True Balance Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine
Brain Support Formula
Vinpocetine is a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain and enhances its function by increasing blood flow and oxygenation.*Directions
Take one to two capsules daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare practitioner. Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.
Does Not Contain
Wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, animal or dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives.
Storage
Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
Other Ingredients
Microcrystalline cellulose, HPMC (capsule), stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and silica.
Applications
- Supports Healthy Brain Function*
- Supports Brain Antioxidant Activity*
- Supports Blood Flow to the Brain*
- Supports Oxygenation of Brain Tissue*
Disclaimer
Discussion
Vinpocetine is derived from vincamine, an alkaloid extracted from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor). It has been used extensively in Eastern Europe, and more recently in the United States, to support cerebrovascular health and healthy cognitive and mental function during aging. Vinpocetine’s roles in supporting brain function are multi-modal and include its influence on cerebral circulation, its support of antioxidant activity in the brain, and its role in supporting neuronal health.[1-3] Together, these varied actions support overall brain tissue health and function.*
Brain Function The safety and effectiveness of vinpocetine have been tested and validated by in vitro, animal, and human studies. Many human studies demonstrate support of healthy cognitive and mental function—primarily related to improved capillary blood flow and cellular metabolism. Supplementation has also been associated with improved quality of life and support of cerebrovascular function and healthy blood flow.[4-7] It is important to note that absorption of vinpocetine is thought to be significantly higher when given with food. One study found the relative bioavailability under non-fasting conditions was approximately 60% to 100% higher than under fasting conditions.*[8]
Cerebral Blood Flow Neurons are completely reliant on a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose, which is delivered to them by the blood. Vinpocetine may affect phosphodiesterases (PDEs), enzymes that typically act on smooth muscle tissues, such as those in arterial walls, and prevent them from relaxing. Supporting normal action of PDEs promotes healthy vascular smooth muscle function and cerebral blood flow.[2,9] Other research suggests that vinpocetine may improve oxygen-release from hemoglobin, help maintain normal blood viscosity, and increase and maintain red blood cell flexibility—making red blood cells better able to squeeze through tiny capillaries.*[3,10]
Antioxidant Effects Neurological tissue is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress due to its high demand for oxygen, high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in neural membrane phospholipids, and low antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can produce complex structural and functional changes within the vessel walls of the cerebral vasculature; such changes carry broad implications for cerebral perfusion (flow to brain) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability.[11,12] Scavenging these radicals, therefore, should be considered an important part of supporting cerebrovascular health. Because vinpocetine readily crosses the BBB and is taken up by brain tissue, its support of antioxidant activity in the brain has been investigated. In various experimental models, vinpocetine has been shown to directly support the neutralization of ROS.*[12-14]
Vinpocetine influences neuronal sodium, calcium, and to a lesser degree, potassium ion channels. Vinpocetine’s inhibition of voltagesensitive sodium (Na+) channels and reduction of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels is thought to moderate the excitotoxicity of neurotransmitters. This activity may be an important aspect of vinpocetine’s effect on nerve cell integrity.[1,15] In other research, the cytokine-modulating mechanisms of vinpocetine suggest another avenue by which it may protect brain tissue and neurons—namely inhibition of TNF-α–induced NF-κB activation and the subsequent generation of certain signaling molecules.*[16,17]
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