Vinpocetine is an alkaloid synthesized from vincamine, a natural compound extracted from the leaves of periwinkle(Vinca minor L) which was first developed in Europe over 20 years ago. Vinpocetine is absorbed in the small intestine and then processed in the liver.
Vinpocetine attenuates cognitive deficits,reduces ischaemia-induced hippocampal cell loss and increases cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization.
In a double-blind clinical trial, vinpocetine, a synthetic ethyl ester of apovincamine, was shown to effect significant improvement in elderly patients with chronic cerebral dysfunction.