ALS Untangled supports further study of vinpocetine
Original source
Vinpocetine (opens in a new tab)ALS Untangled reviewed vinpocetine as a possible treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The group noted plausible mechanisms and two online reports of improved motor function while taking supplement combinations that included vinpocetine, but also noted that many people with ALS reported no benefit.
Why this matters
Vinpocetine may warrant formal research, including studies of cramps, safety, tolerability and possible effects on disease progression. The available reports do not show that vinpocetine treats ALS or changes treatment for people living with the disease.
Limitations and context
This is an expert review, not a clinical trial. The reported motor improvements came from two people using supplement cocktails, so the effect of vinpocetine cannot be separated from the other supplements. ALS Untangled said its reviewers were divided between testing vinpocetine in a preclinical ALS model and conducting a small human study. Serious side effects were described as rare, but this review did not establish effectiveness or safety in ALS.