Quick Summary
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a traditional Southern African herbal medicine historically used as an appetite suppressant and mood enhancer. It contains mesembrine alkaloids and is commonly commercialized to support anxiety and depression symptoms. Scientific research into its effects is ongoing with growing interest; however, clinical data remain limited and inconclusive.
What is it
Kanna is a succulent plant native to South Africa, traditionally harvested and used by indigenous peoples for its mood-altering properties. Preparations typically involve dried plant material consumed as chewed leaves, teas, or extracts. Its primary bioactive compounds belong to the mesembrine alkaloid class, which are thought to influence neurotransmitter systems.
Traditional Uses
- Appetite suppression
- Mood enhancement
- Relief of anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Social and cognitive enhancement in traditional settings
Active Compounds
The main active constituents of Kanna include mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and tortuosamine alkaloids. These compounds may interact with central nervous system pathways, though detailed pharmacokinetics and bioavailability data are lacking.
Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels
- Mood enhancement and anxiolytic effects: Preliminary clinical and preclinical evidence support traditional use as a mood enhancer and anxiolytic agent; however, human clinical assessments are scarce and no robust meta-analytic data are available.
- Management of anxiety and depression: While traditionally used for anxiety and depression, current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm efficacy. More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed.
- Cognitive effects and potential cognitive enhancement: Some reports suggest cognitive enhancement properties, but robust human clinical trials are lacking.
Side Effects
Due to limited human research, no well-documented adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials. However, unknown risks may exist given insufficient toxicology and safety data.
Drug Interactions
There is potential for herb-drug interactions based on in vitro studies showing that plant extracts, including those similar to Kanna, can affect cytochrome P450 enzymes and drug transporters. Specific clinically significant interactions involving Kanna have not been adequately studied or confirmed. Caution is advised if used concomitantly with other medications.
Who Should Avoid It
Use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking prescription drugs should consult a healthcare professional before use. Contraindications are not established due to insufficient clinical research.
Evidence Limitations
- Lack of rigorous clinical trials with sufficient sample sizes and standardized extracts
- Insufficient toxicological and safety data in human populations
- Deficit of bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies
- Minimal information on minor alkaloids and their biological effects
- Potential publication bias and methodological concerns in phytochemical research
- Regulatory challenges limiting product development and safety evaluations
References
- Reddy K, Stafford GI, Makunga NP. Skeletons in the closet? Using a bibliometric lens to visualise phytochemical and pharmacological activities linked to Sceletium, a mood enhancer. 2024. Discusses traditional use, phytochemical investigations, and research gaps including lack of clinical and toxicology studies.
- Sarris J et al. Plant-based Medicines (Phytoceuticals) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-review of Meta-analyses of RCTs. 2021. A meta-review highlighting the need for more rigorous studies; does not confirm efficacy of Kanna for psychiatric disorders.
- Brendler T et al. Sceletium for Managing Anxiety, Depression and Cognitive Impairment: A Traditional Herbal Medicine in Modern-Day Regulatory Systems. 2021. Explores regulatory challenges and potential anxiolytic and antidepressant use of Sceletium, emphasizing limited clinical data.
- Husain I et al. Screening of medicinal plants for possible herb-drug interactions through modulating nuclear receptors, drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. 2023. In vitro evaluation suggesting potential for CYP enzyme inhibition and transporter modulation by various plants, indicating caution with herbal product use.
Last Reviewed
June 2024
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal products or supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.