Vinpocetine
| Evidence Level: L4 | Predicted Indications: 10 |
Table of Contents
Vinpocetine: From Dementia to Coronary Artery Disease
One-Sentence Summary
Vinpocetine is a cerebrovascular and neuroprotective agent, originally used for dementia and age-related memory impairment. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for coronary artery disease, but there are currently 0 clinical trials and only 2 publications (neither directly about coronary artery disease), so the evidence rests almost entirely on a computational prediction.
Note: among the other predictions, myocardial ischemia has the strongest supporting evidence (animal studies only). It is discussed below as a more promising alternative.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Dementia (the Singapore licence record contains no approved indication text) |
| Predicted New Indication | Coronary artery disease |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 99.90% |
| Evidence Level | L4 |
| Singapore Market Status | ✓ Marketed |
| Number of Registrations | 1 |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Detailed mechanism-of-action data are not available in the data compiled for this report. Pharmacology records show that vinpocetine acts on phosphodiesterase 1A (PDE1A) and phosphodiesterase 1C (PDE1C). PDE1 inhibition raises cyclic nucleotide levels (cGMP and cAMP), which promotes vasodilation. Vinpocetine is also reported to block voltage-gated sodium channels and to have anti-inflammatory effects through IKK inhibition. It is used internationally for cerebrovascular disorders and age-related memory impairment, based on its ability to increase cerebral blood flow and its neuroprotective effect.
The link to coronary artery disease is that both conditions involve impaired blood supply to a vital organ. Vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory actions could plausibly help coronary vascular function. However, the two papers retrieved for this prediction concern cerebrovascular disease in humans and PDE inhibitors in hypoxic pulmonary vascular remodelling. Neither studies coronary artery disease directly. The very high TxGNN score is a computational result only and should not be read as clinical evidence.
A more supported related prediction: myocardial ischemia (score 99.90%, evidence level L4). Two animal studies report cardioprotection from vinpocetine: an isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction model in rats (2019) and a myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury model in mice (2026). Both point to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, consistent with its known pharmacology. There are no human trials, so this remains a research question rather than a clinical candidate.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
Publications linked to coronary artery disease:
| PMID | Year | Type | Journal | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17631470 | 2007 | Review | Orvosi Hetilap | Reviews human studies of vinpocetine in cerebrovascular disease; increasing cerebral blood flow may benefit patients with chronic hypoperfusion. No coronary data. |
| 15377497 | 2005 | Preclinical | Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol | PDE inhibitors potentiate prostacyclin analogues in hypoxic pulmonary vascular remodelling; PDE3 and PDE4 were the main cAMP-hydrolysing isoforms. Not specific to vinpocetine or coronary disease. |
Supporting publications for the related myocardial ischemia prediction:
| PMID | Year | Type | Journal | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42618639 | 2026 | Preclinical (animal) | Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol | Vinpocetine reduced myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. |
| 30551388 | 2019 | Preclinical (animal) | Biomed Pharmacother | Nimodipine, vinpocetine and their combination were tested in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats; both inhibit PDE1 and increase cGMP/cAMP, causing vasodilation. |
Singapore Market Information
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIN00396P | CAVINTON TABLET 5 mg | Tablet | Not stated in the available record |
Manufacturer: Chemical Works of Gedeon Richter Plc. Route: oral.
Safety Considerations
Please refer to the package insert for safety information.
The pharmacology records show vinpocetine targeting PDE1A and PDE1C. These are target-binding records rather than drug-drug interactions with specific co-medications, so no clinically graded interactions are available.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction for coronary artery disease is supported only by a model score. There are no clinical trials, and the retrieved literature is indirect (cerebrovascular and pulmonary vascular studies). Myocardial ischemia is a better-supported direction, but only by animal data.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- The Singapore package insert (warnings, contraindications and approved indication text), which is a blocking gap for safety screening
- Detailed mechanism-of-action data
- Direct preclinical studies in coronary artery disease models, and in myocardial ischemia as a priority
- Early human feasibility data (for example, small mechanistic or biomarker studies) if animal results are confirmed
- Assessment of whether the current oral 5 mg tablet is suitable for any cardiac use
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.