Evidence supporting the use of: Vincamine
For the health condition: Strokes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vincamine is a vinca alkaloid derived primarily from the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle). It has been used in some countries as a cerebral vasodilator, with the intended purpose of improving cerebral blood flow, and thus has been explored for the treatment and support of conditions such as stroke and vascular dementia. Several small clinical trials and animal studies from the 1970s and 1980s suggested that vincamine may increase cerebral blood flow, improve brain metabolism, and provide mild neuroprotective effects. However, these studies were generally of poor methodological quality, with small sample sizes and inconsistent outcome measures.
Systematic reviews and more rigorous clinical data are lacking, and modern guidelines for stroke treatment do not recommend vincamine as part of standard care. The evidence base is thus weak and outdated, and while there is a scientific rationale for its use (vasodilation, possible metabolic support), robust proof of benefit in stroke patients is lacking. Vincamine is not approved for stroke treatment in the United States or most Western countries, but it is still prescribed in some Eastern European countries for cognitive decline, including post-stroke states. In summary, vincamine’s use for stroke is based on limited and low-quality scientific evidence rather than strong clinical validation or long-standing tradition.
Other ingredients used for Strokes
acetyl l-carnitinealgal oil
anthocyanins
citicoline
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fisetin
ginkgo biloba
nattokinase
omega-3 fatty acids
resveratrol
tocotrienols
vinpocetine
swertia
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Apocynin
Butylphthalide
bacoside
Crocetin
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Flavanols
Ginkgolides
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Ginkgoside
Gastrodin
Other health conditions supported by Vincamine
Circulation (poor)Circulation (to the brain)
Dementia
Memory and Brain Function
Strokes