. Studies have shown that it is an extract of the periwinkle plant and how it works is the incredible part! It selectively increases blood to the brain and a lot of things in natural medicine, herbs in particular, doesn’t allow the brain to absorb in, due to what is called the blood brain barrier.
Research suggests vinpocetine may improve cognitive performance and short-term memory loss that is sometimes experienced with stress or aging. Animal studies have shown that vinpocetine significantly increases circulatory parameters including total cerebral blood flow by increasing acetylcholine in the brain.
Clinical trials have deemed that the nutrient is effective in cerebrovascular disorders, as in vascular dementia and stroke. The research indicated that Vinpocetine has a healthy effect on damaged areas of an individual’s brain. The dietary supplement is being investigated, to see if it will aid in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
***The disadvantages of vinpocetine are it can cause nausea, indigestion, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, facial flushing, dry mouth and/or a headache. Of course, these side effects are only a possibility, if you take it. People who are taking ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, aspirin or Plavix, Ticlid, Pentoxifylline should not take Vinpocetine.
It is not advised to take Vinpocetine or any dietary supplement without first consulting your doctor, especially if you are on a blood thinner such as an ant platelet medicine or anti-clotting medication.
Again, on the positive side, studies have indicated that people who take Vinpocetine will have improved memory and cognitive brain functions, which means that it may make you process thoughts more clearly.
Do you ever try the suggested supplements that Dr. Oz talks about? Leave Me a Comment!
What is the recommended daily dosage of vinpocetine?
Sharon: The recommended dosage is 5mg. 3x daily orally. I will put that it in the article now. Thanks for your readership. Come back regularly! Linda
Over the course of a week or two you should try slowly increasing your dose to 40 mg throughout the day, studies suggest that there aren’t increased benefits beyond this point. Work down if this is too much. Point being try up to 40 mg/day, it’s well tolerated
Dr. Smith: If you read the article it says that if you are taking Aspirin DO NOT take vinpocetine. Thanks for reading. Linda Wolschlager
What is an alternative with same benefits as I take plavix?
Getting daily 30 minutes of some kind of exercise, not eating processed foods, trying to relax with your breathing thru the day, are all good ways to counteract high blood cholesterol. Eating as much pure, healthy foods with the right ratio of proteins, carbs and fats is the healthier alternative to medicines.
What brand of Vinpocetine do you recommend? I have been looking them up and don’t really know which to chose.
There is one that is 10 mg. by Life Extension which is a good company.
Thanks for your comments and I agree with what you said. Best Regards!
I take 81 mg. of aspirin a day. Why is it contraindicated to take Vinpocetine when taking aspirin? I was ready to order some and then saw the advice not to take with aspirin.
Karen: Vinpocetine is a vasodialator, meaning it thins the blood. That is why it helps prevent strokes and dementia. Aspirin also thins the blood so it would be just too much blood thinning to use both at the same time. Thanks for the question.
I took one 5mg. tablet of vinpocetine the last 2 days, I am full of energy, but have a hard time sleeping. The brand I’m taking is “Jarrow”. I really want to take it but it gives me insommnia. Will my system get used to it? Thank you.
I would try the Vinpocetine in the morning with breakfast, but if you still notice it making you too “edgy” at bedtime, then don’t use the product. Not every single supplement is for every one’s body. You will have to see how it feels for you after a week. You can use Alpha-Lipoic Acid instead which does not cause any side effects. Thanks, Linda, The Nutrition Advisor
I try everything Dr. Oz suggests.
Dr. Oz is definitely the health doctor guru of our time….I’m sure he and his staff do a lot of research before putting info on their show. There are a lot of talented, smart people out there to learn from, just have to be careful who they are, right?
I take levothyroxine, metoprolol, and hydrochlorothiazide, will any of these medicines interact negatively with Vinpocetine ?
Yes, I would not take it with those meds. Work on using natural formulas to wean off of those drugs. Make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor or me. Thanks
I only take levothyroxine because of removal of entire thyroid. Is Vinpocetine safe for me? Thank you!
All supplements and health products should be taken only after talking with a certified health professional whether naturopathic or traditional about your personal health issues or doing your own research on that product. Every product on the market whether natural or armaceutical can give someone a reaction so we all take things at our own risk, even an aspirin!. I can’t say if its safe for you if I have not met you to make the proper health overview first. I believe this product is great for most people under the right circumstances.
This is a great article…thanks for writing it! I was looking for a brank recommendation on vinpocetin which led me to your site. I’ve been taking vinpoceitin with ginko for a while now based on the recommendation of an ND. You mentioned that these two supplements shouldn’t be mixed. Would you please explain? Thank you!
Jen: They do similar work so it would be overkill. Just use one or other other with your other supplements. They both aid in blood circulation. Thanks, Linda
Why does Dr. Oz recommend you not take this with ginkgo? Thank you.
I am taking a number of vitamins to combat tinnitus, amongst them are magnesium, coq10 and vitamin B. I have added vinpocetine to the mix, does it go along with the other vitamins?
Yes, those combinations would be fine, as long as the CoQ10 formula is not more than 100 mg. daily. Thank you.
I have not seen any inquiries about how long it takes to notice an affect or is it required to be taken daily?
Vincentopine should be taken daily if you have no blood clotting or blood system problems. I would give the product 4-6 weeks to see a result.
I just bought a supplement – Ginkgo Biloba with Vinpocetine. You’re saying NOT to take it together?? The Ginkgo is 120 mg and the is 5 mg. Why would they put it together if it’s not safe? thank you.
I am sorry for a previous response to this combination. After further investigation, I see that it is fine to take it together with that milligram amount combo. I was thinking that a stronger dose of Vinpocetine with the Ginkgo would be too much, but at those strengths you are fine. Please accept my apologies.
No need to apologize, I was just curious.
I do take simvistatin and amlodopine. Is it safe to take with those medications? Thank you.
I honestly do not know which medications are safe or not safe with that particular supplement. Its rather new on the supplement list and not enough is known about it. I would do my best to get off of any statin drugs by using the right nutrition and other supplements because statins cause neuropathy and eventually even weakening of the heart muscle! Its terrible for you. Best Regards, Linda
Thank you! Any supplements you could recommend?
Donna: I only make recommendations based on health history and issues. If you would like to make a Skype appt. visit my website and we can arrange a Skype consultation appointment. Thanks so much for contacting me. Linda
I take several supplements suggested by Dr. Oz. However, I am wondering if I am taking more than necessary to achieve the same goals. I currently take vinopocetin, schizandra, and alpha lipoic acid to aid in memory/brain function, increase mental awareness and to hopefully help prevent Alzheimers. I am a healthy, active, 45 yr old graduate nurse and need all the help I can get when it comes to retaining information! I also take raspberry extract, CLA, and acetyl l carnitine. I eat healthy and exercise, but I still have a few extra pounds I would like to shed. Any advice concerning taking this volume of supplements would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Amy
Hi Amy: One of the most brain effective supplements that you are missing is Omega 3. I recommend Nordic Naturals or Carlson brands, taking up to 3,000 mg. daily for about 2 months then going down to half that afterwards. As far as the weight issue, I would need to discuss your specific issues, etc., since no two bodies are the same when it comes to those things. I provide Skype consults if you look on my website, you can contact me for a Skype appt. $85.00 for an hour and 15 minutes and then $45.00 for each subsequent one. Thanks, Linda
I take two Triple strength fish oil from GNC daily. I know that omega threes can be a blood thinner. So I want to make sure that taking vinpocetine and fish oil is all right. Also are u aware of a connection between vinpocetine and depression. I too am a 40 something in nursing school wanting to improve memory and concentration. I have read about combining vinpocetine and Huperzine. What are your thoughts or suggestions for optimal memory and concentration?
Thanks for reading and your question. I am not a fan of any GNC products because I don’t think you are getting the quality and purity you are paying for, especially in fish oil products. I recommend Carlson Labs or Nordic Naturals as well as Udo’s Choice for fish oil products. I don’t know anything about Huperzine so I can’t answer your questions about that, but vinpocetine needs to be studied further in regards to depression. It won’t hurt you, but you must be on it for about 6-8 weeks before noticing a change in memory, concentration or possibly mood.
does vinpocetine induce gout in any patients?
since i started on it, my gout has reappeared after being gone for years.
any history? coincidence?
Thanks for your question Wally; I don’t see why vinpocetine would induce gout but every person’s body chemistry is so different and of course anything could affect anything to someone at some time! I would say that your diet and water drinking is probably more to blame as well as nutrient deficiency. I would Google natural health sources regarding gout treatment and go from there. Keep reading!
good & sound information. need to learn about vipocetine & blood pressure & other supplements. thanks.
Thanks for reading!
I am 48yr old truck driver. I am researching something to improve my concentration and help with drowsiness during the day or night whichever shift i am on. I work mostly local. My husband has to get up at 330am so my sleep is disturbed as well. Can this help? I use ambien to get to sleep n also take a hormone. I only take a quarter of ambien. I have been researching provigil and nuvigin.
Marilyn: Concentration can be greatly helped by reducing the amount of carbs and sugars you eat. Eating a higher ratio of protein to carb and avoiding all white sugar foods while sticking to whole grain only when it comes to breads, crackers and cereals. Taking 3 Omega 3 fish oil capsules daily is also very helpful, one at each meal. Another supplement combination that helps with energy and concentration is ginko biloba and ginseng- important for the neurotransmitters. Thanks for your question.
In the fouth paragraph of this artical it says: ” People who are taking ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, aspirin or Plavix, Ticlid, Pentoxifylline should not take Vinpocetine.”
I just bought from Costco Ginko Biloba with Vinpocetine by Trunature. It has 120 mg of ginkgo extract and 5 mg of Vinpocetine in each capsel. What is the risk?
Vinpocetine acts as a vascular-dialator. The other items on that list do as well, so its just too much all together and that is why you should not take it if you are already taking those. thanks for your question. Linda
where can I buy vinpocetine here in the Philippines and what are the brand names?
I am sorry but I don’t know anything about products in your country. Your local health food store should be able to answer your question. Thanks
I take a proteolytic enzyme, nattokinase, which is known for thinning blood and helping to prevent blood clots. Would this interfere with taking Vinpocetine? Is it safe to take both of these together?
Thanks,
Gary
Gary, I think taking Vinpocetine while taking natto is overkill. I would not take them together. Thanks for your question. Linda
Thanks, Linda for your prompt response to my question. I have lyme disease and with it I also have c pneumoniae. It was suggested I consider taking Vinpocetine for c pneumoniae. Do you have any suggestions as to what might be good to take for this? I also have high EBV titers as well.
Thanks,
Gary
Gary: I don’t have enough experience with my clients on Vinpocetine specifically, but I would probably concentrate on powerful immune system support like High doses of Vitamin C, herbs like Olive Leaf Extract, Astragalus, CoQ10 or Ubiquenol. You can research those for your issues, OK? Thanks, Lidna
My mom is diabetic and has 50% reduced blood flow in her legs and takes pentoxifyllin
and 81mg aspirin;she also has vascular dementia. I bought a Vitamin World Vinpocetine
10mg and gave 30mg daily for 30 days(as directed by them); and saw good results. Now I understand that the dosage should be reduced; but not clear on new dosage amount.
What is the recommendation and why?
Dee:
VINPOCETINE DRUG INTERACTIONS AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
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 could cause 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.
• Simultaneous use of vinpocetine with blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin , clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or pentoxifylline (Trental), might cause bleeding problems.
• It is also possible that simultaneous use of vinpocetine in combination with natural substances with blood-thinning properties , such as garlic , ginkgo , policosanol , or high-dose vitamin E , might cause bleeding problems.
• Vinpocetine might impair the action of the blood thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin).
It is usually recommended to take 10 mg. 3x daily but if you are on these meds or aspirin, I would either take half that amount or stop taking the aspirin.
I’m 69 and recently retired. I have been experiencing short term memory loss and some cognative problems. I had open heart surgery in 1999 and had a prostate radiation procedure in 2009 which has caused a small bleeding problem . I also have intermittent atrial fibrillation. I take 10 mgs of Crestor, 25 mgs of Metropolol, 2.5 mgs of Ramipril nd 400 mgs of Multaq twice a day plus 81 asprin. I would like to move from drugs to suppliments but am afraid due to the fibrillation. I also take a ton of vitamins including 2400 mgs of Omega 3 daily. It looks like Huperzine A, Vinpocetine, Ginko, Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Ginseng are out. Do you know of ANYHING I can take that won’t conflict with the above medications and vitamins???
Thanks – Dennis
CoQ10 – 150 mg. daily would be safe. I highly recommend you get off the statin drug and address the diet and exercise. Statin drugs are laden with dangerous side effects like actually doing more damage to the heart muscle and causing neuropathy in many patients. If you eat a diet clean of additives, preservatives and sugars or any kind unless they are from fruits, you probably don’t need any high cholesterol meds. Eating as many fruits and vegetables as you can will help detoxify the body and drinking l/2 your body weight in water daily is also vital. So if you weigh 200 lbs. you need 100 oz. of water daily. That helps with brain function too. Thanks for reading. Linda
Which episode of Dr. Oz was vinpocetines mentioned? I’m having a hard time finding it.
It was at least a year ago and not available anymore. You can Google vinpocetine and read from Dr. Joseph Mercola. He usually has info about everything that I would trust as well. Best Regards, Linda
My mother, 83, is experiencing memory issues such as telling a story then ten minutes later forgetting she already told me; also “hallucinating” occasionally (for instance, that there are a lot of people in her house.) She has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She takes diltiazem, lisinopril, red yeast rice, ubiquinol, vit E (not high dose), thyroid supplements, vit D3, K2, B complex, and diatomaceous earth (1 Tbsp). Up until October she’d been also on labetalol, fenofibrate, and simvastatin, but her new doctor (a naturopathic) told her to d/c those meds.
A couple of weeks ago we added Vinprocetine (2 per day). Her blood pressure this week is 150-160 (after averaging in the 140 range. ). Could this be due to adding the vinpocetine? Is there something we should remove from her supplements?
Thanks!
Coleen: Sorry, I don’t feel I can take authority to answer your questions when I have not seen her or taken a thorough health history. To my understanding, there is nothing in vinpocetine that would cause a spike in blood pressure. She should not take Red Yeast Rice at the same time as her statin medication I do know that! If you would like a Skype consultation, feel free to go to my website to contact me and make an appointment. My fee is $75.00 for 1-l/4 hrs. thank you for reading!
She is no longer on statins (since October). Thank you for your reply regarding the vinpocetine.
I ave just developed tinnitus, about two weeks now. I have done reading about various natural remedies. B12,zinc and vinpocetine have mentioned as aids or cures. Can you take them all at once safely? Dosage? Thanks for help
Yes, as long as you are not taking any other medications. Thanks for your reading, Jeff!
My Mom is taking 15 mg vinpocetine 2x daily, since her stroke in ’09. We took her off all pharmaceuticals (warfin, plavix, crestor, beta blockers, etc.). She’s doing much better. We feel it’s due to her exercise, speech therapy, vegetarian diet and vinpocetine.
That’s great news! I love hearing about stories where someone was able to go off of pharma meds and use natural cures that work for them. Nothing is worse for us than high cholesterol prescription drugs! Thanks for reading!