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Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum)

Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum)

History

Kanna, scientifically known as Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant native to South Africa, where it has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes for its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties. As modern science catches up with ancient wisdom, Kanna is gaining popularity worldwide as a natural supplement for mental wellness. In this blog post, we'll cover the benefits of Kanna, its potential side effects, and the best ways to incorporate Kanna supplements into your routine.

Most Common Effects

  • Uplifting
  • Energy
  • Focus
  • Relaxing
  • Empathy
  • Happy
  • Uplifting

Alkaloids: Mesembrine, Mesembrenone, Mesembranol, Mesembrenol, Δ7-Mesembrenone, Epimesembranol, Joubertiamine, Dihydrojoubertiamine, Dehydrojoubertiamine, Sceletium Alkaloid A4, 4′-O-demethylmesembrenone, Tortuosamine, N-formyltortuosamine

Medicinal Parts

Aerial Parts (Leaves and Stems): These are the most common parts used. Historically, the leaves were crushed and fermented to reduce oxalic acid before being chewed, smoked, or brewed into tea. (1)

Roots: The roots also contain active alkaloids (like mesembrine) and were traditionally fermented alongside the leaves. (2)

Whole Plant (excluding large woody stems): In modern commercial harvesting, the entire succulent plant is often used to create standardized extracts.



Cautions: Do not use Kanna in combination with SSRIs, MAOIs, or other psychiatric medications, as it may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

1. Mood Enhancement

One of the primary uses of Kanna is as a natural mood enhancer. The plant contains alkaloids such as mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol, which interact with the brain's serotonin receptors to promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Emotions associated: Happy, Uplifting

2. Stress Relief

Kanna is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body to manage stress more effectively. By modulating the stress response, Kanna can reduce feelings of anxiety and tension, making it a valuable tool for those dealing with chronic stress. i

3. Cognitive Function

Some studies suggest that Kanna may enhance cognitive function, including improved focus, clarity, and mental energy. This makes it a popular choice among students and professionals seeking a natural cognitive boost.

4. Appetite Suppression

Kanna has been traditionally used to suppress appetite, which can be beneficial for those looking to manage their weight. However, it is essential to use it responsibly and under guidance to avoid potential complications.

Groundbreaking herbal

Kanna Plant

Our freatured plant is a powerhouse succulent plant native to South Africa that has been utilized for centuries by indigenous communities for its profound mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties. Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum) is traditionally chewed, brewed into teas, or smoked, it serves as a central element in historical wellness practices to alleviate fatigue and promote social cohesion. Modern interest centers heavily on its unique, standardized alkaloid profiles—such as mesembrine and mesembrenone—which interact with the central nervous system to support emotional balance and cognitive function.

Featured product

View of Healing Herbals MT55 kanna extract high-mesembrine powder in a small clear glass jar, showing light beige granulated powder with a few crumbs spilled onto a vibrant iridescent rainbow holographic background.
Healing Herbals MT55 kanna extract high-mesembrine packaging set, featuring two 1-gram holographic resealable pouches, a small wooden jar with branded lid, and a gold dosing tool, displayed on a clean white background.
Kanna extract MT5 BLOOM powder, 5 percent total alkaloids, from Healing Herbals
Kanna extract MT5 BLOOM packaging and powder, second view
Healing Herbals

Kanna Extract MT5 BLOOM Total Alkaloid 5%

Sale price$9.99
(4.8)

Kanna Extract MT5 BLOOM Total Alkaloid 5% is a standardized Sceletium tortuosum extract powder with a high-mesembrine profile at about 5% total alkaloids. BLOOM is the steady middle of our mesembrine-dominant range, tightly specified batch to batch, and it ships in a glass jar with a measuring scoop so servings stay consistent.

At a glance

  • Standardized to about 5% total alkaloids
  • High mesembrine, approximately 70% of the alkaloid fraction
  • Serving: approximately 10 to 25 mg, start at the low end
  • Mixes into drinks and teas, or goes under the tongue
  • Glass jar with measuring scoop, desiccant and instructions
  • Adults 21 and over

The plant. Kanna is a low creeping succulent from the Karoo region of South Africa with a long history of traditional use among the San and Khoikhoi peoples, who fermented the crushed plant before chewing it. The way an extract reads comes down to the ratio between its alkaloids.

Alkaloid profile. BLOOM MT5 is specified as:

  • Mesembrine: approximately 70%, the bright and sociable lead
  • Mesembrenone: approximately 20%, calmer and more body-focused
  • Delta-7-mesembrenone: approximately 10%, rounding out the profile
  • Total alkaloids: approximately 5%

How to use. Approximately 10 to 25 mg per serving, starting at the bottom of that range. Mix it into a beverage or tea for a slower, smoother onset, or place it under the tongue for quicker absorption. Wait for a serving to peak and fade before considering more.

What to expect. A clear, lifted, sociable character with enough of the calmer alkaloids underneath that it does not read as sharp. It suits a working morning or an evening out. Tolerance builds with daily use, so days off serve you better than larger scoops.

How it compares. BLOOM MT5 and GLOW MZQ are both mesembrine-dominant powders, MT5 at approximately 5% total alkaloids and MZQ at 5.5%. MELLOW FS3 runs a looser full-spectrum profile at 4.5%. See the full lineup in Kanna Powder Extracts & Resins.

Interactions and cautions.

  • Do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs or other serotonergic medications, including triptans, tramadol and St. John's Wort, because of the risk of serotonin syndrome
  • Do not use with alcohol
  • Not for use during pregnancy or nursing, or by anyone with a heart condition
  • For adults 21 and over; keep out of reach of children

Ingredients and storage. Kanna extract (Sceletium tortuosum), mannitol substrate. Keep the desiccant in the jar and store it sealed in a cool, dry, dark place. Mannitol draws moisture and clumped powder is harder to scoop accurately.

Common questions

  • What does the plus or minus on the percentages mean? Kanna is a plant, and each batch lands slightly differently. MT5 is specified around 5% total alkaloids rather than at an exact figure.
  • Does the scoop measure a full serving? The included scoop is a starting measure. Weigh it once on a milligram scale so you know what your scoop actually holds.
  • MT5 or MZQ? Both lead with mesembrine. MZQ is standardized a little higher at 5.5% and reads brighter; MT5 is the steadier middle.
  • Why is it on mannitol? Mannitol gives a very small amount of alkaloid enough bulk to be measured and scooped.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Kanna is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. For adults 21 and over. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.

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