Periwinkle: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Sorcerer's Violet, Shepherd's Violet, Capucine Herb
Scientific name(s)
Vinca minor
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Indole Alkaloids
Ursolic Acid
Vincamine
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Peripheral Artery Disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Periwinkle, rich in vinpocetine, is used to improve blood circulation in the lower limbs. Vinpocetine promotes vasodilation and enhances microcirculation, which can be beneficial in the treatment of peripheral artery disease.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
High Blood Pressure ✪✪✪✪✪
Vinpocetine present in periwinkle can contribute to the management of hypertension associated with risks of atherosclerosis.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Memory ✪✪✪✪✪
The alkaloids of periwinkle, notably vinpocetine, are recognized for their neuroprotective effects. They improve cerebral blood flow and increase the consumption of oxygen and glucose by the brain, which can help improve memory and cognitive functions, especially in individuals suffering from deficits related to cerebral vascular disorders.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Tinnitus, Dizziness ✪✪✪✪✪
Periwinkle is traditionally used to treat symptoms related to vestibular disorders such as dizziness and tinnitus. Vinpocetine improves circulation in peripheral and cerebral regions, which can help stabilize auditory and balance functions.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Stroke ✪✪✪✪✪
Thanks to its vasodilating and anti-inflammatory properties, periwinkle may play a role in the prevention and recovery after a stroke. Vinpocetine helps improve cerebral circulation and protect neurons against ischemic damage by modulating inflammatory responses and stabilizing cell membranes, which can promote better neurological recovery.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Properties
Hypotensive
Vinpocetine improves blood circulation by relaxing blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure. It works by blocking a specific enzyme, called PDE1, which is normally involved in the constriction of vessels. This helps maintain a higher level of a natural substance (cGMP) that aids in vessel relaxation. Through this action, vinpocetine can be beneficial in improving the vascular response during treatments for disorders linked to arterial perfusion insufficiency and contribute to the management of hypertension.
Usages associés
Vascular Effect
Vinpocetine, derived from periwinkle, is recognized for its effective vasodilating action, particularly beneficial for improving peripheral and cerebral blood circulation. It primarily functions by inhibiting type 1 phosphodiesterase (PDE1), an enzyme that degrades cGMP, a key mediator of vasodilation. By stabilizing cGMP levels, vinpocetine promotes vascular relaxation and improves microcirculation. Moreover, studies have shown that vinpocetine also reduces the vasoconstrictive response to nitroglycerin in patients who have developed a tolerance to this medication. a Apart from its vasodilating effects, vinpocetine also possesses noteworthy anti-atherogenic properties. It has been demonstrated to reduce vascular wall thickening and neointimal formation in animal models by inhibiting the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells through its antioxidant action, which reduces the production of reactive oxygen species. This action can help reduce the risk of chronic vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
Usages associés
Neurological
Vincamine and its derivatives, such as vinpocetine, extracted from periwinkle, play a notable role in the treatment of neurological disorders associated with cerebrovascular diseases such as strokes and dementia. These compounds improve cerebral blood circulation through their vasodilating properties and increase cerebral metabolism by stimulating the consumption of oxygen and glucose as well as neuronal ATP production. In addition to these effects, vinpocetine acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress and preventing neurotoxic elevation of calcium and sodium levels. Together, these mechanisms contribute to enhancing cerebral recovery after trauma, offering overall protection against various neurodegenerative conditions.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Interactions
Médicaments
Antihypertensive: moderate interaction
Periwinkle may increase the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
Precautions
Adult: use with caution
- Infusion: pour 200 mL of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried plant, let steep for 10 minutes, then filter. a - Decoction: boil 60 g of dried plant in a liter of water for 2 minutes, let steep for 10 minutes, then filter. - Mother tincture (TM): take 30 to 50 drops, three times a day. - Powder: consume 200 mg two to three times a day. Periwinkle contains toxic alkaloids that can cause nerve, liver, and kidney damage. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any periwinkle-based product, especially due to the risks of serious side effects associated with its active components.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
Children: prohibited
