Vinpocetine: “Viagra for the Aging Brain”
Are annoying lapses of memory becoming more frequent? Are the neurons in your brain simply not “firing” as quickly as they used to during conversations? Are you sometimes left struggling for the right words while talking? Are you concerned that your mental clarity is gradually eroding as you age?
Well, relax, because I’ve got some really great news for you.
Stick with me for just a moment and I’ll reveal a simple and relatively inexpensive “brain hack” that will have your neurons firing like they did when you were a teenager…the perfect words rolling off the tip of your tongue whenever you need them…and best of all, no more fear of losing your memory and mental clarity as you age.
Dr. Ward Dean, M.D., co-author of the bestselling books Smart Drugs and Nutrients and Smart Drugs II, says this simple but effective “brain hack” is like taking “Viagra for the brain.” And it’s GUARANTEED to work, or you get your money back! Here’s the straight scoop…
Hi, Steve Barwick here, for Targeted Nutrients…
The other day my two grown stepsons – Ron and Rod, who are cabinet-makers – were talking about some of the complex jobs they’d recently completed. And the topic of problem-solving came up.
They said they were able to resolve most of their work-related problems using a good search engine, like Google or Bing, or on websites like YouTube, which allows them to search the internet for answers and review a variety of solutions to any given problem.
I began telling them about how things were in the old days, when there were no computers, and we solved problems through old-fashioned concepts like logic and reason combined with personal experience.
My Embarrassing “Senior Moment”
And wouldn’t you know it?
Right in the middle of my little verbal foray into the not-so-distant past, I forgot what I was going to say next. Momentary confusion and mental panic crept in. And then awkward embarrassment as I struggled to regain my mental footing.
My two step sons looked at each other and smiled. “Brain fart,” Rod said, jokingly.
“Big-time brain fart,” Ron replied.
“That’s why I use Google,” Rod continued to joke, “I don’t have to remember anything. It’s all on the computer.”
Of course, we all had a good laugh on me as I slowly regained my composure, and was finally able to pick up where I’d left off in my story.
What Happened?
So what happened? It’s quite simple: I had what doctors would call “a temporary mental lapse,” and what laymen might call a “senior moment.”
Neuroscientists – never ones to mince words – refer to these episodes as “maladaptive brain activity states.” That’s probably a bit closer to the truth, as you’ll see by the time you’ve finished this short article.
Regardless of what you call it, as we age these scary lapses in the quality of our mental clarity can become more frequent. For some of us, they begin to happen with embarrassing frequency.
That’s because the neuronal connections within our brain’s “memory network” – the hippocampus and other parts of the brain that must work together to access encoded memories – gradually begin to falter as we age.
According to UCLA’s Dr. Gary Small, M.D., professor of psychiatry and aging:
“As our brains age, our neurons don’t communicate as effectively as they did when they were younger…the retrieval process becomes less efficient.”
Dr. Small refers to this as a brain “traffic jam” because brain imaging shows the neural pathways through which our neurons communicate become “clogged” as we age. And these “clogged” neural pathways prevent neurons from communicating effectively with each other.
The result is that memory retrieval hits a roadblock inside the brain. The memory is still there…somewhere…all tucked away. But reaching in and pulling it out becomes much more difficult for the aging brain.
Vinpocetine: “Viagra for the Brain”
After my embarrassing little episode of “maladaptive brain activity” with the boys, I realized I hadn’t been taking my Vinpocetine over the past few weeks.
I’m 65 years old. But whenever I take the brain supplement, Vinpocetine, I feel like I’m ready for the college debate club. My mind is so sharp and my memory so crystal clear, I never miss a mental beat.
But most importantly of all – for me, anyway – is that when I’m using Vinpocetine on a regular daily basis I don’t have to write half a dozen post-it-notes to myself every day, just to remind me of everything I need to get accomplished.
Dr. Al Sears, M.D., an explorer and world traveler who’s widely known for searching the globe for the most effective natural cures, highly recommends Vinpocetine for boosting memory and helping reverse age-related loss of mental function. He states:
“Vinpocetine is high-octane fuel for your brain. It’s so effective against fading mental powers that it’s widely used in nearly 50 countries, including Hungary, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Japan.
Doctors in the Americas don’t seem to know much about it. That’s a shame, because it’s a safe, natural brain booster. In fact, Vinpocetine is one of Nature’s most potent antidotes to the forgetfulness, brain fog, and confusion we normally associate with aging.
With Vinpocetine, you won’t have to worry about losing the mental power you’ve enjoyed your whole life. It unleashes your full powers of attention, concentration, and memory and puts you in back in control of your mental function.”
– Dr. Al Sears, M.D.
Now, you’ve got to admit, that’s quite an endorsement. And Dr. Sears is a man who really knows his stuff when it comes to natural healing. He takes his brain health seriously. And he urges his followers to do the same.
What’s more, he’s not alone in his high praise for Vinpocetine and its brain-boosting benefits. As I mentioned earlier, for example, Dr. Ward Dean, M.D., co-author of the bestselling books Smart Drugs and Nutrients and Smart Drugs II, says Vinpocetine is like “Viagra for the aging brain.”
Dr. Dean goes on to say:
“Vinpocetine is a very powerful memory enchancer. It facilitates cerebral metabolism by selectively increasing microcirculation, meaning it boosts blood flow within the brain.
It also steps-up brain cell ATP production, returning the brain’s flagging energy levels to more youthful levels. It also helps restore youthful utilization of glucose and oxygen within the brain – all of which results in faster and clearer thinking.
It’s one of the few cognitive enhancers that I actually notice a distinctly positive and uplifting difference when I take it.”
And Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of the popular book, Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood, says:
“In a double blind clinical trial, Vinpocetine was shown to offer significant improvement in elderly patients with chronic cerebral dysfunction.
Forty-two patients received 10 mg. of Vinpocetine three times a day for thirty days, then 5 mg. three times a day for sixty days.
Matching placebo tablets were given to another forty patients for the ninety-day trial period. Patients on Vinpocetine scored consistently better in all cognitive evaluations.”
Dr. Sahelian went on to say:
“Researchers at the University of Surrey in England administered Vinpocetine to patients suffering from mild to moderate dementia.
In this placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind trial 203 patients received Vinpocetine every day for 16 weeks.
They were given either 10 mg doses of Vinpocetine three times a day, 20 mg doses of Vinpocetine three times a day, or placebo three times a day.
Significant cognitive improvements were found in the active treatment groups compared to the placebo groups. Interestingly, the patients on the daily 10 mg apiece doses performed even better than those on the higher 20 mg. apiece doses.”
According to Dr. Steven Bratman, M.D., director of The Natural Pharmacist in Fort Collins, CO, and author of the Natural Health Encyclopedia and The Natural Health Bible:
“Vinpocetine aids memory and mental function, not only with mild memory loss and age-related cognitive impairment, but also with Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Most people begin to notice clearer, sharper thinking and recall within a few short days to a few short weeks time.”
And in her book, Vinpocetine: Boost Your Brain Power With Periwinkle Extract, author Dr. Beth M. Ley writes:
“Research shows that Vinpocetine provides an astonishing array of benefits. It has a very powerful stimulating effect on memory.
In Europe it is often used for the treatment of cerebral circulatory disorders that can cause such symptoms as memory loss, stroke, dizziness and even cerebro-vestibular (inner-ear) problems.
Vinpocetine has even been demonstrated to improve visual acuity – that is to say, eyesight – in 70% of subjects tested.”
As you can see, boosting blood flow to the brain and increasing ATP production within the brain can have a number of very positive benefits, including increased memory and mental clarity, as well as better hearing and eyesight, as well! (More on that, in a moment…)
How Vinpocetine Works to
Boost Your Memory and Mental Clarity
George Foss, a long-time consultant to the nutritional supplement industry, and former general manager of Kayser Nutrition, explains how Vinpocetine works, and why it has become the world’s #1 best-selling all-natural brain-boosting supplement:
“Vinpocetine’s astonishing beneficial effects on memory, recall and mental acuity occur principally because of its ability to bring age-related declines in the cellular energy function of the brain back to more youthful levels.
It does so by literally nourishing the brain. First, it increases blood flow to the brain through mild dilation of the blood vessels, which in turn dramatically boosts glucose and oxygen uptake by the brain’s 100 billion neurons.
The neurons thrive on this increased glucose and oxygen, which in turn is used to produce prodigious quantities of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is pure cellular energy.
This increased production of ATP within the brain quite rapidly boosts the metabolism, or energy activity of the entire brain back to the levels of a young adult.
Finally, this increased energy activity triggers two crucial functions in the brain: increased cell-to-cell communication for quicker thinking, and repair and/or replacement of damaged brain cells for optimal brain function.”
As you can see, Vinpocetine not only boosts blood flow to the brain – along with the critical oxygen, glucose and other needed nutrients for optimal brain function – but it also boosts production of ATP (i.e., cellular energy) inside of brain cells.
This boost in the production of ATP leads to:
- Increased brain activity
- Faster cognitive function
- Greater neuronal activity
- Smoother cell-to-cell communication in the brain
- Quicker and more effective brain self-repair
- Overall increased cognition and memory retention
What’s more, experts say Vinpocetine boosts the circulation of oxygen-rich and glucose-rich blood to the brain so effectively it almost immediately results in a vastly increased ability to concentrate and focus.
In fact, in one recent clinical study, 62% of healthy subjects exhibited significant short-term memory improvement in only one hour after taking 40 mg. of Vinpocetine [Eur J Clin Pharmacol1985;28(5):567-71].
What’s more, recent research has demonstrated that Vinpocetine also boosts micro-circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the eyes, thereby improving vision and eyesight disorders. In fact, in one study, Vinpocetine improved vision in 88% of test subjects [Arzneimittelforschung 1976;26(10a):1969-72].
Vinpocetine also aids in the delivery of oxygen saturated blood to the inner ear, improving hearing as well as alleviating many inner-ear problems including tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo (dizziness) [AF DR 28, 1977-80].
What’s more, these aren’t speculative benefits, but instead, benefits proven in over 100 clinical studies.
So if you’re reaching that age where you notice your cognitive abilities are slipping a bit and you want to provide your body with the nutrition it needs to get you back on top of your mental game, then you just might want to try safe, natural Vinpocetine.
Its long-term safety has been demonstrated in medical studies to be second to none. And with over 100 medical studies backing it up, you can rest assured of its effectiveness.
What Is Vinpocetine?
If you’re wondering what Vinpocetine actually is, here’s the straight scoop:
Vinpocetine is a nutritional supplement that’s derived from the Periwinkle plant – a plant used for centuries in folk medicine, both for memory loss and for circulatory disorders.
Indeed, the Periwinkle plant was first referred to for its medicine qualities in the 1st century AD by the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides who had written a 5-volume encyclopedia about herbal medicine that was widely followed by physicians for more than 1,500 years.
According to Livestrong.com:
“The Latin name of periwinkle’s genus, Vinca, is derived from a word meaning ‘to overcome,’ and it’s been used since medieval times as a medicinal herb to manage a variety of ailments – particularly memory loss and overall mental function.”
Indeed, so strong is the ancient association of Periwinkle with memory enhancement, in folklore it’s said that even gazing upon the Periwinkle plant could restore lost memories.
WebMD says Vinpocetine, “…is used for enhancing memory and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that harm learning, memory, and information processing skills as people age.”
The prestigious Life Extension Foundation magazine lauds the brain-boosting benefits of Vinpocetine, stating:
“Since the 1960’s Vinpocetine has been used to maintain and improve brain health and cognition. It is widely used in Japan and many European countries to treat a number of cerebrovascular diseases. As a dietary supplement, Vinpocetine offers potential neuroprotective effects as well.
…Vinpocetine has effects on brain blood vessels, brain blood flow, and brain cells themselves. In this way, it can be of value in enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, as well as in possibly preventing the damage that occurs if nutrient delivery is impaired.
Some research suggests that Vinpocetine may also help to prevent the neurotoxic effects implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.”
Life Extension Foundation magazine goes on to explain that Vinpocetine inhibits an enzyme called PDE1, and reduces excessive intracellular calcium levels, as well.
Both PDE1 and excessive intracellular calcium levels cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the brain. But supplementing with Vinpocetine reverses the process, and “thus allows brain blood vessels to relax and increases the amount of blood flowing through them.”
The magazine goes on to explain:
“By inhibiting PDE1, as well as through its antioxidant properties, Vinpocetine reduces the viscosity, or ‘stickiness,’ of red blood cells and platelets. This allows blood to flow more easily through narrowed vessels.
…Vinpocetine is a supplement with a wide variety of biological effects. It causes relaxation of smooth muscle, dilation of blood vessels, and improved blood flow, all of which have beneficial health effects.”
Finally, Life Extension Foundation magazine concludes that Vinpocetine usage is safe. They write: “Even after more than two decades of extensive use in Europe and Asia, side effects and adverse events are rarely reported among people taking Vinpocetine supplements.”
Works Better, Faster than Ginko Biloba
While other herbal supplements, such as Ginko Biloba, are touted as having the ability to boost blood flow to the brain, clinical research and doctor’s reports on patients demonstrate that none of them work as quickly or effectively as Vinpocetine.
For example, Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D., a Florida-based board-certified family physician who is also the associate editor of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA), says Vinpocetine is one of the mainstays of his practice when it comes to patients complaining of memory loss and mild cognitive impairment.
According to Dr. Wollschlaeger:
“All of the peer-reviewed studies I’ve seen found a significant improvement in cognitive function with Vinpocetine.
Until Vinpocetine, we physicians have had nothing to prevent cognitive decline. We only have drugs to treat after the fact.
With safe, natural Vinpocetine, patients see comparatively rapid improvement in memory functions as well as enhancement of learning and recall and overall alertness.
Results are often seen in only seven to ten days. We don’t have to wait four or six or eight weeks, like with Gingko Biloba, to see results.
What’s more, there have been more than 100 clinical studies conducted on Vinpocetine, with over 30,000 patients, proving its safety and effectiveness.”
What Other Top Experts Are Saying About Vinpocetine…
I must warn you in advance: Prepare to be astonished at the multitude of ways an inexpensive daily dose of Vinpocetine can safely, naturally and dramatically benefit your aging brain, plus help with improved eyesight and hearing, and reduce inflammation throughout the body, as well.
Here’s what a number of other top experts are saying about the myriad of healing benefits associated with supplemental usage of Vinpocetine:
87% Improvement in Cognitive Function
“Researchers have been eager to determine whether Vinpocetine has any value in memory enhancement. The answer is a definitive yes. In an Italian study of 22 elderly patients suffering from central nervous system degenerative disorders, 87 percent experienced improvement in cognitive function after taking 10 mg of Vinpocetine daily for 30 days, followed by 5 mg three times daily for 60 days. No significant side effects were noted.
…While many studies focus on the effects of Vinpocetine for patients suffering from various degenerative conditions, researchers have also inquired into the effects of this agent in healthy individuals. In a German study, 40 healthy volunteers were given 40 mg of Vinpocetine daily for two days. This brief course resulted in a significant improvement in memory as assessed by the Sternberg Memory Scanning Test. This study suggests that in normal, healthy people, Vinpocetine can enhance memory quickly.
Vinpocetine may not be a cure-all, but it clearly demonstrates value in enhancing brain function and cognitive ability in many cases. As we strive to slow the aging process and fight back the deterioration of the brain and mind, Vinpocetine stands to be one of the valuable agents we use for wellness as we grow older.”
– Chris Kilham, ethnobotanist, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Lowers Blood Viscosity!
“Vinpocetine lowers blood viscosity in patients with cerebrovascular disease, has significant vasodilating properties, decreases platelet aggregation, and increases and maintains erythrocyte flexibility under oxidative stress, all of which are potentially beneficial in cerebrovascular disease. Vinpocetine causes a selective increase in cerebral blood flow and increases cerebral metabolic rate.”
– Alternative Medicine Review, Volume 7, Number 3
Potent Anti-Inflammatory Action!
“Chronic inflammatory processes are related to conditions as distinct as atherosclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, asthma, systemic lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The continuous use of anti-inflammatory agents is required to treat these conditions.
However, the long-term use of these drugs creates an additional challenge: the high frequency of severe side effects.
Currently, there are great efforts to discover anti-inflammatory drugs that can be used for long periods with minimal side effects. In PNAS, Jeon et al. show that Vinpocetine, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor known for its minimal side effects and great potential in cognitive enhancement, also has potent anti-inflammatory action.”
– Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vinpocetine as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, PNAS June 1, 2010 vol. 107 no. 22 9921-9922
Phenomenal Brain Benefits!
“Vinpocetine taken orally is easily absorbed, and it can improve blood supply to the brain…increase oxygen and glucose use by the brain…improve brain tolerance to hypoxic injury…increase vasodilation response to hypoxia…maintain optimal energy of healthy brains…maintain normal coagulation of blood…maintain healthy levels of some neurotransmitters, and promote healthy attention, memory and concentration.”
– Life Extension Foundation
Stimulates ATP Production!
“In addition to increasing blood flow and neurotransmission in the brain, Vinpocetine also exhibits antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Studies have shown that the presence of Vinpocetine in the brain deters the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation.”
– WiseGeek.com
Improves Visual and Auditory Perception!
“Vinpocetine is a good cognitive enhancer. It improves visual and auditory perception similar to pregnenolone. My patients appreciate the effects better after a few days of therapy.”
– Dr. Ascanio Polimeni, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of Anti-Aging Center of Rome and Milan, Chairman of Scientific Advisory Board of Italian Association of Anti-Aging Medical Doctors
Works for Young and Old Alike!
“Vinpocetine, the extract of the periwinkle plant, has hundreds of clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness for both the elderly and younger individuals. These studies show this important botanical has the following effects:
Increase cerebral blood flow…improve cerebral metabolism…increase use of glucose and oxygen in the brain…increase serotonin levels which is important for sleep, appetite and mood regulation…benefit tinnitus and other causes of impaired hearing…benefit conditions related to insufficient blood flow to the brain, including vertigo, sleep difficulties, mood changes and depression.”
– Beth M. Ley, author, Vinpocetine: Revitalize Your Brain With Periwinkle Extract
Raises Brain Energy Levels!
“Clinical research indicates that Vinpocetine has a positive effect upon damaged areas of the brain and raises brain energy levels. But perhaps most importantly, Vinpocetine can protect against brain arteriosclerosis, which if left unchecked, can lead to strokes.”
– International Anti-Aging Systems
Boosts Brain Metabolism Safely!
“Numerous clinical studies indicated that Vinpocetine is safe during long-term administration. No serious side effects related to the treatment have been found.”
– R. Maslarova, Chemical Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Sofia, Bulgaria
Inhibits Platelet Aggregation!
“Experiments with Vinpocetine indicate that it can dilate blood vessels, enhance circulation in the brain, improve oxygen utilization, make red blood cells more pliable, and inhibit aggregation of platelets.”
– Ray Sahelian, M.D., Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood
Viagra® for the Brain!
“Biochemically, Vinpocetine’s action is similar to that of Viagra® in causing the smooth-muscle cells of arterial walls to relax, thereby facilitating vasodilation.
But Vinpocetine also has other beneficial modes of action: it improves oxygen utilization by the brain cells; it makes red blood cells more pliable, thereby making the blood ‘thinner’ (less viscous) and improving its flow properties;
and it inhibits platelet aggregation, the process that induces the formation of blood clots. All these things protect our brain cells from harm and help us safeguard those precious mental marbles.”
– Will Block, Nutritional Science Journalist, researcher to Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw, authors of the bestselling book, Life Extension
Restores Memory!
“Vinpocetine appears to improve a person’s ability to acquire new memories and to restore memories that have been disrupted.”
– Dr. Victor DeNoble, writing in The Chemical Marketing Reporter
The Ultimate NeuroProtector!
“Vinpocetine is the ultimate neuroprotector. No one wants to think they will suffer a stroke, or any sort of brain trauma. But Vinpocetine provides extremely inexpensive insurance in the event that the worst should happen. Plus, there is ample evidence to suggest Vinpocetine improves normal brain function, and that is always a good thing!”
– Karen Sadowsky Kaufman, M.S., C.C.N.
Good for Anyone Over 40!
“Who might benefit from Vinpocetine? Anyone over 40. Anyone who has noticed a decrease in memory, alertness, concentration, learning speed, learning ability, neuro-muscular co-ordination and reaction time, vision, hearing, or who suffers from tinnitus. Anyone who suffers from, or is known to be at risk for, various cerebral disorders – cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, senile dementia, transient ischemic attacks, chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency, etc. Anyone wishing to use a generally very safe, low side effect, brain metabolism-enhancing, vigilance-enhancing, cognition-activating ‘smart drug’.”
– James South, M.A., biochemist, editor Optimal Health Review
Works Four Ways to Enhance Cognitive Function
As you can see, Vinpocetine is about as close to a “wonder drug” as you can get. And it’s safe and natural, to boot. What’s more, it’s backed up by over 100 clinical studies, all of which show astonishingly positive results.
Where to Find 99.9% Pure, Pharmaceutical-Grade Vinpocetine
You found it!
Targeted Nutrients prides itself on supplying only the significantly higher-quality pharmaceutical-grade Vinpocetine straight from Europe, instead of the inferior and often adulterated Chinese-produced Vinpocetine found in most health food stores today.
While most health food stores and internet vendors sell inferior and often adulterated Chinese-produced Vinpocetine, we’re happy to bring you this powerful, brain-boosting nutrient in the significantly higher-quality pharmaceutical-grade straight from the leading European manufacturer.
This is the same pure, high-grade European Vinpocetine that has been demonstrated in clinical trials to boost memory, mental clarity and re-call by up to 62% in only one hour!
While pure, pharmaceutical-grade Vinpocetine is generally more expensive, frequently selling for $39.95 per bottle for just 30 capsules (i.e., well over a dollar a day for a 30 day supply), we’re offering a special, one-time, money-saving, get-acquainted deal for visitors of this website.
To learn more about your special, money-saving, get-acquainted offer, simply click here.
Yours for peak brain function the safe, natural way…
Steve “No-More-Brain-Farts” Barwick, President
Targeted Nutrients