These days, everyone is looking for natural ways to help reduce stress, boost brain function, and promote overall well-being.
Nootropics, a category of herbs and substances known to support cognitive function*, have become popular for these purposes.
Examples of common nootropics used in North American herbalism include Lemon Balm, Saffron, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Gotu Kola, and Ginkgo.
However, many North Americans are becoming aware of the multifunctional South African nootropic, Kanna, also known as Sceletium tortuosum.
In this article, we’ll share more about this fascinating African succulent, including its history, traditional uses, scientific studies, side effects, and contraindications.
What is Kanna?
Kanna, also known as Kougoed or Channa, and scientifically as Sceletium tortuosum, is a flowering succulent native to South Africa.REF#3147
Its scientific name is derived from the Latin word “sceletus,” which means skeleton due to the leaves’ skeletal appearance when dried.
The name “Kanna” loosely translates to “something to chew,” which is telling of how it was used as a chewing agent, like modern gum with health benefits.*
Kanna has a rich history of traditional uses in South Africa, where it has been used as a thirst quencher, for trade, and various health, social, and spiritual practices.
According to a recent review published in the journal Molecules, anecdotal records showed the Khoikhoi and San people have used Kanna since ancient times as an essential part of the indigenous culture.REF#3148
Hunter-gatherers and pastoralists use Kanna to help with endurance during hunting and stress management from living in the dry and challenging environments of Bushman land, Namaqualand, and the Karoo.
Health-wise, Kanna Has Been Traditionally Used to:
- Promote emotional well-being
- Support normal stress response and ease tension
- Ease stomach upset
- Manage occasional minor aches and pains
- Support sleep
- Help ease toothaches
- Support respiratory health
- Promote relaxation
Kanna’s popularity in South Africa and growing reputation worldwide have made it the subject of several studies.
Here, we examine what the science says about the benefits of this ancient nootropic.
5 Health Benefits of Kanna
Historical records, traditional use, and anecdotal evidence suggest Kanna may provide diverse benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health.*
But how does it work?
Research has shown the main plant compounds in Kanna, known as mesembrine alkaloids, are responsible for many of its potential health benefits.REF#3149
These alkaloids include:
- Chennai
- Mesembrine
- Mesembrenone
- Mesembrenol
- Mesembranol
- Tortuosamine
Next, we’ll explore more about how these alkaloids, and other plant compounds in Kanna, may support brain function, normal inflammatory response, and more.
1. Kanna May Support Emotional Well-Being
Kanna has a reputation for promoting relaxation, calmness, and creating a blissful state of mind.*
It’s also been used historically as a mood-altering substance in spiritual practices and everyday life.REF#3150
Emerging research suggests the alkaloids in Kanna may promote emotional well-being by supporting normal production and function of serotonin.REF#3151
Serotonin is a feel-good neurotransmitter involved in feelings of well-being, contentment, and happiness.
Kanna has also been shown effective for supporting a normal stress response, which we’ll discuss more in the following two sections.
More research is needed.
However, Kanna has created much interest among mental health professionals for its potentially beneficial effects on serotonin and mental/emotional well-being.
2. Kanna May Offer Diverse Cognitive Support
As a nootropic, Kanna is well-known for its supportive effects on brain and cognitive function.*
Part of this is due to its beneficial effects on stress, as stress can deplete brain power.REF#3152
However, research has also known Kanna may offer multiple benefits for cognitive function and processing, including: REF#3153 REF#3154
- Supporting attention
- Promoting cognitive flexibility and neuroplasticity, the ability for the brain to adapt, thrive, and function in different environments and changing circumstances REF#3155
- Providing memory support
Preliminary research suggests these effects may be due to Kanna’s:
- Effects on serotonin and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), an enzyme that works with serotonin to support brain and nervous system function.REF#3156
- Antioxidant benefits for inflammatory response REF#3157
- Positive actions on stress response REF#3158
More research is needed.
However, Kanna has been a time-honored brain tonic in South African traditional wellness practices and is a popular ingredient in various nootropic supplements.
3. Kanna May Help Ease Stress and Tension
The use of Kanna to help ease stress and tension is on the rise, with some comparing its effects to that of recreational drugs.
As previously mentioned, the indigenous tribes of South Africa also used Kanna as a tea, chewable or smokeable, as a mood-altering substance, and in spiritual practices.
Despite what you may have heard from influencers or online, Kanna does not produce the same effects or side effects as recreational drugs.
Research has shown that Kanna can help support a healthy stress response via its alkaloid’s effects on serotonin, phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), and the adrenal cortex, which produces stress hormones such as cortisol.REF#3159 REF#3160
Although more studies are needed, historical use and emerging research suggest Kanna may be a safe and effective herb to help ease everyday stress and tension.
4. Kanna May Help with Minor Pain Management
Less than 100 years ago, people’s options for managing pain were limited. Therefore, people relied on alcohol and natural substances, such as herbs.
In South Africa, Kanna was well-known for its ability to help ease various minor aches and pains. For example, the indigenous people would chew Kanna to help ease toothache.
Kanna’s purported analgesic properties have been studied, and preliminary research suggests Kanna’s alkaloids may work on various pain receptors, which explains its traditional use.REF#3161 It’s also been shown to promote normal inflammatory response.
However, more robust studies are needed.
5. Kanna May Help You Sleep
Based on what you’ve learned about its relaxation and stress-relieving potential, it likely comes as no surprise that Kanna may also promote normal sleep for those experiencing occasional sleeplessness.
Although the cause of sleeplessness varies, Kanna may be helpful for those struggling to fall asleep due to its relaxation-inducing and calming effects on the body and mind and its potential effects on serotonin, which is involved with the sleep cycle.REF#3162
Its mild analgesic properties may also help with restlessness due to minor aches and pains.
However, our understanding of how Kanna may affect sleep is in its infancy. More research is needed.
Kanna Side Effects & Contraindications
Kanna has been used in various forms for centuries and is considered safe when taken in normal doses, such as what is recommended on supplement labels.
When side effects occur, they tend to be rare and mild and may include stomach upset, headaches, or changes in elimination patterns.
However, there have not been enough human studies conducted to determine the safest dose or duration for taking Kanna.
Kanna can have a mild sedative effect when taken in larger doses. Therefore, it is recommended you not drive or operate machinery until you know how Kanna will affect you.
Since studies show Kanna may affect serotonin, it is important you talk with your doctor or healthcare practitioner if you’re taking medications targeting serotonin.
Since Kanna has not been studied during pregnancy or lactation, talk to your doctor before taking Kanna if you are expecting or nursing.
Let’s Recap What We’ve Learned About Kanna
Kanna has been used by the indigenous peoples of South Africa for centuries to support emotional well-being, stress response, quench thirst, as a mood-altering substance, minor pain reliever, and more.*
Kanna has also become popular worldwide as a natural relaxant, nootropic supplement, and stress reliever.
Although preliminary animal and human studies have illuminated the potential benefits and mechanisms behind Kanna’s traditional uses, more research is needed to understand this ancient plant.
Kanna is available in various forms as a supplement, including capsules, tinctures, and teas.
You can also chew or smoke Kanna, although smoking is not recommended due to its harmful effect on the lungs.
Kanna has a long history of safe use, and preliminary research suggests it is safe to take in normal amounts.
However, check with your doctor or healthcare practitioner if you’re taking medications targeting serotonin or other neurotransmitters, have pre-existing conditions, are pregnant, or are nursing.
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