Lesser Periwinkle
Also known as: Lesser Periwinkle, Vinca, Periwinkle, Vincamine, Vinpocetine, Brovincamine, Vinca minor
Overview
Lesser Periwinkle (*Vinca minor*) is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family, typically characterized by its attractive blue-violet flowers and evergreen foliage. This plant is rich in medicinal alkaloids, notably vincamine and its semi-synthetic derivative, vinpocetine. Traditionally used in folk medicine, lesser periwinkle has been utilized for addressing cognitive impairments, chronic glaucoma, and auditory issues like hearing loss. Research on its efficacy is mixed, prompting calls for further studies to clarify the therapeutic potency and safety of its alkaloids. Among the different forms derived from the plant, vinpocetine is the most commonly marketed supplement, often consumed for its potential cognitive enhancement effects.
Benefits
Vinpocetine is primarily recognized for its possible cognitive enhancement effects, with studies indicating that daily doses ranging from 30-60 mg may improve cognitive performance in individuals with dementia. However, the quality of this evidence is variable, often constrained by limited participant numbers. Additionally, brovincamine shows promise for managing chronic glaucoma, while high doses of vinpocetine may be beneficial for individuals dealing with hearing loss and tinnitus. Despite these potential benefits, the observed effects tend to be modest, varying significantly across different demographics, hence more comprehensive research is necessary to develop concrete clinical guidelines.
How it works
Vinpocetine functions predominantly as a vasodilator, which aids in augmenting cerebral blood flow. Its neuroprotective qualities stem from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, which may help alleviate neuronal damage. Furthermore, vinpocetine may modulate cellular calcium levels, countering conditions involving calcium overload. This ingredient impacts both the cardiovascular and nervous systems by altering neurotransmitter dynamics and vascular responses, although the detailed molecular pathways remain under examination.
Side effects
Vinpocetine is largely regarded as safe when taken within the recommended dosages of 5-40 mg daily. Common side effects reported by over 5% of users include flushing, headaches, and hypotension. Additionally, less frequent side effects—occurring in fewer than 5% of users—may reflect these reactions, and rare adverse effects (<1%) have not been thoroughly documented. Users combining vinpocetine with other vasodilators should exercise caution due to potential blood pressure implications. Special precaution is also warranted for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the safety of vinpocetine in these populations remains uncertain.
Dosage
The generally recommended dosage for vinpocetine ranges from 30 mg to 60 mg per day, particularly for cognitive enhancement purposes. Responses can vary among individuals; therefore, clinical studies sometimes employ doses up to 60 mg, which are generally well-tolerated. An upper limit of 40 mg daily is frequently suggested to ensure safety, with adverse reactions at higher doses being infrequent. Vinpocetine is typically available in oral capsule or tablet formulations, and while there are no specific timing recommendations for intake, the factors affecting its absorption require additional exploration.
FAQs
Is vinpocetine safe to take?
Vinpocetine is generally considered safe at recommended doses, though it may cause flushing, headaches, and low blood pressure in some individuals.
When should I take vinpocetine?
There is no specific timing recommended for taking vinpocetine. It's usually taken in capsule or tablet form.
What results can I expect from vinpocetine?
Users may expect modest improvements in cognitive function and potentially in hearing loss, though evidence supporting these effects is not strong.
Can vinpocetine help with weight loss or athletic performance?
Vinpocetine is sometimes claimed to aid in athletic performance or weight loss, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Research Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684822/ – This study assesses the cognitive effects of vinpocetine in dementia patients. A meta-analysis reveals that doses of 30-60 mg daily may provide cognitive benefits, although the overall evidence quality is varied and limited.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20412429/ – This article reviews the pharmacological properties of vincamine and vinpocetine. It discusses their potential as neuroprotective agents with positive implications for cognitive function, though it emphasizes the need for further clinical trials.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/articles/24183498/ – This research investigates brovincamine's role in treating chronic glaucoma. Preliminary findings suggest it may effectively manage intraocular pressure, indicating potential for broader application in ocular health.
Supplements Containing Lesser Periwinkle
Atro-phex
BSN
N.O.-Xplode Blue Raz
BSN
N.O.-Xplode Fruit Punch Caffeine Free
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Fruit Punch Trial Size
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Watermelon
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Green Apple
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Advanced Strength Watermelon
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Advanced Strength Fruit Punch
BSN
