Sceletium tortuosum

ScientificName: Sceletium tortuosum
Common Name: Kanna
Family: AIZOACEAE
Parts Use: leaf and twig

Exploring Sceletium tortuosum: The Ancient Wisdom of Kanna

From the arid landscapes of South Africa emerges a botanical steeped in centuries of indigenous knowledge and revered for its unique properties: Sceletium tortuosum, more commonly known as Kanna. This succulent plant has been a significant part of the San and Khoikhoi cultures for generations, traditionally used for its profound impact on mood and well-being.

A Native Treasure of Southern Africa

Sceletium tortuosum is a low-growing, sprawling succulent that thrives in the harsh, dry environments of the Karoo region in South Africa. Its distinctive fleshy leaves and small, white to pale yellow flowers are resilient against challenging conditions. Historically, it is the dried and fermented plant material, particularly the leaves and stems, that have been traditionally utilized.

A Legacy of Traditional Use and Cultural Significance

For hundreds, if not thousands, of years, indigenous communities have incorporated Kanna into their daily lives and ceremonial practices:

• Traditional Mood Enhancer: Kanna’s most prominent traditional use revolves around its ability to uplift mood and alleviate feelings of stress or tension. It was often chewed, brewed into teas, or used as a snuff to promote a sense of calm, focus, and well-being.
• Social & Ritual Use: In various traditional gatherings, Kanna was used to reduce social anxiety, facilitate conversation, and create a more relaxed atmosphere, sometimes preceding hunting expeditions or important discussions.
• Addressing Discomfort: Historically, it was also employed in traditional remedies for minor discomforts or to reduce hunger and thirst during long journeys.
• “Feeling Good Plant”: It is sometimes referred to as a “feeling good plant” due to its traditional effects on mood.

It is vital to understand that these are traditional uses rooted in historical folk medicine and cultural practices, not direct medical claims.

The Science Behind the Tradition: Key Alkaloids

Modern scientific research has begun to shed light on the active compounds within Sceletium tortuosum. The plant contains a unique spectrum of alkaloids, which are believed to be primarily responsible for its traditional effects. The most notable of these include:

• Mesembrine: Considered the primary active alkaloid, it is the subject of extensive research for its potential influence on neurotransmitter systems, particularly related to serotonin reuptake inhibition.
• Mesembrenone: Another significant alkaloid, also under investigation for its potential neurobiological activities.
• Mesembrenol and Tortuosamine: These are other alkaloids present that may contribute to the plant’s overall effects.

These alkaloids work synergistically, and research is ongoing to fully understand their complex interactions and mechanisms of action in the human body.