Effect of vinpocetine on red blood cell deformability in stroke patients

Reduction in red blood cell deformability is a contributory factor in stroke disease, and it has been postulated that red blood cell rigidification may be improved by drug treatment. In this paper the effect of vinpocetine (CAS 42971-09-5) on the deformability of red blood cells from patients with chronic ischemic cerebrovascular disease has been examined. During the administration of vinpocetine for 3 months a significant improvement in red blood cell deformability was observed without adverse effect.