Synthesis and pharmacological activity of vinpocetine derivatives

Vinpocetine and its derivatives were extensively employed in the treatment of ischemic stroke, serving as effective cerebrovascular vasodilators. They could also be utilized for neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory purposes, anti-aging interventions, insomnia treatment, and antidepressant effects. However, due to issues such as hepatic first-pass effect, low bioavailability, and poor patient compliance with multiple dosing, the secondary development of Vinpocetine to address these limitations became a prominent area of research. Five primary methodologies were employed for the synthesis of Vinpocetine derivatives. These included substitution on the A ring to modify the 14-ester group, alteration of the 16-ethyl group, simplification of the D and E rings, and modification of the conformation of Vinpocetine. This paper summarized the current synthesis and activity studies of Vinpocetine and its derivatives, with the aim of providing a reference for the discovery of more potent derivatives of Vinpocetine.