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. Citation repair 2026-08-29: the FDA constituent-update URL for the vinpocetine warning 404s — FDA reorganised that section. Replaced with the live ingredient page, which carries the same June 2019 advice that women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should not take vinpocetine, and FDA's position that it does not meet the definition of a dietary ingredient.
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.