Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna): A Natural Solution for Stress, Mood, and Cognitive Health, from the San People of South Africa. By Inus Schoonraad.

An Ancient Remedy

For centuries, indigenous South African San communities have relied on a remarkable plant called Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as Kanna, to alleviate stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive clarity. Traditionally chewed or fermented into a preparation Sceletium was used by the San and Khoikhoi people to improve social and spiritual well-being.

Now, modern research is validating these traditional uses, revealing scientifically-backed mechanisms that make Sceletium a powerful tool for stress resilience, anxiety reduction, and cognitive function. At Afrigetics, we have worked extensively to standardize and optimize Sceletium extracts like KannaEase™, ensuring maximum efficacy, safety, and sustainability.

But what exactly makes Sceletium so unique? Let’s explore its history, pharmacology, and clinical research to understand why this plant is gaining recognition as a natural alternative to synthetic mood enhancers.

Historical and Traditional Use

The worlds most ancient people, the San, keepers of the traditional knowledge about Sceletium.

How Sceletium Was Used by the San and Khoikhoi

Sceletium tortuosum has been documented as a traditional medicine for centuries. Indigenous healers of the San and Khoikhoi tribes fermented the plant into kougoed, meaning “chewable thing” in Afrikaans. This preparation was chewed, smoked, or inhaled as snuff to induce relaxation, euphoria, and mental clarity.

European records from the 18th century describe how the Khoikhoi used Sceletium to “quiet the mind” and relieve thirst during long journeys (Thunberg, 1773). Even early Dutch settlers in South Africa recognized its anxiolytic potential, using it as a natural remedy for anxiety and low mood.

However, colonial disruption and the loss of indigenous knowledge led to a decline in its use. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that interest in Sceletium was revived, thanks to researchers and herbalists uncovering its unique psychoactive benefits.

Modern Science: What Research Says About Sceletium

Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Scientific studies confirm that Sceletium reduces stress and anxiety by modulating brain activity. A placebo-controlled study using functional MRI (fMRI) imaging showed that a single 25 mg dose of Sceletium (Zembrin®)significantly decreased amygdala reactivity, a region responsible for processing fear and stress (Terburg et al., 2014).

Additional research found that participants taking Sceletium before a public-speaking test reported lower anxiety levels and had a blunted rise in heart rate compared to placebo (Reay et al., 2020).

These findings indicate that Sceletium dampens the brain’s stress response, helping users feel calmer and more focused in high-pressure situations.

Mood Elevation and Potential Antidepressant Effects

While large-scale depression studies are still limited, preliminary evidence suggests Sceletium may have mood-enhancing properties.

• A 3-month observational study found that daily Sceletium supplementation improved mood, sleep quality, and emotional resilience (Manganyi et al., 2021).
• Small-scale trials suggest that Sceletium users report lower depressive symptoms and improved stress management, though further research is needed (Chiu et al., 2014).

These results align with traditional reports of kanna inducing a calm, euphoric state, supporting its role as a natural mood regulator.

Cognitive Function and Mental Performance

Sceletium’s nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) effects have been explored in several clinical trials.

• A randomized trial in 60 young adults found that 8 days of Sceletium supplementation (25 mg/day) significantly improved cognitive flexibility and complex reaction time under stress (Chiu et al., 2014).
• Other small studies suggest Sceletium may improve attention and working memory, particularly in middle-aged adults.

These findings suggest that Sceletium enhances cognitive performance by reducing stress-related cognitive impairment, making it a potential natural alternative to pharmaceutical nootropics.

How Sceletium Works: The Science Behind the Effects

Sceletium tortuosum exerts its effects through two primary mechanisms:

1. Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition (SRI)

The alkaloids in Sceletium, particularly mesembrine, function as natural serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)(Harvey et al., 2016). This means they increase serotonin levels, leading to enhanced mood, reduced anxiety, and better emotional resilience.

2. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) Inhibition

Another key mechanism is PDE4 inhibition, which increases levels of cAMP, a molecule linked to memory, learning, and neuroplasticity (Gericke, 2018). This explains why Sceletium improves cognitive performance while reducing stress reactivity.

Is Sceletium Safe? What Research Shows

Sceletium has an excellent safety profile, with no significant side effects reported in human trials.

• A 3-month clinical study found that daily intake of 8 mg or 25 mg of Sceletium extract caused no changes in vital signs, liver function, or ECG readings (Murbach et al., 2014).
• The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) in animal studies was set at 500 mg/kg per day, far exceeding typical human dosages.

Mild side effects, such as nausea or dizziness, are rare and dose-dependent. Unlike pharmaceutical SSRIs, Sceletium does not cause withdrawal symptoms or dependency.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing at Afrigetics

At Afrigetics, we are committed to sustainable, ethical harvesting of Sceletium tortuosum.

• We implement regenerative farming practices to preserve wild populations and maintain soil health.
• Our supply chain ensures full traceability from seed to supplement, guaranteeing purity and potency.
• We have formal benefit-sharing agreements with the San Council, ensuring fair trade and indigenous community support.

Conclusion: Sceletium Is A Novel Natural Solution for Stress and Cognitive Health

From ancient San hunters to modern neuroscience labs, Sceletium tortuosum has proven to be a powerful natural ally for mental well-being. Its scientifically validated effects on stress reduction, mood enhancement, and cognitive function make it a valuable botanical alternative to synthetic drugs.

Experience the power of Sceletium for yourself.
Mail me: inus@afrigetics.com
Linkedin: Inus Schoonraad

Sceletium propagation by Klein Karoo Medicinals, partner to Afrigetics Botanicals.