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Limited evidenceBrain & cognition

Vinpocetine

A semi-synthetic periwinkle alkaloid that is a prescription drug in much of the world and should not be treated as a food ingredient. The evidence for cognitive benefit has been inconclusive for over twenty years, and it carries a documented developmental toxicity risk in pregnancy.

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What the science says

  • Cognitive impairment and dementia Limited evidence

    The Cochrane review of vinpocetine for cognitive impairment and dementia pooled three trials at 30-60 mg/day and concluded the evidence was inconclusive, with no reliable demonstration of clinical benefit. No adequately powered trial has been published since to change that conclusion.

  • Post-stroke cognitive function and cerebral blood flow Limited evidence

    Vinpocetine measurably increases cerebral blood flow and glucose uptake in imaging studies, which is the mechanistic basis for its use after stroke. Clinical trials in post-stroke cognitive dysfunction are small, mostly open-label and largely from single regions, and umbrella reviews of post-stroke therapies rate the supporting evidence as low certainty.

  • Product quality and dose accuracy Moderate evidence

    An analysis of US dietary supplements labelled as containing vinpocetine found the measured amount varied widely from the declared dose, with some products containing none at all and others delivering pharmaceutical-range quantities. Consumers cannot reliably know what dose they are taking.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseClinical studies used 5-10 mg three times daily (15-60 mg/day) with food. Supplements typically supply 10-20 mg/day. Given the drug status and quality problems, there is no dose we would call routinely advisable outside medical supervision.
SafetyContraindicated in pregnancy and in women who could become pregnant: the US FDA issued a 2019 warning citing animal data showing decreased fetal weight and increased risk of miscarriage, and concluded vinpocetine does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient. It is a prescription medicine (e.g. Cavinton) in Hungary, Russia, Japan and elsewhere, and is not permitted as a supplement ingredient in Canada. Side effects include flushing, hypotension, dizziness, headache, nausea and sleep disturbance; it may increase bleeding risk with warfarin, DOACs or antiplatelets, and should be avoided with hypotensive medication and before surgery.

How to take it

TimingThree times daily in the clinical studies.
With food?With food — absorption is substantially better and stomach upset less likely.
Worth knowingDo not take it if you are pregnant or could become pregnant: the FDA warned in 2019 about animal data showing reduced fetal weight and miscarriage risk.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelet drugs

    Vinpocetine may increase bleeding risk. do not combine without medical supervision, and stop before surgery

  • blood-pressure medication

    Vinpocetine can cause flushing and hypotension, adding to antihypertensive drugs. monitor blood pressure, or avoid the combination

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does vinpocetine improve memory or cognition?

The evidence is limited: the Cochrane review of vinpocetine for cognitive impairment and dementia found it inconclusive, with no reliable clinical benefit, and no adequately powered trial has changed that since.

Is vinpocetine safe during pregnancy?

No. Do not take vinpocetine if you are pregnant or could become pregnant: the US FDA warned in 2019 about animal data showing reduced fetal weight and increased miscarriage risk.

Is vinpocetine legal as a supplement?

Vinpocetine is a prescription medicine in Hungary, Russia, Japan and elsewhere, is not permitted as a supplement ingredient in Canada, and the FDA concluded in 2019 that it does not meet the US definition of a dietary ingredient. Tested US vinpocetine products ranged from none at all to pharmaceutical-range doses.

Does vinpocetine interact with blood thinners?

Vinpocetine may increase bleeding risk with warfarin, DOACs or antiplatelet drugs, so do not combine them without medical supervision and stop before surgery. Vinpocetine can also cause flushing and low blood pressure on top of antihypertensives.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Life Extension, Vinpocetine, 100 Vegetarian Tablets

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