Vinpocetine
Cognitive · Cerebral vasodilator
Tier C+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Vinpocetine as C+ (5.6/10) based on weak-moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
FDA 2019 statement that vinpocetine does not meet dietary supplement criteria (it's a synthetic drug).
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 15-45 mg/day PO divided — Rx in EU/Asia; OTC US though FDA has warned against supplement sale; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
FDA 2019 statement that vinpocetine does not meet dietary supplement criteria (it's a synthetic drug). Still widely sold OTC. Cavinton approved in ~50 countries for cerebrovascular indications. Evidence quality mixed. Vinpocetine has uterotonic and fetal-risk concerns in pregnancy.
Mechanism
Synthetic derivative of vincamine (from Vinca minor); PDE1 inhibitor; sodium channel blocker; increases cerebral blood flow; anti-inflammatory
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
15-45 mg/day PO divided
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Vinpocetine's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Vinpocetine as Weak-Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.6/10). FDA 2019 statement that vinpocetine does not meet dietary supplement criteria (it's a synthetic drug).
- What safety findings are reported for Vinpocetine?
- Vinpocetine has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (hypotension, anticoagulant interaction; FDA pregnancy warning: uterotonic and fetal-risk concerns) Legal status: Rx in EU/Asia; OTC US though FDA has warned against supplement sale.
- What doses or routes are reported for Vinpocetine?
- 15-45 mg/day PO divided This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Vinpocetine work?
- Synthetic derivative of vincamine (from Vinca minor); PDE1 inhibitor; sodium channel blocker; increases cerebral blood flow; anti-inflammatory
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.