Vinpocetine extract 99% | Vinca minor

Vinpocetine extract 99% | Vinca minor

Properties: Common periwinkle has accompanied humans since ages. In folk medicine it has been applied for quite a long time as the herbalists recognized its beneficial properties. However, the main active compound responsible for its pro-health effects has not been recognized until the 20th century. Only then the scientists realized that it is vincamine – a natural alkaloid found in the leaves of common periwinkle. Then, they decided to “improve” vincamine and make it even more efficient. In this way, they obtained vinpocetine – a synthetic derivative of vincamine.  

Vinpocetine is especially effective when it comes to the influence on the nervous system. Basically, it operates by enlarging the blood vessels in the brain, thereby increasing its oxygenation. Keep in mind that oxygen is crucial for optimal brain functioning. Thanks to vinpocetine the cognitive functions such as concentration and long-term memory improve too. It is possible, because the neuronal pathways become more stabilised, while improved blood supply to these structures benefits the information processing. 

It is no surprise that an improvement in the functioning of the central nervous system benefits the mood as well. It has been demonstrated that supplementation of vinpocetine enhances mental well-being, helps to maintain the inner balance, and strengthens motivation. 

Apart from these features, vinpocetine also has an analgesic effect. It is mostly due to the fact that it improves the blood flow without increasing the blood pressure. Hypertension is a common cause of migraines. This property of vinpocetine is exploited by sportsmen, who supplement it to decrease the pain and tiredness that come from their workout routine. Thus, this compound can be safely used as a support during training or other intense physical activities.  

In sum, vinpocetine is an excellent supplement that benefits the general functioning of the nervous system. It increases the blood flow, thereby improving its efficiency. Scientists have demonstrated that its supplementation strengthens cognitive functions and upregulates the mood, although the full list of its benefits is much longer.

Occurrence: Vinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of vincamine – an alkaloid isolated from the leaves of common periwinkle (Vinca minor). The common periwinkle plant (Vinca minor), also called ‘little’, is an evergreen bush that belongs to the Apocynaceae family of plants. It can be found throughout Europe (except for Scandinavia), where it grows in the deciduous forests, on the slopes of the hills, and in the thickets. Typical for the plant are the stems creeping along the ground, which take root but never climb or twist. They are covered with short-tailed, leathery and dark green elliptical leaves. The flowers of the periwinkle are blue or light purple in color and grow singly in the leaf axils. In folk medicine common periwinkle was first used in the Middle Ages mostly as a remedy for digestive system ailments. What is more, its fresh leaves were applied to treat head and throat aches, stop the nose bleeding, or heal the insect bite marks. Consecrated periwinkle was used to fumigate the sick or weakened people.

Biochemistry: Common periwinkle contains multiple biologically active compounds. Currently, scientists have isolated and described over 50 alkaloids such as vincamine, isovincamine and perivincine. Apart from them, this plant includes also: flavonoids (e.g. robinin), tannins, organic acids, pectins and triterpenes. Nevertheless, the key substance that common periwinkle owes its properties to is vincamine. From the chemist perspective, it is an indole alkaloid. It was first isolated from the leaves of common periwinkle in 1953. 

Vinpocetine is a half-synthetic alkaloid obtained by modifying vincamine. It is very well absorbed from the digestive tract. As soon as 60 minutes after administration its level in blood plasma peaks. When taken along with food, its bioavailability is maximal and reaches between 60 to 100%. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the human organism it benefits blood circulation in the cerebrum because it enlarges the blood vessels within the central nervous system. It also increases the use of glucose and oxygen while improving ATP production and cAMP levels.

Fun fact: Common periwinkle is widespread in folk tradition as a main component of wreaths and bouquets. These were braided especially during weddings or religious celebrations such as Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Herbs. Nowadays, Easter baskets are still decorated with common periwinkle.