Interest in natural approaches to well-being, cognitive performance, and stress balance has grown rapidly in recent years. As a result, many people are exploring plants that have a long history of traditional use alongside emerging scientific research.
Within this context, nootropics—a broad term often used to describe substances associated with cognitive and mental performance—have gained popularity. Commonly referenced botanicals in this space include lemon balm, saffron, lion’s mane mushroom, gotu kola, and ginkgo biloba.
Alongside these, increasing attention is being given to a multifunctional South African botanical known as kanna, scientifically referred to as Sceletium tortuosum.
This article explores kanna’s origins, traditional applications, key plant compounds, and the areas currently being studied by modern researchers.
What Is Kanna?
Kanna, also known as kougoed or channa, is a flowering succulent native to South Africa. Its scientific name, Sceletium tortuosum, is derived from the Latin word sceletus, referencing the plant’s skeletal leaf structure once dried.
The name “kanna” is often interpreted as “something to chew,” reflecting one of its traditional preparation methods. Historically, the plant was fermented and then chewed, brewed, or otherwise prepared for use in daily life.
Kanna played an important role in the cultures of indigenous Khoisan, San, and Khoikhoi communities and was used for practical, social, and cultural purposes rather than as a ceremonial intoxicant.
Traditional Use of Kanna in South Africa
Ethnobotanical records indicate that kanna has been used for thousands of years. Indigenous communities carefully harvested and fermented the plant to enhance its properties before use.
Traditional applications included:
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Supporting calmness during physically or emotionally demanding conditions
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Encouraging social connection and cooperation
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Managing fatigue during long journeys or hunting expeditions
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Promoting resilience in arid and challenging environments
Unlike many psychoactive plants, kanna was not traditionally associated with hallucinations. Instead, it was valued for its grounding and stabilizing qualities.
What Makes Kanna Unique? Key Alkaloids
Modern scientific interest in kanna centers on its naturally occurring alkaloids, most notably:
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Mesembrine
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Mesembrenone
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Mesembrenol
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Mesembranol
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Tortuosamine
These compounds have been studied for their interaction with neurotransmitter pathways, particularly those associated with serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in mood regulation, emotional processing, and stress response.
Laboratory studies suggest that some kanna alkaloids interact with the serotonin transporter (SERT), which has made the plant a subject of interest in neurochemical and pharmacological research.
Areas of Modern Scientific Research
As interest in mental and emotional well-being continues to grow worldwide, kanna has become a focus of research exploring how traditional botanicals interact with biological systems.
Emotional Balance and Stress Response
Preliminary research suggests that kanna alkaloids may influence pathways associated with emotional regulation and stress response. These findings are often discussed in relation to kanna’s long history of use in demanding physical and social environments.
Cognitive and Behavioral Research
Researchers have also examined kanna’s potential influence on cognitive flexibility, attentional processes, and emotional resilience. These areas of study aim to understand how traditional plant compounds interact with modern neurological models.
Inflammatory and Enzymatic Pathways
Some studies suggest kanna alkaloids may interact with enzymes such as phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), which plays a role in inflammatory signaling. This has opened additional avenues of investigation, though research is still ongoing.
How Kanna Is Used Today
In modern contexts, kanna is available in several forms, including:
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Botanical extracts
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Powders and tinctures
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Traditional snuff preparations
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Functional and research-oriented formulations
Because alkaloid content can vary significantly between raw plant material and preparations, standardized extracts are often preferred in research and analytical settings.
Safety, Context, and Responsible Use
Kanna has a long history of traditional use, and available research generally suggests good tolerability when handled responsibly. However, because kanna alkaloids interact with serotonin-related pathways, individuals using other serotonin-active substances should exercise caution and seek professional guidance.
Scientific understanding of optimal use, dosage ranges, and long-term effects is still evolving, and continued research is necessary.
Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Modern Inquiry
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) represents a powerful example of how indigenous plant knowledge continues to inform modern scientific exploration. Its historical role in South African cultures, combined with growing research interest, positions kanna at the intersection of ethnobotany, neuroscience, and contemporary wellness research.