Kanna: The South African Plant Altering Brain Signals and Offering New Hope for Mental Wellness

Researchers have discovered that extracts from Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as kanna, a succulent plant traditionally used in Southern Africa, can significantly alter key brain signals across multiple regions. This finding suggests that specific varieties of this plant may influence mood, alertness and stress levels, offering a new avenue for mental health treatments.

What is Kanna? A Traditional Remedy

Sceletium tortuosum is a minor succulent plant native to the semi-arid regions of South Africa, specifically the Karoo and Namaqualand. For centuries, the San and Khoikhoi people have utilized kanna for its therapeutic properties. Traditionally, the plant was chewed or smoked to enhance endurance, suppress appetite, and promote a sense of well-being during long hunts. The dried and fermented plant material, known as kougoed (Afrikaans for “something to chew”), was believed to intensify its effects. Historical records from 1685, documented by Simon van der Stel, the first colonial governor of the Cape colony, detail the practice of chewing and preserving kanna in sheepskins.

How Kanna Impacts Brain Chemistry

Recent studies, conducted on mice, have revealed specific neurochemical changes induced by kanna extracts. Researchers found that extracts from plants gathered in Touwsrivier and De Rust produced similar patterns in the brain, impacting areas tied to memory, mood, and attention.

• Noradrenaline Increase: Kanna extracts elevate noradrenaline levels, a neurotransmitter associated with alertness and focus.
• GABA Reduction: The extracts also lower GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve activity, effectively reducing the brain’s braking system.
• Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition: Kanna’s compounds, such as mesembrine, prevent the reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain, similar to the action of SSRIs.
• PDE4 Inhibition: Kanna inhibits Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), leading to increased levels of cAMP, which promotes synaptic plasticity and neuronal growth.
• VMAT2 Activation: Research suggests kanna may increase the activity of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), enhancing the availability of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.

The Role of Chemotypes and Alkaloids

Researchers have identified different “chemotypes” of Sceletium tortuosum – variations within the species that produce different chemical compositions. Factors like rainfall, soil composition, and plant genetics influence these variations. The most significant compounds identified include mesembrine alcohols and several lesser-known alkaloids. While previous research focused primarily on mesembrine and mesembrenone, this study highlights the potential importance of these “minor alkaloids” in driving the plant’s effects.

Early Human Trials and Potential Benefits

While most research has been conducted on mice, preliminary human trials suggest potential benefits. A small brain-imaging study showed reduced activity in the amygdala, a brain region involved in threat processing, after kanna extract consumption. Another trial reported improvements in cognitive flexibility, executive function, mood, and sleep in healthy adults after three weeks of use.

Limitations and Future Research

It’s important to note that mouse studies do not directly translate to human effects. Behavioral testing is needed to determine how altered brain chemistry impacts real-world outcomes like sleep, appetite, stress, and attention. Researchers emphasize the need for more rigorous clinical trials and standardized extracts to fully understand kanna’s therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on precision phytotherapy – matching plant chemistry to specific intended uses – and respecting Indigenous knowledge while employing robust scientific methodology.

Kanna and the Growing Interest in Mental Health Treatments

Interest in alternative and safer mental health treatments has surged, particularly following the increase in anxiety and depression observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 25% global increase in both conditions during the first year of the pandemic. Kanna, with its potential to influence multiple brain pathways, is gaining renewed attention as a possible therapeutic option.