Factors Responsible for Vinpocetine Herb
Related Alternative Medicine Articles
Vinpocetine Herb Description
Source
Vinpocetine is derived from vincamine, an alkaloid from the extract of the periwinkle plant, Vinca minor. It is a semisynthetic ethyl ester of apovincamine. V minor is indigenous to northern Spain and parts of central and southern Europe. The medicinal parts of the plant include the dried leaves and the flowering plant.
Chemical Components
V. minor contains indole alkaloids (vincamine, vincin, apovincamine, vincadifformin) and flavonoids.
Actions
The actual mechanism of action of vinpocetine is not fully understood. Potentially, it is a vasodilator and enhancer of cerebral metabolism. It is thought to have a stimulating effect on memory and increases metabolic activity in the brain by increasing blood flow. There are also claims that vinpocetine inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the release of serotonin and norepinephrine. Vinpocetine may have direct or indirect cholinergic activity, increase the turnover of brain catecholamine levels, and enhance norepinephrine effects on cortical cAMP levels . Vinpocetine may also block sodium ion channels .
Reported Uses
A study of eight patients with renal failure who were undergoing hemodialysis reported that vinpocetine, IS mg P.O. daily, treated intractable tumoral calcinosis after 6 to 12 months of therapy .
In Europe, vinpocetine is commonly administered to patients with cerebrovascular disorders. It is claimed to be useful for memory and cognitive function enhancement and to increase brain function. Vinpocetine has been evaluated but not shown to be effective in improving symptoms of Alzheimer's disease . Another study evaluated the use of vinpocetine in Alzheimer's disease patients . This study determined the safety of vinpocetine but suggested that vinpocetine did not decrease the rate of disease progression. Vinpocetine, 30 mg P.O. daily, did demonstrate clinical improvement in patients with vascular or degenerative cerebral dysfunction . Another report reviewed the use of vinpocetine in acute ischemic stroke and determined that evidence to recommend vinpocetine to these patients was insufficient . Vinpocetine has been claimed to treat aphasia, unstable blood pressure, poor coordination, depression, dizziness, headache, impaired hearing and vision, insomnia, irritability, mood instability, motor disorders, nervousness, ophthalmic diseases, acute stroke, and vertigo.
Contraindications and Precautions
Vinpocetine is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this herb. Avoid its use in pregnant or breast-feeding patients. Use vinpocetine cautiously in patients with a history of allergic phenomena during treatment with other vinca alkaloids, in those with hepatic disease, and in those with nonorganic psychoses.
Special Considerations
-
Patients with nonorganic psychoses or other mental illnesses should be evaluated before initiating therapy.
-
Elderly patients may require higher doses of vinpocetine because they have significantly higher plasma clearance and a larger volume of distribution of vinpocetine.
-
Monitor the patient for improvement of neurologic parameters, dementia symptoms, and daily functioning.
-
Monitor the patient with seizure disorder closely.
-
Routine blood chemistry, blood pressure, and pulse rate monitoring should be performed during long-term therapy with vinpocetine.
-
Advise the patient to take vinpocetine tablets or capsules with meals and fluids and not to chew them.
Points of Interest
- In Italy, the flower of V. minor is called "The Flower of Death" because it was used in ancient custom to make garlands placed on dead children. Ironically, in Germany, it is called the "Flower of Immortality:' In France, the flower is considered a symbol of friendship.
Commentary
Although there have been studies in both animals and humans, there is contradictory information for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and ischemic stroke. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vinpocetine.
More articles from this pro: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Mike Singh
More on Health & Fitness
and
Alternative Medicine can be found here.
|
