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Vinpocetine is a synthetic compound derivative of vincamine, an
alkaloid derived from the plant vinca minor, and a member of the
periwinkle family. Vinpocetine, as well as vincamine, are used in
many regions of Europe, Japan, and Mexico for cerebrovascular and
cognitive disorders. In the United States, vinpocetine is available
in different forms as a dietary supplement. It is often referred to
as a nootropic or cognition enhancer.
Vinpocetine appears to
have antioxidant effects equivalent to vitamin E, enhances blood
flow, and other effects that may be beneficial to brain function and
age-related
cognitive decline. Additionally, vinpocetine has a number of
possible biological and beneficial health effects, including
increasing cerebral blood flow, increasing metabolism,
anticonvulsant, cognition enhancement, and neuroprotection.
Vincamine, the parent compound used to produce vinpocetine, is
believed by many researchers to be a cerebral
vasodilator.
Dosage
While there is no
recommended dosage for vinpocetine, researchers have typically used
30 to 60 mg per day of vinpocetine in their studies. Taking
vinpocetine with food appears to dramatically improve its
absorption.
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