Vinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of the vincamine alkaloid and is used as a pharmaceutical active ingredient in products developed for neurological and cerebrovascular applications. It is chemically classified as an ethyl ester derivative of apovincamine and is widely known by the chemical name ethyl (15S,19S)-15-ethyl-1,11-diazapentacyclo... carboxylate.
Vinpocetine has the molecular formula C22H26N2O2, molecular weight of approximately 350.46 g/mol, and CAS Number 42971-09-5. It is identified as a defined stereochemical compound and is generally supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder.
Vinpocetine has been investigated and used in several countries for neurological and cerebrovascular conditions. Its pharmacological activity is associated with effects on cerebral blood flow, neuronal metabolism, phosphodiesterase activity and voltage-dependent sodium channels.
Vinpocetine is a lipophilic small-molecule alkaloid derivative. Its chemical structure contains a pentacyclic indole-derived system together with an ethyl ester group.
The compound has a relatively high molecular weight for a small-molecule API and a calculated molecular weight of approximately 350.5 g/mol. It is practically insoluble in water and has substantially greater solubility in certain organic solvents.
Vinpocetine is available as a defined pharmaceutical substance and is included in recognized pharmacopoeial standards. A European Pharmacopoeia reference standard is available for Vinpocetine, and Vinpocetine is also listed in the British Pharmacopoeia.
Vinpocetine API is associated with pharmaceutical formulations and research involving neurological and cerebrovascular applications.
Potential pharmaceutical applications include:
Vinpocetine has a multifaceted pharmacological profile. It has been studied for inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1), modulation of voltage-dependent sodium channels and effects on neuronal signaling.
The compound has also been investigated for effects on cerebral circulation and neuronal metabolism. These pharmacological properties have contributed to its development for neurological and cerebrovascular applications.
Vinpocetine is generally described as a white to off-white crystalline powder.
Its key characteristics include:
Vinpocetine is particularly suitable for pharmaceutical API specifications because it has established pharmacopoeial standards.
The British Pharmacopoeia 2025 monograph specifies:
The USP monograph also specifies an assay range of 98.5–101.5% on the dried basis, residue on ignition of NMT 0.1%, and heavy metals of 10 ppm.
Vinpocetine pharmaceutical quality control includes specific related substances identified as Impurities A, B, C and D.
The BP monograph identifies these impurities as compounds related to vincamine, apovincamine, methoxyvinpocetine and dihydrovinpocetine.
Control of these related substances is important for pharmaceutical-grade Vinpocetine API.
Vinpocetine can be characterized using:
Vinpocetine should be stored in tightly closed pharmaceutical-grade packaging and protected from excessive moisture, heat and direct light.
Appropriate storage conditions should follow the applicable API specification and validated stability data.
Vinpocetine API is suitable for pharmaceutical companies involved in neurological, cerebrovascular and related pharmaceutical formulation development.
Swapnroop Drugs & Pharmaceuticals provides Vinpocetine API for pharmaceutical formulation, research, development and bulk manufacturing requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.5–101.5% on dried basis |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.10% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Specific Rotation | +127.0° to +134.0° |