Vinpocetine is derived from the vinca alkaloids found in periwinkles (the little blue flowers, not the little snails also called “periwinkles”). Discovered in Hungary in 1976, vinpocetine’s value for treating brain disorders was quickly appreciated in Eastern Europe but was largely ignored elsewhere until fairly recently.
Oral vinpocetine has been used with good effect in patients with poor circulation in the brain.
Since vinpocetine improves memory and cognition in ailing individuals, many perfectly healthy people conclude that it should help them, too — an idea that makes a lot of sense and is supported by the experiences of those who use it.