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WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Sceletium tortuosum (also known as Kanna) is a succulent plant commonly found in South Africa. Many of its psychoactive effects are similar to but less intense than the effects of empathogens such as MDMA. It can be administeredorally, insufflated, subilingually, smoked, or chewed.
Kanna is sometimes used as an anti-depressant as a replacement for pharmaceutical anti-depressants. A pharmaceutical company owns a patented extract of kanna called Zembrin which may begin to be prescribed for depression, anxiety, insomnia and other psychiatric disorders in the future.
The active compounds in kanna are mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and tortuosamine. It is believed that mesembrine and mesembrenone are responsible for the majority of kanna's effects.
Chemistry of Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum)
Kanna contains a variety of alkaloids, which are responsible for its psychoactive effects. The primary bioactive compounds are mesembrine-type alkaloids, along with other secondary metabolites.
1. Mesembrine Alkaloids (Primary Active Compounds)
Mesembrine – A serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) and mild phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor. It has a high affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT), with a Ki value of 1.4 nM, meaning it strongly inhibits serotonin reuptake. It also inhibits PDE4 at a much weaker level (Ki = 7,800 nM) (Smith et al., 1998).
Mesembrenone – Functions as both an SRI and a PDE4 inhibitor, though it is weaker at serotonin reuptake inhibition than mesembrine (Ki = 27 nM for SERT). However, it more potently inhibits PDE4, with a Ki value of 470 nM, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and cognitive-enhancing effects (Gericke & Viljoen, 2008).
Mesembrenol – A metabolite of mesembrine that is thought to contribute to Kanna’s anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects. Specific pharmacological data on mesembrenol are limited.
Tortuosamine – A lesser-known alkaloid found in Kanna. Its precise pharmacological properties are not well studied, but it is suspected to play a minor role in Kanna's psychoactive profile (PubChem).
2. Additional Compounds
In addition to mesembrine alkaloids, Kanna also contains:
Flavonoids – Antioxidant compounds with potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins – Polyphenolic compounds that may affect taste and bioavailability.
Saponins – Plant-based glycosides with potential immune-modulating properties.
The main psychoactive effects of kanna are a result of its action as a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), a PDE4 inhibitor, and a monoamine releasing agent. [1].
The VMAT2 upregulation produced by kanna is a compensatory response produced by stimulants such as cocaine and methylphenidate [2]. However, some online users have misinterpreted the findings of VMAT2 upregulation from kanna as evidence of being a different type of stimulant. This is false, and monoamine releasing agents upregulate VMAT2 as a compensatory mechanism, involved in tolerance. VMAT2 upregulation is evidence that a compound acts similar to monoamine releasers like cocaine and methylphenidate [3]
Sites
Mesembrine
Mesembrenone
SERT
1.4 nM
27 nM
PDE4
7800 nM
470 nM
VMAT2
ND
ND
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Kanna primarily works by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft. This leads to mood enhancement, anxiolysis, and mild euphoria.
Additionally, the PDE4 inhibition by mesembrenone may contribute to neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and cognitive benefits (Lima et al., 2022).
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life: Not well-documented, but estimated to be 4–6 hours based on anecdotal reports.
Bioavailability:
Oral & sublingual: High
Intranasal: Moderate
Inhaled (smoked/vaporized): Low
More research is needed to determine the exact metabolic pathways and elimination rates of mesembrine alkaloids in humans.
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Physical euphoria - This is generally described as a warm, relaxing, light sensation throughout the body most comparable to MDMA, although much more mild in its presentation.
Spontaneous physical sensations - The "body high" of kanna can be characterized as a mild to moderate euphoric tingling sensation that encompasses the entire body. This sensation maintains a consistent presence that steadily rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached.
Sedation and Stimulation - When snorted and smoked, kanna is typically stimulating, however other routes of administration may be sedating (especially orally).
Pain relief - Kanna is reported to have mild pain relieving effects, similar to those of SSRIs and to a lesser extent, MDMA.
Temperature regulation suppression - This effects is not as intense as many other substances such as psychedelics, alcohol or stimulants but can become problematic if combined with one of these compounds in a less than ideal setting.
Increased perspiration - This effects is directly comparable to the same effects experienced with LSD and the come up stage of MDMA.
Tactile enhancement - Strong feelings of tactile enhancement can be felt with kanna at moderate to high doses, this is especially prominent when smoked or when extracts are used, although it can occur to a lesser extent with other forms of administration for plain leaf.
Headaches - Headaches are commonly experienced on kanna, however they are usually mild and only experienced at strong or heavy doses. Some report experiencing relief from headaches with kanna. This may indicate that the biological mechanisms behind some headaches could be suppressed by kanna's pharmacological action while the cause of other headaches may be enhanced by it.
Nausea - This effect is mild and usually does not result in vomiting. Nausea produced by kanna usually passes after a few minutes after it starts. It can be avoided using 5-HT3 antagonists like ginger and limonene, and usually subsides after about 2 weeks of use.
Heartburn - This can be avoided with 5-HT3 antagonists like ginger and limonene, and usually subsides after about 2 weeks of use.
Stomach bloating - This can be avoided with 5-HT3 antagonists like ginger and limonene, and usually subsides after about 2 weeks of use.
Diarrhea - This is milder when compared to the other unpleasant gastrointestinal effects of kanna. This can be avoided with 5-HT3 antagonists like ginger and limonene, and usually subsides after about 2 weeks of use.
Motor control loss - This effect can be quite noticeable at higher doses but is usually quite mild when compared to the motor control loss combined by substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and psilocybin mushrooms. It is usually not impairing enough to discourage the user from standing up and walking around.
Depth perception distortions - Objects which are in one's direct line of focus may look closer while under the influence of kanna when compared to the surrounding visual field. This can be especially noticable when consumed using a dry herb vaporizer or when taken as an extract sublingually.
Visual acuity enhancement - This effect can be quite pronounced and is speculated to have played a large part of why kanna was used by hunter-gatherer societies in certain areas of the world.
Language suppression - This effect occurs at high doses, typically when smoked or chewed. It often results in mildly slurred speech, and difficulty structuring sentences.
Motivation enhancement or Motivation suppression - Kanna can enhance motivation as well as suppress it. It is most strongly enhanced with intranasal and sublingual administration, and often suppressed when taken orally.
Unity and interconnectedness - While on kanna, some people may experience a feeling of strong connection to and appreciation for nature.
Focus enhancement or Focus suppression - Kanna can enhance focus as well as suppress it. It is most strongly enhanced with smoking and snorting, less enhanced and sometimes suppressed when chewed, and often suppressed when taken orally.
Increased libido - Kanna is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac due to its libido & tactile enhancing effects as well as its vasodilating effects. This effect is not experienced in all users, and for some it may suppress libido in a similar way to common pharmaceutical SSRIs.
Enhancements - Audio can sound much cleaner and sharper while on kanna than when sober.
After effects
The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulant experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion. The comedown experienced with kanna is less intense when compared to that of other stimulants, and is only experienced at high doses. Its effects commonly include:
At low doses kanna often results in an "afterglow" which results in mild and generally positive effects a few hours after the peak has passed. Its effects commonly include:
Psychedelics - Although anecdotal reports are scarce, what can be found seems to indicate an unexpectedly strong synergistic experience which results in increased cognitive and physical euphoria, appreciation for music as well as enhanced tactile effects and an increased likelihood of entering in to laughter fits. The likelihood for anxiety becomes greatly reduced and some visual effects such as drifting become less prominent - visual effects such as colour enhancement, depth perception distortions, perspective distortions and after images become more pronounced. There are unique visual effects from this combination, however, which seem to be unique to the combination and are unlikely to be experienced when psychedelics or kanna are taken on their own. A unique body high is also present with this combination, although this can come at the expense of specific effects which are known to arise from more stimulating psychedelics such as perception of bodily lightness. The headspace of this combinations has a higher level of lucidity than the psychedelic on its own will typically provide which could make the experience less likely to offer the same level of profound insight that psychedelics on their own are known to provide. Cognitive effects such as immersion enhancement, empathy, affection and sociability enhancement, novelty enhancement and feelings of unity and connectedness are much stronger with this combo whilst memory suppression, thought loops and libido enhancement may become less intense. This combination should be used only in safe temperature secure settings due to the increase in body temperature that kanna can cause
Cannabis - Kanna is reported to have strong synergy with cannabis. Commonly reported effects from this combination are intense euphoria, less anxiety, and intensified visual effects. The appetite enhancing effects of cannabis are greatly reduced whilst feelings of time distortion are greatly enhanced. The depth perception distortions that kanna often cause at high doses are much more likely to present themselves with this combination and with greater intensity. Suggestibility enhancement, novelty enhancement, humor enhancement and music enhancement from both compounds are enhanced greatly. It should be noted that this combination can feel very psychedelic with the ways that these enhancments manifest themsleves. The sedating effects from the cannabis may lessen the stimulatory effects of kanna but the prosocial effects of kanna can cover up the more introverted aspects of the cannabis high. Effects not often seen from either compound such as magnification, thought disorganization,thought loops, ego inflation, mild visual disconnection and diffraction can occur when they are combined together. Caution should be used with this combo as the experience can be overwhelming at high doses of each due to a rather unique body high in which the head and torso feel heavy but limbs feel lighter as well as dramatically enhanced increases in the auditory, visual, tactile and olfactory effects of each compound. This combination also increases the length of intoxication rleative to the comnsumption of either compound on their own.
Caffeine - Kanna is reported to have synergy with caffeine, resulting in stronger stimulation with decreased anxiety and irritability. Other effects include an increased likelihood of cognitive euphoria and increased music appreciation, both effects tending to be rather inconsistent when caffeine is consumed on its own. Tactile enhancement and visual acuity enhancement become quite prominent. It should be noted that both compounds are known to increase heart rate and so caution should be used in determinig how often one uses these substances together and at what dose. Those with a weak heart should avoid this combination entirely. The prosocial effects of kanna are more pronounced with this combo although the empathy and affection aspects are reduced.
Alcohol - Kanna is reported to have strong synergy with alcohol, increasing the prococial effects of both substances as well as providing a strong sense of novelty enhancement and appreciation for nature. The warm body feelings of kanna are enhanced greatly with this combination, as are typical empathogenic desires for physical effection. Negative drawbacks to alcohol consumption such as irritability and tactile suppression are reduced whilst feelings of pain relief, muscle relaxation and motor control loss become more pronounced. Nausea and heartburn may be more of a risk for sensitive individuals and so those with a weak stomach should be cautious with their dosing. The visual effects of kanna are mostly reduced to color enhancement and a visual haze as the effects of alcohol seem to negate some of kanna's more hallucinogenic visual effects. It has been shown that SSRIs increase sensitivity to alcohol and may make the compound more neurotoxic than if it were taken on its own. For this reason, it is advised to use this combo sparingly if one should choose to try it
Toxicity and harm potential
This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub.
As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
Kanna is not known to be toxic on its own but it may be toxic when mixed with other substances that interact with serotonin or PDE4.
A lethal dose of kanna on its own is not known to have occured, however it may be dangerous and even lethal when mixed with other substances.
Tolerance and addiction potential
Kanna is known to have a "reverse tolerance", similar to serotonergic antidepressants and kava kava, where in order to experience the strongest and most theraputic effects, a person must have taken kanna recently. This is often called "priming" and usually takes about a week of daily priming to experience the most intense effects. After about week of priming, continuing to use kanna at the same dose will not cause an increase or decrease in tolerance to its psychoactive effects.
Psychological dependence can be experienced with kanna, however is much less intense than the psychological dependence experienced with other stimulants such as amphetamine, and antidepressants such as fluoxetine. According to the manufacturers of Zembrin, kanna does not cause withdrawal symptoms, however some anecdotal reports describe mild physical withdrawal symptoms similar to, but less intense than the withdrawal symptoms experienced with SSRIs and stimulants.
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.
As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.
Kanna is not known to be controlled, regulated or illegal in any country except for the United States as well as the United Kingdom.
United States: Kanna is uncontrolled in the United States by federal law. This means all parts of the plant and its extracts are legal to cultivate, buy, possess, and distribute (sell, trade or give) without a license or prescription. If sold as a supplement, sales must conform to U.S. supplement laws. If sold for consumption as a food or drug, sales are regulated by the FDA.
Louisiana: Kanna is a controlled substance in Louisiana.[5] It is not controlled anywhere else in the United States.
United Kingdom: Kanna is illegal to produce, supply, or import under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 2016.[6]
. eISSN 1471-6771. ISSN 0007-0912. OCLC 01537271. PMID 16051647.