Its effects have been studied preferentially in animals:
- Vasodilatory action measured by an inhibition of the phosphodiesterase activity and increase in the levels of AmpC, with an increase of the blood flow by diminishing the vascular resistance.
- Antiplatelet action.
- Improvement of the hemorheological conditions in the microcirculation upon increasing the deformability of the erythrocytes.
- Brain cells' increased tolerance to hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the brain) and/or ischemia (permanent or transitory decrease of blood flow).
- Increase in the levels of oxygen and use of glucose in the neurons.
- Improvement in terms of production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline, to which its nootropic effect has been attributed.
Vinpocetine Covex 5mg is absorbed rapidly when administered orally, reaching maximum concentration in 1.5 hours. Its bioavailability is very variable, oscillating between 7-57%, and increasing with the simultaneous ingestion of food.
The volume of distribution is approximately 3 l/Kg in young adults and superior values have been described in the elderly (approximately 7 l/Kg).
Vinpocetine Covex 5mg is extensively metabolized in the liver, with the apovincaminic acid (AVA) being the principal resulting metabolite, apparently destitute of pharmacological activity.
(Source A.E.M.P.S. – Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices
This link takes you to the Spanish Medicines Agency (agemed.es), the displayed text is in spanish.) Vinpocetine is a derivative of Vincamine, naturally occurring in Crioceras longiflorus.
Clinical studies suggest that
it facilitates cerebral metabolism by improving cerebral blood flow, increasing glucose and oxygen utilization by neurons and concentration of neurotransmitters involved in the process of memory formation. Clinical studies have also shown that
Vinpocetine may help to maintain healthy microcirculation in the inner vital organs of
ears and eyes.Research has shown that
the effects of this compound go beyond mere prevention and turn it into a Powerful Memory Enhancer.
(Source www.covex.com ) Links related to Vinpocetine: Vinpocetine as a brain supplement Vinpocetine - cerebral enhancer and neuroprotector Tinnitus Solution plus Other Excellent Benefits The Health Benefits Benefits of the Herb Vinca Major Health Benefits of Periwinkle Helps deliver oxygen, glucose and nutrients to the brain Memory process takes years to fully develop Vinca Minor L. Description:
The Vinca minor is indigenous to many parts of Europe, growing in woods and thickets. The small, tapered, glossy green leaves of this evergreen ground cover grow on trailing stems to a height of 6 inches. In early spring, many small, star-shaped, lilac-blue, purple or white flowers appear. The leaves are opposite and evergreen. The flowers grow individually or in pairs from the axis of the leaves. Periwinkle roots where it touches the ground, and does best in light shade and moist rich soil.
Historical Uses:
Historically it had a reputation of a magic plant; Europeans thought it could ward off evil spirits, and the French referred to it as 'violet of the sorcerers'. The plant has historically been used to treat a wide assortment of diseases. It was used as a folk remedy for diabetes in Europe for centuries. In China it was used as an astringent, diuretic and cold remedy. Throughout the Caribbean, an extract was used to make a solution to treat eye irritation and infections. In Central and South America, it was used as a homemade cold remedy to ease lung congestion and inflammation and sore throats. Western researches finally noticed the plant in the 1950's. They discovered the plant contains a mother lode of useful alkaloids.
Criocerlas Longiflorus Description:
It is a small bush or tree, 2-8 meters high, belonging to the apocynaceae plant family. It grows in Africa, more specifically in the Central African region; the Crioceras longiflorus is a plant whose alkaloids have opened a vast therapeutic field.
Studies:
The study of the different species has revealed the production of terpenoid indole alkaloids with different properties and possible applications. Information on the pharmacology of crude extract and individual alkaloids belonging to the different species has been assembled by Van Beek et al. (1984). These compounds generally possess characteristic biological activities and many of them are utilized for medicinal purposes and for the lead compounds they contain to develop new synthetic drugs. Alkaloids of the distinct species have shown hypotensive and muscle relaxant activity, antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, effects of sedation, decreased respiration, decreased skeletal muscle tone and antibacterial activities.
