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).
Typical use: 15-45 mg/day PO divided — Rx in EU/Asia; OTC US though FDA has warned against supplement sale.
What this is
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. Avoid in pregnancy — uterotonic.
Mechanism
Synthetic derivative of vincamine (from Vinca minor); PDE1 inhibitor; sodium channel blocker; increases cerebral blood flow; anti-inflammatory
Dose & route
15-45 mg/day PO divided
Citations
- https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-issues-statement-warning-against-use-vinpocetine-dietary-supplements
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12687346/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566641/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Vinpocetine work?
- 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).
- Is Vinpocetine safe?
- Vinpocetine has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx in EU/Asia; OTC US though FDA has warned against supplement sale. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Vinpocetine?
- 15-45 mg/day PO divided
- 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.