Evidence supporting the use of: Vinpocetine
For the health condition: Concentration (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of the alkaloid vincamine, which is found in the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor). It has been used in several countries, particularly in Eastern Europe and Japan, for cognitive support, including addressing issues like poor concentration. The primary rationale for its use is its purported ability to enhance cerebral blood flow, promote neuroprotection, and modulate neurotransmitter release, all of which could theoretically support cognitive function and improve concentration.
Scientific studies on vinpocetine’s effects on concentration and cognitive performance have produced mixed results. Some small-scale clinical trials and open-label studies have suggested modest improvements in cognitive function, memory, and attention, particularly in populations with mild cognitive impairment or vascular dementia. However, evidence in healthy individuals or those with only subjective complaints of poor concentration is limited and not robust. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while vinpocetine may have some benefit for cognitive impairment due to vascular causes, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to strongly support its effectiveness for improving concentration in the general population.
In summary, while vinpocetine is commonly marketed as a cognitive enhancer, the scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for poor concentration is weak to moderate, with most studies indicating only small benefits and significant methodological limitations. More rigorous, large-scale studies are needed to validate its efficacy in this context.
Other ingredients used for Concentration (poor)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dioneAcetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Algal protein
Alpha glyceryl
amino acids
aniracetam
ashwagandha
bacoside
beta-hydroxybutyrate
black tea
blueberry
brahmi
caffeine
chocolate
citicoline
coca
cocoa
coffee fruit
cola nut
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DMPX
fish
fish oil
gastrodia
ginseng
Ginsenosides
glucose
Glycine
green tea
guarana
guayusa
gum
hericium mushroom
kola nut
lion's mane
Matcha
Methylliberine
Methylxanthine
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
paraxanthine
Peppermint
Polygala
polygala root
Rhodiola
robusta coffee
Salidroside
Schisandrins
Schizandrol A
Schizochytrium Oil
Shankhpushpi
Sulbutiamine
Teacrine
Theacrine
Uncaria
Vinpocetine
vitamin B
vitamin D
White Tea
Withanolides
Xanthine
Yerba mate
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Vinpocetine
Alzheimer's DiseaseCirculation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Confusion
Dementia
Memory and Brain Function
Strokes
