Comparative efficacy of vinpocetine, pentoxifylline and nicergoline on red blood cell deformability

Using two different filtration methods for evaluating red blood cell deformability, the comparative effects of single oral doses of vinpocetine (CAS 42971-09-5; 10 mg), pentoxifylline (300 mg) and nicergoline (20 mg) were evaluated in 5 healthy volunteers. Out of the three agents only vinpocetine appeared to increase red blood cell deformability significantly. Thus vinpocetine was the most active drug tested and warrants further investigation in circulatory conditions characterized by a decrease in red cell deformability.