Researchers believe that vinpocetine, which, according to wikipedia is a “semi-synthetic” derivative of an extract of periwinkle, vincamine, could be very helpful for treating diseases connected to chronic inflammation. These include coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and a number of infectious diseases.
Because conditions such as macular edema and diabetic retinopathy are tied to inflammation, this derivative may be helpful for these conditions.
Published: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 6, 2010.