Sceletium tortuosum, also known as kanna, kougoed, channa, or eland antelope plant, is becoming increasingly popular as a legal non-psychedelic alternative for anxiety and stress relief. It is a heart medicine that can help open one’s heart to deeper levels of love, connection, and oneness.
The mesembrine alkaloids found in kanna inhibit serotonin reuptake, thus helping to promote a sense of calmness and relaxation. It is thought that kanna also boosts energy use by blocking an enzyme called PDE4.
1. Alkaloids
Kanna is a psychoactive herb (it can induce visions) that can be chewed and swallowed or added to smoking mixtures with other plants such as cannabis, damiana, and possibly wild dagga for more hallucinogenic effects. It also potentiates the effects of these other plants, meaning you need significantly less of them to achieve the same effect. It is a powerful anxiolytic and mood lifter that can help you relax and can also reduce feelings of depression.
The alkaloids in kanna, particularly mesembrine and mesembrenol, interact with the brain to produce a variety of effects. They act as both a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a serotonin- releasing agent, increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain and helping to lift mood. The alkaloids in kanna also activate receptors for GABA, natural opioids, cholecystokinin, and melatonin, influencing mood, appetite, and sleep.
Mesembrine and mesembrenol are also known to enhance alpha1 and alpha2 brain frequencies during cognitive tests, helping promote calmness. In addition to mood and anxiety support, clinical trials have shown that kanna can strengthen attention and memory, making it useful for people with ADHD.
Kanna is non-habit forming and neuroprotective with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti- inflammatory properties. It is not known to be toxic or addictive and is very safe if used as directed. However, because it acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibiter, it should not be mixed with other substances that affect serotonin, as too much can lead to serotonin syndrome. It is also important not to consume too large a dose of kanna, as it can cause anxiety and nausea. For this reason, it is generally recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase your dosage until you find the right level.
2. Bioflavonoids
Kanna’s alkaloids are thought to be responsible for its mood-boosting, anxiety-reducing effects. Mesembrine and mesembrenone are the main psychoactive compounds in kanna, with half a
dozen other alkaloids, including tortuosamine, occurring in small amounts as well. These phytochemicals act like serotonin reuptake inhibitors, delaying the brain’s neurons from quickly reabsorbing serotonin to extend its availability. In addition, they also stimulate the protein vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) to increase the amount of serotonin that is released from cells.
This mechanism of action is incredibly similar to how many prescription antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications work. In fact, in cellular studies, kanna for anxiety appears to act as if it were an SRI, increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking reuptake and stimulating VMAT2.
Historically, mesembryanthemums have been used in South Africa as a mild entheogen, traditionally chewed and swallowed for their uplifting, mood-enhancing effects. They were considered akin to psilocybin mushrooms and LSD, although they are not hallucinogenic and do not produce psychedelic effects.
Modern research shows that kanna has the potential to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve memory, focus, and energy levels. In a study, subjects who took 8-25 mg of the kanna extract Zembrin prior to cognitive testing performed significantly better than those who did not take it.
Third Wave’s Hello Calm is a blend of kanna, lion’s mane, rhodiola, theobromine, and B- complex vitamins to promote happiness, calmness, and energy. If you’re interested in trying out microdosing, Third Wave has an entire course that will walk you through the process step-by- step. The course will help you build a microdosing routine that is personalized to your unique needs and goals.
3. Phosphorus
Kanna contains alkaloids that enhance serotonin reuptake inhibition actions in the brain, increasing levels of this mood-enhancing neurotransmitter. It has also been found to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, slowing down how quickly the brain and body break down this important chemical.
These effects are what allow kanna to reduce stress and anxiety without causing nervousness or jitteriness, as well as provide a natural energy boost without the side effects of stimulants. Kanna supports a balanced emotional state and may aid in enhancing empathy and compassion toward self and others.
The four similar alkaloids in kanna (mesembrine, mesembrenone, tortuosamine, and chennai) are thought to interact with other neurotransmitters. For example, mesembrine has been found to inhibit vesicular monoamine transporter 2 – or VMAT2. This is a protein that helps shuttle monoamines out of cells to enter synapses in the brain. By inhibiting the VMAT2 activity, mesembrine increases the availability of serotonin and other monoamines in the brain.
A study using fMRI brain imaging found that Zembrin/Kanna impacts the brain’s amygdala region. This area of the brain processes fearful and threatening stimuli to trigger the fight or flight response. The findings indicate that the sedative and anxiety-reducing effects of kanna appear to be caused by its action on the amygdala.
It is recommended to speak with your physician before taking any herb. You should not use any herbal supplement if you have a serious medical condition or are taking prescription medications.
4. Vitamin C
Sceletium tortuosum (kanna) is a plant that has been used by the people of Southern Africa for over 1000 years. It is not a psychedelic but rather a psychoactive substance that alters perception and mood and passes the blood-brain barrier to impact mental processes. It has been shown to reduce state anxiety. It may also improve executive function and cognitive flexibility.
Kanna contains alkaloids that can increase serotonin in the brain and improve mood. The main ingredients are mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembranol, collectively known as the mesembrine alkaloids. Mesembrine inhibits serotonin reuptake, which allows more serotonin to be active in neurons and could explain the mind-expanding effects that some users experience with kanna. It is also thought to affect the vesicular monoamine transporter 2, or VMAT2, which releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin into the brain.
These chemicals are thought to change the way the amygdala in the brain functions and may explain some of the mood changes that occur with kanna use. It should be noted that some genes can influence how the body responds to this type of serotonin reuptake inhibition, and therefore, anyone who takes kanna should be careful not to take too much, as too much can cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome.
Some natural remedies that can help with anxiety include cutting back on caffeine, getting enough vitamin D, and drinking chamomile tea. If these do not work, seeing a physician or psychologist for treatment is best. They can recommend cognitive behavior therapy or medication, such as beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, for chronic or recurrent anxiety disorders.
5. Calcium
Kanna (Scletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant in the Aizoaceae family and is often used as a natural alternative to traditional psychedelics for anxiety and stress relief. It’s also a heart- opening plant and is used in shamanic ceremonies for profound feelings of connection and oneness. It has been used by indigenous people of Southern Africa for centuries, and it’s gaining popularity in the West as a non-psychedelic anxiety remedy.
The plant has been able to ease anxiety and depression naturally because of its unique types of alkaloids, which improve moods. The main alkaloid is mesembrine, which acts as a serotonin
reuptake inhibitor to boost mood. It can also help with insomnia and promote relaxation. Other compounds, such as tortuosamine and mesembrenone, help to balance serotonin in the brain.
Another benefit of kanna is that it’s very low in oxalates, which are chemicals that can be toxic
to the body. It’s important to avoid oxalates when using herbs because they can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients. It’s best to use a fermented or heat-treated version of kanna to avoid this problem.
While kanna has been shown to have anxiety-relieving properties, there’s not a lot of scientific evidence that supports this claim. Until more research is done, it’s recommended to try other alternatives to reduce anxiety. For instance, talk therapy can be useful for overcoming anxiety. You can also exercise regularly, reduce caffeine, and get enough vitamin D—which can be obtained by spending time in the sun or taking a supplement. You can also try chamomile tea for anxiety relief, as it’s a mild natural relaxant. It contains the antioxidant apigenin, which decreases anxiety and promotes sleepiness.