Lesser periwinkle: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Witch's violet, shepherd's violet, capucine herb
Scientific name(s)
Vinca minor
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Indole alkaloids
Ursolic acid
Vincamine
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs ✪✪✪✪✪
The periwinkle, rich in vinpocetine, is used to improve blood circulation in the lower limbs. Vinpocetine promotes vasodilation and improves microcirculation, which can be beneficial in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.nn
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
High blood pressure ✪✪✪✪✪
Vinpocetine present in periwinkle may contribute to the management of hypertension associated with atherosclerotic risk.nn
Posologie
Oral administration: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Memory ✪✪✪✪✪
The alkaloids of the lesser periwinkle, notably vinpocetine, are recognized for their neuroprotective effects. They improve cerebral blood flow and increase the brain's consumption of oxygen and glucose, which can help improve memory and cognitive functions, particularly in people suffering from deficits related to cerebrovascular disorders.nn
Posologie
Oral use: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Tinnitus, Dizziness ✪✪✪✪✪
The lesser 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.nn
Posologie
Oral use: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Stroke ✪✪✪✪✪
Thanks to its vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties, the lesser periwinkle may play a role in the prevention of and recovery after a stroke. Vinpocetine helps improve cerebral blood flow and protect neurons against ischemic damage by modulating inflammatory responses and stabilizing cell membranes, which can promote better neurological recovery.
Posologie
Oral use: aerial parts
200 mg
powder, dry extract
Properties
Antihypertensive
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 vessel constriction. This allows levels of a natural substance (cGMP) that helps relax the vessels to remain higher. Through this action, vinpocetine may be beneficial in improving vascular response during treatments of disorders related to inadequate arterial perfusion and may contribute to the management of hypertension.
Usages associés
Vascular effect
Vinpocetine, derived from the lesser periwinkle, is recognized for its effective vasodilatory action, particularly beneficial for improving peripheral and cerebral blood circulation. It acts primarily by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1), an enzyme that degrades cGMP, a key mediator of vasodilation. By stabilizing cGMP levels, vinpocetine promotes vascular relaxation and improved microcirculation. Moreover, studies have shown that vinpocetine also reduces the vasoconstrictive response to nitroglycerin in patients who have developed tolerance to this medication.nnIn addition to its effects on vasodilation, vinpocetine also has notable anti-atherogenic properties. It has been shown to reduce vascular wall thickening and neo-intima 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 may help lower the risk of chronic vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis.nn
Usages associés
Neurological
Vincamine and its derivatives, such as vinpocetine, extracted from the periwinkle, play a notable role in the treatment of neurological disorders associated with cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and dementia. These compounds improve blood circulation in the brain through their vasodilatory properties and increase cerebral metabolism by stimulating the uptake of oxygen and glucose as well as neuronal ATP production. In addition to these effects, vinpocetine acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting neuronal cells against oxidative stress and preventing neurotoxic increases in calcium and sodium levels. Together, these mechanisms help improve brain recovery after trauma, offering overall protection against various neurodegenerative conditions.nn
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Interactions
Médicaments
Antihypertensive: moderate interaction
The lesser periwinkle may increase the effects of antihypertensive medications.
Precautions
Adult: use with caution
- Infusion: pour 200 mL of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried plant, let steep for 10 minutes, then strain. - Decoction: boil 60 g of dried plant in one liter of water for 2 minutes, let steep for 10 minutes, then strain. - Mother tincture (MT): take 30 to 50 drops, three times a day. - Powder: consume 200 mg two to three times a day. The lesser periwinkle contains toxic alkaloids that can cause nerve, liver, and kidney damage. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any product containing lesser periwinkle, particularly because of the risk of serious side effects associated with its active constituents.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
Children: prohibited
