Vinpocetine

=Generalities= More efficient than Ginkgo Biloba. It has a lower dosage than the 120-240mg. of Ginkgo

=Properties= -Increases blood flow to the brain -Stimulates Intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (a cellular messenger that is essential to the production of nitric oxide) -Increases the relaxation of smooth vascular muscle. Reduces the resistancy of capillary cells in the ears and cochlear cells

=Therapeutic Indications= -Short Term Memory -Deficiency in auditory function associated w/ different kinds of neurosensorial hearing loss as well as vertigo -Hearing loss due to aging or vascular degradation, loss of certain high frequency hearing caused by environmental noise pollution. -In Meniere's dis-ease (vertigo accompanied by tinnitus), proves superior over other vasodilation agents

=Contraindications= -Taking Anticoagulants -Pregnancy and breast-feeding

=Food Sources= Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)

=Therapeutic Dose= 20mg./day