Vinpocetine is a synthetic compound that is derived from vincamine, an alkaloid found in the Vinca minor L. plant. Vinpocetine can also be derived from tabersonine, an alkaloid found in Voacanga seeds. According to the information we’ve reviewed, vinpocetine is not a constituent of these plants, or of any other plants. Instead, it is synthetically produced.

On September 6, 2016 the FDA announced its tentative conclusion that vinpocetine (1) does not meet the definition of a dietary ingredient, and (2) is excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The agency is accepting comments on this tentative conclusion until November 7, 2016.

According to a report by NIH’s National Toxicology Program, dietary supplements containing vinpocetine are marketed for uses that include improvement of brain function, rapid weight loss and/or fat loss, increases in energy, and improvement in visual acuity, memory, and focus. Vinpocetine is also reportedly marketed for uses including the prevention of motion sickness and the treatment of menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, seizure disorders, and hearing and eye disorders. The FDA has not assessed whether vinpocetine is effective for any of these uses.

Vinpocetine is also known as:

• Ethyl Apovincaminate
• Common Periwinkle Vinpocetine
• Lesser Periwinkle extract
• Vinca minor extract

Recent FDA Action on Dietary Supplements Labeled as Containing Vinpocetine

• Statement on Warning for Women of Childbearing Age About Possible Safety Risks of Dietary Supplements Containing Vinpocetine
• Constituent Update: FDA Requests Comments on the Status of Vinpocetine
• Federal Register Notice: Request for Comment on the Status of Vinpocetine