FDA Warns Against Vinpocetine Use In Women

The FDA has issued a warning to women of childbearing age against the use of dietary supplements that contain vinpocetine, due to risk for adverse effects on the fetus, including miscarriage.

The FDA came to this conclusion after a review of data including a recent report by the National Institute of Health’s National Toxicology Program, which found that vinpocetine is associated with adverse reproductive effects.

Vinpocetine is a synthetically produced compound that is found in some products marketed as dietary supplements which enhance memory, focus, or mental acuity; increase energy; or promote weight loss. Vinpocetine may be referred to on product labels as Vinca minor extract, lesser periwinkle extract, or common periwinkle extract.

In animal studies, vinpocetine was shown to decrease fetal weight and increase the chance of miscarriage. Blood levels of vinpocetine measured in pregnant animals were similar to those measured in women who took a single dose of vinpocetine, leading researchers to conclude that pregnant women may experience adverse effects similar to those observed in animals.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

FDA. Statement on warning for women of childbearing age about possible safety risks of dietary supplements containing vinpocetine [press release]. June 3, 2019. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-warning-women-childbearing-age-about-possible-safety-risks-dietary-supplements-containing.