Vinpocetine is an alkaloid of Vinca minor plant obtained from its leaves. It is marketed as a drug under “Cavinton” and “Cavinton forte” trade names since 1970s. Vinpocetine also widely used in a variety of nootropic proprietary blends that you can find on Amazon.
Vinpocetine is a cerebral vasodilator, which means it is intended to improve cerebral blood flow and is used to treat cerebrovascular disorders. The vasodilatory action of Cavinton is mediated by smooth muscle relaxation and blood viscosity decrease. The drug is also shown to increase oxygen and glucose uptake in the brain and does provide moderate neuroprotective effect through sodium channels inhibition.
Indications for use are:
- Cerebrovascular disorders
- Retinal vascular disorders
- Macular degeneration
- Secondary glaucoma
- Meniere's disease and Tinnitus