Kanna, scientifically known as Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant native to South Africa that has been utilized for centuries for its mood-altering properties. Modern research has begun to explore the traditional wisdom surrounding this plant, focusing on its potential to support mood and manage stress. The plant’s unique chemical composition makes it a subject of growing interest in natural wellness.
Botanical Identity and Historical Context
Sceletium tortuosum is a low-growing, flowering succulent indigenous to the arid regions of South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape provinces. The plant’s name, Kanna, is derived from the Khoikhoi word “Kougoed,” meaning “something to chew.” The indigenous San and Khoi peoples have a long history of using the plant, dating back thousands of years.
Traditionally, the plant material was harvested and then subjected to a fermentation process before consumption. This preparation method was thought to reduce certain irritating compounds naturally present in the fresh plant. The prepared material was typically chewed, smoked, or used as a snuff to suppress hunger and thirst during long treks. It was also used to elevate mood, reduce social anxiety, and manage fatigue.
The Science Behind the Effects
The psychoactive properties of Kanna are primarily due to a group of alkaloids, including mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol. These compounds interact with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, primarily functioning as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs).
As an SRI, mesembrine blocks the reabsorption of serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron. This action increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, allowing it to remain active for a longer period. Higher levels of available serotonin are associated with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Mesembrine is considered the most potent of the alkaloids, showing a high affinity for the serotonin transporter.
The alkaloids also exhibit a secondary mechanism by acting as weak inhibitors of the enzyme phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). PDE4 is involved in inflammation and memory formation. By inhibiting this enzyme, Kanna’s alkaloids may contribute to enhanced cognitive function and a reduction in the body’s inflammatory response.
Current Applications and Subjective Experiences
Modern commercial extracts of Kanna are used widely as a dietary supplement marketed for mood support and stress relief. Users frequently report a noticeable elevation in mood, often described as a subtle sense of calm euphoria without significant impairment. The subjective experience can be dose-dependent; lower doses tend to be more stimulating, while higher amounts often lead to deeper relaxation.
Kanna is gaining interest for its potential to reduce social anxiety, with some users noting an increase in feelings of connection and emotional openness. Today, Kanna is available in various forms:
- Capsules containing standardized extracts.
- Tinctures.
- Flavored chews.
- Fine powders for vaping or use as a nasal snuff.
Safety Profile and Regulatory Status
Kanna is generally well-tolerated, though some individuals may experience mild side effects, particularly when first beginning use or taking higher doses. The most common adverse effects reported include mild nausea, headache, and occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. These side effects are typically transient.
A significant safety consideration is the plant’s mechanism as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which poses a serious risk of drug interaction. Kanna should not be combined with any prescription medications that also affect serotonin levels, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Combining these substances can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
In the United States, Kanna is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a pharmaceutical drug. It is generally sold and regulated as a dietary supplement, meaning products are not subject to the same rigorous testing and approval standards as medications. Consumers should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Kanna, especially if they are taking any other medications.