Sceletium tortuosum

Kanna
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Aizoaceae
Subfamily:	Mesembryanthemoideae
Genus:	Sceletium
Species:	S. tortuosum
Binomial name
Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E. Brown
Synonyms
Sceletium compactum L. Bolus Sceletium framesii L. Bolus Sceletium joubertii L. Bolus

Sceletium tortuosum (Mesembryanthemaceae) is a succulent herb commonly found in South Africa, which is also known as Kanna, Channa, Kougoed (Kauwgoed,/ 'kougoed', prepared from 'fermenting' Sceletium tortuosum) - which literally means, 'chew(able) things/goodies' or 'something to chew'. The plant has been used by South African pastoralists and hunter-gatherers as a mood-altering substance from prehistoric times. The first known written account of the plant's use was in 1662 by Jan van Riebeeck. The traditionally prepared dried sceletium was often chewed and the saliva swallowed, but it has also been made into gel caps, teas and tinctures. It has also been used as a snuff and smoked.

Effects

Sceletium tortuosum in South Africa

Sceletium elevates mood and decreases anxiety, stress and tension. It has also been used as an appetite suppressant by shepherds walking long distances in arid areas. In intoxicating doses it can cause euphoria, initially with stimulation and later with sedation. Users also report increased personal insight, interpersonal ease and a meditative, grounded feeling without any perceptual dulling. Having such properties Sceletium is classified as an empathogen type herb. Others have noted enhanced tactile and sexual response, as well as vivid dream inducing properties. High doses produce distinct inebriation and stimulation often followed by sedation. The plant is not hallucinogenic, contrary to some literature on the subject, and no adverse effects have been documented. Kanna is considered a potentiator (enhancer of effects) for other psychoactive herbal material, such as cannabis.

Growing

Kanna is best planted in spring/summer and harvested early October. It can be used as a herbal smoke, pill or one can chew the leaves to feel its effects. It can be harvested whether or not the flowers themselves have appeared yet.^{[citation needed]}

Pharmacology

Main article: Mesembrine

Mesembrine, one of the five known psychoactive compounds in Sceletium tortuosum

S. tortuosum can cause significant mood-elevation and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) action. In doses as low as 50 mg users have reported improvements in mood, decreased anxiety, relaxation and a sense of well-being.^{[citation needed]} At higher dosages near 100 mg, kanna acts as a calming euphoriant and empathogen.^{[citation needed]}

The alkaloids contained in S. tortuosum believed to possess psychoactivity include: mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol and tortuosamine. Mesembrine is a major alkaloid present in Sceletium tortuosum.

Sceletium tortuosum contains about 1–1.5% total alkaloids. There is about 0.3% mesembrine in the leaves and 0.86% in the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.

Interactions

Little is known about the interactions of S. tortuosum, although it should not be combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or cardiac medications. Headache in conjunction with alcohol have been noted with kanna use. Some reports suggest a synergy with cannabis.