What is Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) and How is it Used Traditionally?

Introduction

In an era where mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression are on the rise, individuals are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to conventional antidepressants. While pharmaceutical solutions often dominate the conversation, a growing movement is turning to plant-based remedies that align with holistic wellness trends. This shift has fueled interest in ancient, time-honored plants known for their potential to support mental well-being.

Among these is Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum), a succulent native to the arid regions of South Africa, where it has been cherished for centuries. Renowned for its psychoactive properties and cultural significance, Kanna has become a beacon of interest for those looking to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science. With its ability to enhance mood and promote emotional resilience, Kanna offers a compelling natural option for those navigating the complexities of mental health.

This article delves into the rich heritage of Kanna, exploring its traditional uses, scientific insights into its active compounds, and its role in today’s wellness markets. By understanding Kanna’s unique properties, we can better appreciate its potential as a natural remedy for the growing demand for plant-based mental health solutions.

Background and Traditional Uses of Kanna

A Rich Historical Legacy

Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as Kanna, has a profound historical and cultural significance, deeply rooted in the indigenous practices of Southern Africa. The earliest documented use of Kanna dates back to the 17th century, when Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape Colony, recorded its use during an expedition in 1685. This documentation, accompanied by illustrations, highlighted Kanna as a revered resource among the Namaqua people, who described it as both a practical and ceremonial plant (1).

An Adaptogen for Harsh Environments

Indigenous Khoisan communities, including hunter-gatherers and pastoralists, have used Kanna for centuries as a masticatory to endure harsh environmental conditions in arid regions like Namaqualand and the Karoo. Its primary function was to alleviate stress, enhance endurance, and suppress hunger during long journeys. Chewing Kanna not only provided physical resilience but also contributed to mental clarity and emotional balance (1).

Social and Spiritual Importance

Beyond its practical applications, Kanna held a special place in communal and spiritual settings. The plant's mildly euphoric effects made it an integral part of social bonding rituals, helping foster harmony during gatherings and communal events. Oral traditions suggest that the Khoisan also valued Kanna for its ability to promote relaxation, unity, and a sense of well-being (1, 2).

Traditional Preparation: Kougoed

Local communities traditionally harvest the plant from October to January, focusing on the above-ground material. This material is crushed with a large stone on a flat rock, then placed into a plastic bag—formerly, sheepskin bags were used. The bag is tightly sealed to exclude air, allowing the material to macerate under the hot sun for about eight days with occasional mixing. Once fermented, the pulp is spread on a flat rock to dry in the sun, resulting in light brown, fibrous clumps of fermented Kanna (3).

In some variations of the process, fresh foliage or whole plants are simply crushed and left to dry in the sun, while other methods involve baking the material in hot sand under a fire. Modern adaptations, often for larger-scale production, include drying plants in the shade or using drying racks. These methods, whether traditional or modernized, underscore the adaptive ingenuity in preserving and enhancing the plant's psychoactive and medicinal properties (3).

Scientific Insights: Active Compounds in Kanna

Modern scientific exploration has substantiated the historical use of Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) by uncovering the pharmacological activity of its alkaloid-rich profile. This South African succulent owes its psychoactive and therapeutic properties primarily to mesembrine-type alkaloids, which are now recognized for their distinct biological activities, including modulation of mood, reduction of anxiety, and cognitive enhancement (4, 5).

Key Alkaloids and Their Roles

The therapeutic effects of Kanna are largely attributed to three main alkaloids: mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol. These compounds target central nervous system pathways to provide a broad spectrum of benefits:

Mesembrine: Acting as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), mesembrine increases serotonin availability in the brain, which supports emotional stability and mitigates anxiety. This mode of action mirrors pharmaceutical antidepressants, further validating Kanna's potential in mental wellness (4, 5).
Mesembrenone: In addition to its SSRI properties, mesembrenone inhibits phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), an enzyme linked to inflammatory responses. This dual-action approach enhances mental clarity while alleviating neuroinflammation, making mesembrenone effective for combating stress-related cognitive fatigue (5).
Mesembrenol: Although less extensively studied, mesembrenol exhibits anxiolytic properties and modulates serotonin activity. These effects bolster Kanna’s calming attributes, reinforcing its role in stress management (4, 5).

Mechanisms of Action

The synergy of Kanna's alkaloids offers a multifaceted solution to mental wellness. Serotonin reuptake inhibition stabilizes mood and provides rapid stress relief, while PDE4 inhibition improves intracellular signaling, supporting neurocognitive function. Collectively, these mechanisms establish Kanna as a potent adaptogen with wide-ranging therapeutic potential (4).

Broader Implications

The pharmacological properties of Sceletium tortuosum have far-reaching implications. Beyond its use as a natural mood enhancer, ongoing research suggests its application in managing mild depression, anxiety, and neuroinflammatory conditions. Such findings not only validate the plant’s traditional use but also position Kanna as a compelling candidate in the development of modern herbal medicine (4, 5).

Current Uses of Kanna

Sceletium tortuosum, commonly referred to as Kanna, has transitioned from a traditional remedy to a globally recognized supplement for mental well-being. Historically used by the Khoisan people for its psychoactive and adaptogenic properties, Kanna is now marketed in various forms such as teas, capsules, tablets, and tinctures. These products are widely accessible through health food stores, pharmacies, and online platforms (1, 4).

Modern formulations, like the standardized extract Zembrin®, ensure consistent concentrations of active alkaloids, primarily mesembrine and mesembrenone. These extracts have shown therapeutic efficacy in managing stress, anxiety, and cognitive challenges, supported by clinical research demonstrating rapid action and cognitive-enhancing properties (6, 7). Moreover, Zembrin®’s dual activity as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor underscores its popularity in natural medicine (4).

Ethical sourcing and sustainability have gained prominence as the demand for Kanna grows. South African producers adhere to frameworks such as the Nagoya Protocol to ensure equitable benefit-sharing and environmental conservation (5).

Cultural Heritage and Ethical Sourcing of Kanna

The commercialization of Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) represents a nuanced interplay between honoring cultural heritage and meeting modern demands. For centuries, Kanna held a central role in the spiritual and social practices of the Khoisan people, treasured for its capacity to uplift mood, alleviate stress, and strengthen communal bonds. This deep cultural significance extends beyond its medicinal applications, embedding Kanna as a symbol of resilience and connection within Khoisan traditions (5, 7).

As Kanna’s popularity grows on the global stage, the imperative to respect and preserve its cultural origins becomes more pressing. Modern ethical sourcing practices aim to balance the benefits of commercialization with the rights of indigenous communities. Frameworks like South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and the Nagoya Protocol are pivotal in ensuring equitable benefit-sharing agreements. These regulations not only protect the intellectual and cultural legacy of Kanna but also foster partnerships that uphold fairness and sustainability (1, 3).

The evolution of commercial farming has further refined Kanna’s journey from traditional use to a global market. Advances such as hydroponic cultivation and controlled growing conditions allow producers to maintain consistent alkaloid compositions, ensuring both the quality and efficacy of the plant. These innovations, coupled with sustainable farming practices, exemplify how ancient traditions can coexist with modern agricultural techniques, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation (4, 5).

This synthesis of cultural respect, ethical practices, and scientific progress underscores Kanna’s unique position in the world of natural medicine—where past and present converge to shape a future of sustainable and equitable utilization.

Safety and Considerations

Sceletium tortuosum has a well-documented safety profile, particularly in standardized extracts like Zembrin®. Clinical trials have shown that doses between 8 mg and 25 mg are well-tolerated, with minimal side effects such as mild headaches or abdominal discomfort observed mainly at higher doses (4, 6).

Toxicological studies confirm the absence of significant adverse effects, with no mutagenic or teratogenic concerns reported. However, due to its serotonin reuptake inhibition properties, combining Kanna with other serotonergic medications such as SSRIs or MAOIs could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome (6, 7).

Guidelines recommend consulting healthcare providers before use, particularly for individuals with preexisting conditions or those taking prescription medications. Adherence to recommended dosages further minimizes potential risks (2, 4).

Conclusion

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) exemplifies the fusion of ancient tradition and modern innovation. Deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual practices of the Khoisan people, Kanna has historically been revered for its ability to alleviate stress, promote social harmony, and support resilience in demanding environments. This historical significance transcends its medicinal value, reflecting the profound role it has played in indigenous heritage (1, 7).

Modern scientific investigations have substantiated many of Kanna's traditional applications by uncovering the pharmacological basis of its effects. The alkaloids mesembrine and mesembrenone, central to Kanna’s efficacy, act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, offering benefits that range from stress relief and mood enhancement to cognitive support. Standardized products like Zembrin® further validate its therapeutic potential, ensuring safety, efficacy, and consistency in modern usage (4, 6).

However, the rising global demand for Kanna introduces ethical and sustainability challenges. The importance of preserving its cultural legacy while ensuring equitable benefit-sharing with indigenous communities cannot be overstated. Regulatory frameworks such as the Nagoya Protocol and sustainable farming practices are essential to maintaining this balance, promoting both environmental stewardship and fair trade (1, 3, 5).

Kanna’s adaptability as a natural remedy positions it as a bridge between traditional wisdom and contemporary wellness practices. Its holistic approach to mental well-being—offering stress relief, cognitive enhancement, and emotional support—continues to resonate with a global audience. The growing recognition of Kanna underscores the timeless relevance of traditional plant-based remedies in addressing modern health challenges, solidifying its place in the expanding domain of natural medicine.

What is Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) and How is it Used Traditionally?