The Power of Kanna: Unlocking Vitality with Ancient Indigenous Wisdom

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a plant with deep roots in South African tradition, where it has been utilized for centuries by indigenous communities, particularly the Khoisan people. The use of kanna dates back thousands of years, making it a key part of South Africa’s cultural heritage. Traditionally, kanna was valued not only for its mood-enhancing properties but also for its role in social bonding, emotional regulation, and medicinal practices. Join Felicitis Elixirs as we explore the history, pharmacology and future of this extraordinary succulent.

History of Indigenous Use

The Khoisan people chewed kanna as part of their daily rituals, both for its psychoactive effects and for its capacity to reduce stress and anxiety. The plant was commonly chewed or smoked to produce a calming effect, but it was also consumed in other forms, such as teas. These practices were deeply tied to the social fabric of the Khoisan people, who used kanna during ceremonies and gatherings to enhance feelings of community and connection.

The psychoactive effects of kanna were well-known to the indigenous groups of southern Africa. It was seen as a way to foster mental clarity, alleviate tension, and promote a sense of well-being, especially during difficult times. Some traditional healers also used kanna as a form of spiritual medicine, helping individuals to connect with a higher state of consciousness, alleviate emotional distress, and promote emotional balance.

European Introduction

When European settlers and explorers encountered kanna during their expeditions to South Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries, they noted its effects and its cultural significance. However, kanna did not gain widespread attention outside of South Africa at that time. Its use remained largely local, confined to the indigenous tribes of southern Africa, until much later.

In the 19th century, European naturalists and botanists began to catalog South African plants, and kanna caught the attention of these researchers. Although its use was noted in botanical records, kanna’s full psychoactive potential was not appreciated at the time. It was often regarded as a curiosity, not fully understood or recognized for its benefits in the context of mental health or wellness.

Modern Rediscovery and Research

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a resurgence of interest in kanna, driven by Western interest in natural and alternative wellness practices. With a growing demand for natural remedies and mood-enhancing supplements, kanna began to attract attention as a potential natural antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving agent).

Researchers began exploring kanna’s active compounds, such as mesembrine and mesembrenone, which have been shown to influence the serotonin system. These compounds, which have a mild SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) effect, contributed to kanna’s appeal as a mood-enhancing herb. Kanna quickly found a niche in the wellness industry, and its use began to expand beyond its traditional roots.

In addition to its potential as a mood regulator, kanna gained attention for its neuroprotective qualities and its ability to enhance cognitive function. While much of the scientific research is still in its early stages, kanna’s natural, non-sedating effects have led to its incorporation into various supplement blends aimed at improving mental clarity, focus, and stress management.

Cultural Significance

Kanna’s cultural importance remains strong in South Africa, where it is still used in traditional healing practices. The plant is seen as a powerful tool for mental and emotional health, and its role in social cohesion is emphasized, particularly in community ceremonies.

For indigenous communities, kanna is not just a medicinal herb but a symbol of connection to nature and the deep cultural knowledge passed down through generations. As its use expands globally, kanna’s role as a natural remedy for mental well-being continues to grow, making it an enduring plant with both historical and modern significance.

Pharmacology of Kanna

Kanna’s pharmacological profile is primarily attributed to its unique alkaloids. The key active compounds in kanna include mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol. These compounds interact with several pathways in the brain, particularly affecting serotonin and other neurotransmitter systems.

• PDE-4 Modulation: Kanna has been shown to inhibit phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), an enzyme that regulates the breakdown of cyclic AMP (cAMP). Increased cAMP levels may result in increased energy and attenuated alcohol addiction behavior. This mechanism suggests kanna can elevate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall emotional well-being.

• Selective Reuptake Inhibition: Additionally, kanna contains compounds that act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This effect is comparable in potency to pharmaceutical SSRIs but can offer immediate mood-lifting benefits for those seeking a mild natural alternative instead of requiring weeks to build up to a perceivable level.

• Anxiolytic Effects: While kanna’s effects are largely attributed to serotonin modulation, it also demonstrates anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Kanna helps to ease tension and promote a sense of calm without causing sedation, which makes it distinct from other common anxiolytic agents that may induce drowsiness.

• Neuroprotective Properties: Some research also suggests that kanna might possess neuroprotective effects. By interacting with serotonin and other neurotransmitter systems, kanna could support cognitive health and neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons), although this area requires further study.

Kanna in Felicitis Elixirs

At Felicitis Elixirs, kanna is incorporated into various blends to leverage its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties. Its inclusion is especially prominent in blends designed to promote relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

• SYNERGY: The SYNERGY blend uses kanna to support mood stabilization and cognitive function. Alongside ingredients like Mucuna Puriens (Velvet Bean), Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) and Nicotineamide Mononucleotide (NMN), kanna helps foster a state of emotional resilience, promoting feelings of well-being and mental clarity.

• ELATE: ELATE is a blend designed to enhance joy, presence, focus and energy while maintaining a sense of calm. Kanna’s ability to provide emotional balance works well in this blend, complementing ingredients like Guarana Extract and Indian Trumpet Bark Extract. Together, these compounds help users maintain emotionally positive mindsets, sustained concentration and mental energy without feeling overstimulated.
  

• VIBE: The VIBE blend is tailored to offer a gentle uplift, promoting circulation and emotional positivity. Kanna’s calming influence balances the slightly stimulating effects of ingredients like Catuaba, Muira Puama, Citrulline Malate and Theobromine, allowing users to feel energized but not jittery, with a sense of relaxation and physical drive.

• SOLACE: The SOLACE blend is designed to support relief from stress and pain, as well as relaxation and restful sleep. Kanna’s calming properties work in harmony with ingredients like Chamomile Extract, Cordydalis Extract, and Passionflower Extract to provide gentle relief from tension and promote rejuvenating rest.

  
  

Future Applications of Kanna

Looking ahead, kanna has promising potential in a variety of fields:

• Mental Health: Given its serotonin-modulating effects, kanna could be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Some researchers are exploring its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic antidepressants, offering a safer, gentler option for those seeking mood support.

• Neuroprotection: Due to its potential neuroprotective effects, kanna may also play a role in cognitive health. Research into its ability to support neurogenesis and reduce the effects of neurodegenerative diseases could pave the way for its use in protecting against conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.

• Stress Management: As a natural anxiolytic, kanna could see broader use in products designed to help individuals manage stress more effectively. Its gentle effects on mood without causing drowsiness make it an appealing option for people looking to reduce stress without the side effects commonly associated with pharmaceutical treatments.

• Workplace Wellness and Productivity: With its ability to support emotional balance and mental clarity, kanna is also well-suited for enhancing workplace wellness. When combined with other cognitive-enhancing compounds, kanna could be part of the future of productivity supplements, helping people maintain a positive mental state throughout their workday.

  
  

Conclusion

Kanna’s long history of use in traditional medicine, combined with its promising pharmacological profile, makes it an exciting addition to modern wellness practices. Its ability to modulate serotonin levels, reduce stress, and support mental clarity positions kanna as a valuable ingredient in blends like Felicitis Elixirs. Whether used for stress relief, mood enhancement, or cognitive support, kanna offers a natural alternative for those seeking a more balanced and resilient emotional state. As research into its properties continues, kanna may find expanded applications in both mental health treatments and cognitive enhancement, making it a versatile tool in the future of natural wellness.

Reference List

Loria, M. J., Ali, Z., Abe, N., Sufka, K. J., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Effects of Sceletium Tortuosum in Rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), 731–735. This study examines the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Kanna in animal models, with a focus on mesembrine’s pharmacological impact. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.007

Patnala, S., & Kanfer, I. (2009). Investigations of the Phytochemistry and Traditional Use of Sceletium Tortuosum. This research delves into the chemical transformations of Kanna during fermentation and its impact on the alkaloid profile, which enhances its psychoactive properties. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037887410900630X

Smith, H. M. (2009). Psychoactive Constituents of the Genus Sceletium and Other Mesembryanthemaceae: A Review. This paper provides a comprehensive review of Kanna's historical uses, including its role in traditional Khoisan rituals. Accessed via Good Root. https://goodroot.wordpress.com

Giesbrecht, T., et al. (2010). The Combination of L-Theanine and Caffeine Improves Cognitive Performance. Nutritional Neuroscience, 13(6), 283–90. While focused on other compounds, this work gives insights into Kanna's complementary use with other nootropics. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1179/147683010X12611460764840

Examine.com. (2015). Sceletium Tortuosum: A Scientific Review. This review provides a balanced analysis of Kanna’s benefits, dosage, and safety profile, referencing human and animal studies. Available at: https://examine.com/supplements/sceletium-tortuosum

Krstenansky, P. (2017). Pharmacological mechanisms of Sceletium tortuosum and its alkaloids. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 198, 202-214. DOI: Link to article.