Vincamine is a natural nootropic supplement that is classified as a peripheral vasodilator. This means that it is capable of increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Effects of using Vincamine are reported to include increased mental energy, clarity of thought, intellectual processing and heightened alertness.
It is sold under the trade name Oxybral SR, although there are also a number of generic alternatives, depending on your location and country. Most of the more common formulations are of the sustained release forms.
Vincamine is also considered to be an indole alkaloid, which are common components of fragrances and the precursors to many types of pharmaceuticals.
It is found naturally occurring in the leaves of the Vinca minor or Periwingkle plant and comprises approximately 50% of all the indole alkaloids found within this plant, according to weight. The supplement is also found in the species Catharanthus roseus.
It was first extracted in industrial quantities in 1955 by a team of scientists investigating agents that had vasoactive properties. Nowadays, most nootropic users will take Vinpocetine which is a purified version of Vincamine instead. Vinpocetine gives you all of the same benefits of Vincamine at a greater potency and with a smaller recommended dosage.
Although Vincamine has been used therapeutically for almost three decades, it is still somewhat difficult to pinpoint exactly how it works and exerts its effects.
As a powerful vasodilator, this supplement is observed to relax the smooth muscle cells within the walls of blood vessels.
The effect of this is to actually widen or dilate the vessels that bring blood to the brain. This, of course, also leads to an increase in blood flow.
Vincamine’s effects are selective, affecting primarily the encephalic area. This increases the blood flow going to the brain as well as improved supply of nutrients, oxygen and glucose.
The net result is improved energy production in the brain as well as increased uptake of important resources for cellular maintenance.
Another interesting mechanism of action for this supplement is the activation of a part of the brain stem known as the locus coeruleus. This is an area of the brain stem that is involved with physiological responses to panic and stress.
It is the principle site in the brain for the synthesis of Norepinephrine and is composed mainly of medium-sized neurons. These neurons also extend throughout the cerebral cortex (the area responsible for thinking and planning).
As we age, the numbers of these neurons decline and also seem to lose their effectiveness. Vicamine acts by ‘waking’ these neurons up and re-activating them, helping to offset some of the normally expected age-related cognitive decline.
Many of the benefits of Vincamine are directly related to its vasodilation properties and effects.
By increasing the blood flow to the brain there are a number of different conditions that may be potentially treated. This includes vertigo and Meniere’s syndrome.
It can also help with difficulty in sleeping, mood changes, depression, hearing problems, high blood pressure, and even a lack of blood flow to eyes.
This supplement has also shown some efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. A number of studies have also shown that Vincamine is able to normalize the brain-wave patterns of elderly people who have memory defects and an inability to concentrate. It may also be effective as a treatment for alcohol induced organic brain syndrome.
Although there are a number of anecdotal reports from users of Vincamine, it is difficult to point to any solid evidence to support benefits which relate to an increase in cognition. However, users do indicate that this supplement helps to increase memory and enhance their concentration.
Additionally, it has been known to improve overall mood and lead to a feeling of enhanced well-being.
This is a fairly powerful herbal supplement, so it is important to stay within the recommended dosage range. For almost everyone this will consist of 30 mg every 12 hours, or twice a day.
As with any new supplement, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified physician or medical professional before adding this to your regimen.
Also, starting with the lowest effective dose is also important. Only increase (and only up to the recommended level) once you are more familiar with the effects.
There are very few side effects associated with this supplement. On rare occasions it may cause some stomach or gastrointestinal issues. Normally, if this occurs the best option is to discontinue use (that should also take care of the side effect).
Vincamine is a supplement with both cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective benefits. By increasing cerebral blood flow, this nootropic is said to remove brain fog, help you get focus and motivated, and also make general cognition easier. You may experience heightened levels of mental clarity and wakefulness as well as the potential for a mood enhancement effect.
Today, it is more common to use the biosynthetic purified version of Vincamine known as Vinpocetine or Cavinton, though some companies do still sell Vincamine itself. If you are interested in trying out a nootropic stack with Vinpocetine, it would be worth looking at the Alpha Brain supplement which combines this herbal derivative with 10 other brain boosting compounds.