Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) | Vinpocetine | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nootropics | Nootropics |
| Standard Dose | 500-1000 mg/day of standardized extract (35-45% triterpenes) or 750-1500 mg/day of whole herb extract | 5-20 mg 2-3 times daily (15-60 mg/day total) |
| Timing | Morning or split morning/afternoon. With or without food. Acute mood effects (alertness, reduced anger) noted within 1 hour of dosing. | With food (bioavailability increases 60-100% with food). Split into 2-3 doses due to short half-life (~2-3 hours). |
| Cycle Duration | Ongoing; traditional use suggests no cycling required. Clinical trials run 2-6 months. | Cycles of 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; or ongoing with periodic reassessment. Clinical trials typically run 12-16 weeks. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
Pentacyclic triterpenes — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — provide neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and enhancement of cholinergic transmission; reduction of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity to attenuate neuroinflammation; protection against beta-amyloid aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation; and upregulation of BDNF to promote neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity. Asiaticoside enhances collagen synthesis and wound healing, while asiatic acid activates the MAPK/ERK pathway to promote neurite outgrowth.
500-1000 mg/day of standardized extract (35-45% triterpenes) or 750-1500 mg/day of whole herb extract
Morning or split morning/afternoon. With or without food. Acute mood effects (alertness, reduced anger) noted within 1 hour of dosing.
Ongoing; traditional use suggests no cycling required. Clinical trials run 2-6 months.
Semi-synthetic derivative of vincamine (from Vinca minor/periwinkle) that selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1) in cerebral vasculature, increasing cAMP and cGMP levels to promote vasodilation and restore regional cerebral blood flow without significant systemic blood pressure effects. Reduces intracellular calcium in smooth muscle cells and neurons. Inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels, providing neuroprotection against excitotoxicity. Potent anti-inflammatory agent via direct inhibition of IKK, attenuating NF-kB signaling. Downstream CREB and SRF phosphorylation promotes expression of plasticity-related genes.
5-20 mg 2-3 times daily (15-60 mg/day total)
With food (bioavailability increases 60-100% with food). Split into 2-3 doses due to short half-life (~2-3 hours).
Cycles of 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; or ongoing with periodic reassessment. Clinical trials typically run 12-16 weeks.
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