PharmaceuticalNootropicVincamine derivativeCerebral vasodilatorPDE1 inhibitor

Vinpocetine

Also known as Cavinton · Ethyl apovincaminate · Intelectol

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20261 sources0 comments

A semi-synthetic vincamine derivative used for cerebrovascular disorders and cognitive decline, mainly in Europe and Asia. It has moderate human data but the FDA has warned it is not a lawful dietary supplement and may harm pregnancy.

01 Overview

Vinpocetine is derived from vincamine, an alkaloid of the periwinkle plant. It is marketed as a drug (Cavinton) in several countries for cerebrovascular insufficiency, stroke recovery and age-related memory problems, and is sold as a supplement elsewhere.

In 2019 the US FDA concluded vinpocetine does not meet the definition of a dietary ingredient and warned that it may cause miscarriage or fetal harm, advising against use in pregnancy or by women who could become pregnant.

02 Mechanism

Inhibits phosphodiesterase-1 and blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, increasing cerebral blood flow and having neuroprotective/anti-inflammatory effects.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Common	5–40 mg/day	Oral	Often divided; typical supplement doses 10-30 mg/day.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Cognitive support in cerebrovascular diseaseBenefit reported in older trials of vascular cognitive impairment; healthy-user data is weaker.	Modest	Clinical
Increased cerebral blood flowDemonstrated to raise cerebral perfusion.		Clinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence	Countermeasures
Hypotension and GI upsetFlushing, low blood pressure, nausea or sleep disturbance.	Mild	Uncommon	Clinical
Reproductive/pregnancy riskAnimal data and FDA analysis indicate possible miscarriage or fetal harm.	Severe	FDA warning	Preclinical

06 Legal status

Prescription drug (Cavinton)

Approved cerebrovascular medicine. · as of Jan 2026

United States

Not a lawful dietary supplement (FDA)

Still sold; FDA warns against use in pregnancy. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

FDA warns about the risks of vinpocetine (2019)US FDA safety communication

08 Discussion0 comments

Create account

Discussion is moderated. No sourcing, vendor names or price talk — those comments are removed, and repeat posts are banned.

This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.