Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of the vinca alkaloid vincamine, an extract from the periwinkle plant. Vinpocetine was first synthesized in the late 1960s by Hungarian chemist Csaba Szántay. The compound is sold by prescription in Europe and Japan under the brand name Cavinton and as a dietary supplement in the United States and Canada.

History

Vinpocetine was first synthesized in 1969 by the Hungarian pharmaceutical company Chinoin (now part of Sanofi). The compound was developed as a treatment for cerebrovascular disorders and related symptoms. In 1978, it was approved for use in Hungary under the brand name Cavinton.

Pharmacology

Vinpocetine is a vasodilator and cerebral metabolic enhancer. It increases cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, and enhances the brain's use of glucose and ATP. Vinpocetine also has neuroprotective effects, including inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1), and anti-inflammatory effects.

Medical uses

Vinpocetine is used in many countries for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke and dementia. It is also used to treat Meniere's disease, cognitive impairment, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Side effects

Common side effects of vinpocetine include nausea, stomach pain, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and headache. In rare cases, it can cause a drop in blood pressure, rash, and weakness.

Regulatory status

In the United States, vinpocetine is sold as a dietary supplement. In Europe and Japan, it is a prescription drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed to ban the sale of vinpocetine as a dietary supplement due to concerns about its safety and effectiveness.

See also

• Vincamine
• Periwinkle
• Cerebrovascular disorders
• Dietary supplement