Vinpocetine is an alkaloid synthesized from vincamine, a natural compound extracted from the leaves of periwinkle (Vinca minor L). This compound was first developed in Europe over 40 years ago. Vinpocetine is absorbed in the small intestine and then processed in the liver. Once in systemic circulation, vinpocetine is absorbed by tissues in the body and crosses the blood brain barrier. Studies initially reported that vinpocetine may provide neuroprotection via its antioxidant properties. More recent data show that vinpocetine supports neuronal function by modulating phopshodiesterase1 (PDE1) and promoting the actions of acetylcholine. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 84 elderly subjects were given vinpocetine or a placebo over a period of 90 days. Results indicated that those supplementing with vinpocetine experienced support for cognitive function. An additional placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind multicenter trial of 203 individuals also suggested that vinpocetine significantly supported cognition. Vinpocetine also has the potential to support healthy memory, as indicated by a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.