Kanna: Overview

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant with spindly white and yellow blooms. Native to South Africa, Kanna has been utilized by indigenous communities as a traditional medicine and sacrament for centuries. Kanna means “something to chew.” Tribal communities, such as the San and Khoikhoi, often chewed the plant to enhance their wellbeing. During long hunting expeditions, they chewed fermented Kanna to alleviate thirst, discomfort and fatigue.  

Mesembrine, Mesembrenone, Mesembrenol, and Mesembranol are the 4 primary alkaloids utilized, which determine the potency and quality of Kanna cultivars and extracts. The ratio of these 4 alkaloids in relationship to each other, as well as the presence of other alkaloids plays a significant role in the type of experience and effects a Kanna extract will have.

‍Chemical Composition

Kanna is a botanical plant rich in alkaloids and organic compounds, molecules that are made naturally in plants, fungi, and animals. Kanna has at least 25 known alkaloids, which have a wide range of measurable physical and pharmacological effects on humans.

Known collectively as mesembrine alkaloids, the main compounds in Kanna are mesembrine and mesembrenone. These alkaloids when combined, amplify the plant's mood-boosting effects and enhance overall wellness: 

  • Mesembrine is the primary active component in Kanna 
  • Mesembrenone is the second most common bioactive compound in Kanna
  • Mesembrenol
  • Mesembranol. [1]

The synergy between mesembrine and mesembrenone may contribute to mood-enhancing and relaxing properties. For more information about alkaloids, refer to our article “What Are Kanna Alkaloids.”  

“Nature’s MDMA”

Today, some people take Kanna for its euphoric properties, earning it the nickname “Nature’s MDMA.” Both Kanna and MDMA are empathogens, which can open the heart, increase feelings of empathy, openness, sociability, and connection.

However, Kanna is a botanical plant while MDMA is a synthetic drug; each contains very different active compounds and therefore different benefits. MDMA can also lead to unpleasant and potentially dangerous health effects.[2]  

Kanna Effects

Kanna’s traditional uses as a botanical medicine, supports various aspects of health, including relaxation, mood. Kanna, even in small doses can have some remarkable effects: 

  • Euphoriant (Provide feelings of euphoria, well-being, calm)
  • Anxiolytic (Relieve tension and anxiety)
  • Nootropic (Enhance cognition and protect the nervous system)
  • Aphrodisiac (Amplify pleasure)
  • Empathogen (Increase feelings of connectedness)
  • Open up the heart
  • Increase self-confidence
  • Lead to tranquility, allowing a deeper focus on inner thoughts
  • Boost your mood naturally
  • Exert anti-microbial effects
  • Promote stress resilience by supporting the mind's ability to rebalance when coming up against stressors
  • Stave off depression.[3][4]

A recently published article concludes that “…the S. tortuosum plant exhibits useful bioactive compounds for anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity, thus promoting a sense of well-being.”4

‍‍Legal Status, Safety and Warnings

Kanna is legal in all countries when sold as an herbal preparation based on its traditional use. Kanna isn’t a federally scheduled drug in the United States, so it is legal to buy and sell. 

Louisiana, which has strict laws and specifically prohibits mesembryanthemum species, is the one exception.

The main risk when using Kanna occurs when mixing Kanna with other other-the-counter and prescription medications or supplements.

Do not use any Kanna products in conjunction with MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs or CNS depressants. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before using Kanna, especially if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, currently taking prescription medications or supplements or have any pre-existing medical conditions 

Why Our Kanna Is The Best

The Kanna extract used in our products is organically grown in South Africa and extracted in an FDA-inspected, CMP-certified facility. The extract is tested in an independent lab for quality and purity. 

Our Kanna extract has about 7 times more alkaloids than plants from other major farms. The genetics lead to potent plants with novel alkaloid profiles that will greatly enhance your mood and wellness. 

The Bottom Line

Kanna is a succulent plant, used for centuries by indigenous South African communities as both a traditional medicine and a sacrament. Research-backed evidence indicates that Kanna may offer various benefits for improving one's wellness and connection. You will be getting the best available Kanna in the world by purchasing our products.

 

Footnotes

[1] Acute Effects of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin), a Dual 5-HT Reuptake and PDE4 Inhibitor, in the Human Amygdala and its Connection to the Hypothalamus - PMC (nih.gov)

[2] MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)

[3] Muszynska, B.; Łojewski, M.; Rojowski, J.; Opoka, W.; Sułkowska-Ziaja, K. Natural products of relevance in the prevention and supportive treatment of depression. Psychiatr. Pol. 2015, 49, 435–453.

[4] A Chewable Cure “Kanna”: Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum (mdpi.com)