How does Kanna Work?
Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, works primarily through its active alkaloids, such as mesembrine, which influence the brain's neurotransmitters. These alkaloids interact with serotonin receptors, leading to enhanced mood and reduced anxiety. Mesembrine, in particular, acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which is often associated with improved mood and emotional well-being. Additionally, Kanna may impact other brain chemicals involved in stress response and relaxation, contributing to its calming effects. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, these interactions highlight Kanna's potential as a natural mood enhancer and stress reliever. As with any supplement, it's important to consult healthcare professionals for safe use.
If you want the primary literature rather than the summary: a 2021 review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology covers the pharmacokinetics and receptor work, and a placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers tested a standardized extract against placebo.
Which alkaloid dominates is what separates one extract from another, and we broke that down in our guide to kanna extract types. You can also browse the full kanna extract range.
Written by Herbal Healings
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