Nootropic profile
Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum)
Kanna is a South African succulent plant traditionally used by the San and Khoikhoi peoples for its mood-elevating and anxiety-reducing effects. It contains mesembrine alkaloids that act as natural serotonin reuptake inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors, offering rapid-onset mood support.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum)?
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa with a documented history of use spanning over 300 years.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Standardised extract (Zembrin): 25 mg per day - the dose used in clinical trials
- Non-standardised extract: 50–200 mg per day, depending on alkaloid content and preparation method
- Traditional use: 50–100 mg of fermented plant material, chewed or brewed as tea
- Sublingual: Some users take Kanna sublingually for faster onset (10–20 minutes vs 30–60 minutes oral)
- Timing: Can be taken morning or as needed for anxiety. Effects typically last 4–6 hours.
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Occasional reports of headache, nausea, and insomnia at higher doses.
- Serotonergic drugs - CAUTION: As an SRI, Kanna must NOT be combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs due to the risk of serotonin...
- MAOI interaction: Do not combine with MAO inhibitors - risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
- Cardiac: High doses may cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions should consult a doctor.
- Pregnancy: No safety data available - avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The science, if you're curious.
- Mesembrine potently inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing serotonin availability at the synapse. This is the same primary mechanism as SSRI...
- Mesembrine and related alkaloids inhibit phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), increasing cyclic AMP levels. PDE4 inhibition has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective,...
- Functional MRI studies show reduced amygdala reactivity to threat stimuli, explaining the rapid anxiolytic effect without sedation.
- Some evidence suggests interaction with vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), potentially influencing dopamine and norepinephrine packaging and release.
Where to find it
- Zembrin: Patented standardised extract of Sceletium tortuosum, used in clinical research. Standardised to mesembrine alkaloid content.
- Raw plant material: Dried and fermented Sceletium tortuosum available from specialist herbal suppliers
- Capsules and powders: Various extracts available with differing alkaloid concentrations
- Tinctures: Liquid extracts for sublingual use
- Tea: Dried plant material can be brewed, though traditionally it was chewed or snuffed
Frequently asked
Kanna is a South African succulent plant traditionally used by the San and Khoikhoi peoples for its mood-elevating and anxiety-reducing effects. It contains mesembrine alkaloids that act as natural serotonin reuptake inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors, offering rapid-onset mood support.
The main benefits people report from Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum) are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Mood, Motivation, Stress Relief.
Standardised extract (Zembrin): 25 mg per day - the dose used in clinical trialsNon-standardised extract: 50–200 mg per day, depending on alkaloid content and preparation methodTraditional use: 50–100 mg of fermented plant material, chewed or brewed as teaSublingual: Some users take Kanna sublingual...
Side effects: Generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Occasional reports of headache, nausea, and insomnia at higher doses.Serotonergic drugs - CAUTION: As an SRI, Kanna must NOT be combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs due to the risk of serotonin...MAOI interaction:...
Mesembrine potently inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing serotonin availability at the synapse. This is the same primary mechanism as SSRI...Mesembrine and related alkaloids inhibit phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), increasing cyclic AMP levels. PDE4 inhibition has anti-inflammatory, neur...
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