Vinpocetine
** Dr. Orman's Optimal Health eNewsletter ***
Greetings,
This week's focus is on the substance Vinpocetine. This compound
(pronounced 'vin-PAW-seh-teen') is an extract from the seeds of
the Vinca minor, better known as Periwinkle. It is a perennial
shrub indigenous to the central and southern portions of Europe.
It is a beautiful bluish violet flower whose medicinal value has
been known for at least 2000 years. Vinpocetine has a number of
well known properties. They include the following:
1. It is a cerebral vasodilator which means that it causes
cerebral arteries to expand and thus lower blood pressure and
increase the flow of blood. It is jokingly referred to as the
"Viagra" for the brain. Vinpocetine enhances memory and other
cognitive functions due to the aforementioned cerebrovascular
effect.
2. Urinariy incontinence. This age, there is a reported gradual
decline in bladder capacity and contractility. Along with this is
an increase in the volume of residual urine left in the bladder
itself after voiding. This uncomfortable occurance coupled with
causitive agents (including alcohol, infection, certain
medications and psychiatric disorders) affects some 17.7% of the
population over the age of 60. It is more common with women until
the age of 85 when all is equal. Vinpocetine has been shown to
positively affect this condition by inhibiting a specific enzyme
called PDE-1 (phosphodiesterase-1). This enzyme is critical in
the regulation of smooth muscle tissue and therefore, improves
bladder control.
3. Finally, this compound has been shown to improve hearing
function as well as vision. It is often combined with the amino
acid arginine and the well known herb, ginkgo biloba. There are
no known side effects and research has shown Vinpocetine to be
effective in long term usage. Typical dosage is 5mg/day for 2
weeks followed by 10mg/day for another 2.
Until next week.
To your health,
Dr. David Orman
Developer, Hgh Plus™