Definition:
An alkaloid is a naturally occurring compound found in plants that typically contains nitrogen and has physiological effects on humans or animals.
In the context of kanna:
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) contains several key alkaloids — like mesembrine, mesembrenone, and ∆7-mesembrenone — that are responsible for its mood-lifting, calming, and serotonin-regulating effects.
These alkaloids interact with systems in the brain such as:
- Serotonin reuptake inhibition
- PDE-4 inhibition
- VMAT-2 modulation</