What is Kanna?
Sceletium tortuosum—commonly called Kanna, Channa, or Kougoed—is a succulent plant native to South Africa. Its name comes from a Khoisan term meaning “something to chew,” pointing to its traditional use as a chewable mood enhancer.
Where to buy kanna?
When choosing where to buy kanna, quality and ethics matter. Look for vendors like Ultrakanna that source directly from trusted growers, offer lab-tested extracts, and give back to the indigenous communities behind the plant’s legacy.
Kanna History
Blending tradition with modern use, Kanna has been treasured for centuries by South African tribes for its calming and uplifting effects. Used traditionally for centuries and now available in modern extract forms for focus, stress relief, and emotional balance.
How is Kanna used?
Kanna has traditionally been used to reduce stress, ease anxiety and depression, relieve discomfort, and curb hunger—serving as a natural mood enhancer that supports a more balanced mindset.
What the Science (and Dr Andrew Huberman) Says About Kanna
Kanna’s effects aren’t just anecdotal—there’s growing research around its alkaloids and their impact on mood and stress. Even neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman has touched on kanna’s potential in his podcast:
Table of Contents
What is Kanna?
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa. Historically, it has been used by Indigenous communities such as the San and Khoi in cultural and social practices. Traditional uses reportedly included helping with endurance, social bonding, and emotional well-being.
Today, kanna is offered in several modern formats—like fermented powders, standardized extracts, tinctures, and teas.
This guide explores what we currently know about kanna, including its active compounds, traditional background, modern applications, and commonly asked questions.
Effects and Safety Profile of Kanna
Kanna Safety Overview
There is currently no universally recognized standard dosage for kanna. The appropriate amount may vary depending on the product type, preparation method, and individual sensitivity. You can find dosage recommendations based on the product at the individual vendors websites (where to buy kanna).
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before using kanna—especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.
Some observational reports suggest that a common starting amount for dried, non-extracted kanna may range from 50 to 200mg per day, typically beginning at the lower end. Research has explored higher amounts (up to 800mg in clinical contexts), though this is not a general recommendation and may increase the likelihood of side effects in sensitive individuals. (1)
Commonly Reported Effects
Many people who use kanna report the following experiences, though responses can vary:
- A general sense of calm or emotional ease
- A subtle improvement in mood
- A decrease in social inhibition
- Support with focus or motivation
- Heightened sensory enjoyment (e.g., music or touch)
- Changes in appetite
Some users also note mild stimulation or relaxation depending on the amount taken and the format used.
At Higher Amounts
In larger quantities, kanna may occasionally be associated with:
- Dilated pupils
- Sensitivity to light or mild visual blur
- Sweating or feelings of warmth
- Temporary overstimulation or unease
Because responses are highly individual, it’s important to start with small amounts and increase only with care.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement. Read full disclaimer.
Kanna Dosage Guide
Since dosage can vary depending on the form of kanna and how it’s used, the most practical way to offer guidance is by looking at real product examples. Ultrakanna is a trusted vendor that provides Certificates of Analysis for their extracts, so below you’ll find a dosage table based on their liquid, powder, and capsule offerings, straight from the product labels.
| Product | Starting Dose | Max Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX-8 Droplets | 1 drop (≈ 5 mg) | 4–6 drops | High in mesembrine. Stimulating. Wait 1 hour before increasing. |
| CO-1 Droplets | 1 drop (≈ 5 mg) | 4–6 drops | Balanced alkaloids. Calming and relaxing. |
| UC Droplets | 1 drop (≈ 5 mg) | 6–8 drops | Focused effect with Delta Mesembrenone. More mellow. |
| KannaConnect™ Capsules | 1 capsule (dosage not disclosed) | 2 capsules | Easy dosing. General mood support. |
| ET2 Powder | 5–10 mg | 25–30 mg | Very potent. Start very low. Mesembrine dominant. |
| UC Powder | 10–15 mg | 30–40 mg | Calmer profile. Milder than ET2. Good for anxiety relief. |
Things to Keep in Mind
- Potency can vary: Some products are more concentrated than others. Always check for labeling that indicates extract strength or alkaloid percentage.
- Start low: Even with milder forms, begin at the lowest suggested amount to assess how your body responds.
- Extract ratios matter: For example, if a product is labeled 10×, a 10 mg dose may be equivalent in strength to 100 mg of raw herb.
You can find dosage recommendations based on the product at the individual vendors websites (where to buy kanna).
Further reading:
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement. Read full disclaimer.
The Alkaloids in Kanna and What They Do
Kanna contains several key alkaloids, each with different effects. The composition of these varies by product.
Mesembrine
- Potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)
- VMAT-2 upregulator (monoamine releasing agent)
- PDE4 inhibitor
- Mild MAO-A and AChE inhibitor
- Effects: Mood-boosting, stimulating, mild euphoria, empathy, tactile enhancement. May cause anxiety in high doses.
Mesembrenone
- SRI and PDE4 inhibitor
- Does not affect VMAT-2
- Effects: Strong anxiolytic, milder antidepressant. Less stimulating or euphoric than mesembrine. More calming.
Mesembrenol & Mesembranol
- Likely have similar effects to mesembrenone, but are less well-studied.
Kanna’s Pharmacology: How It Works
1. Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition (SRI)
Kanna prevents serotonin from being reabsorbed into neurons, increasing serotonin in the brain. This is the same mechanism used by SSRIs like citalopram or fluoxetine. Mesembrine has strong binding affinity for serotonin transporters [5].
2. VMAT-2 Upregulation
Mesembrine increases VMAT-2 activity, leading to enhanced release of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA [6]. This may explain kanna’s stimulating and potentially neuroprotective effects.
3. PDE4 Inhibition
PDE4 inhibitors like those in kanna are linked to cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and mood improvement [7].
4. MAO-A Inhibition (Mild)
This weak inhibition may support mood enhancement by limiting breakdown of neurotransmitters.
5. AChE Inhibition (Mild)
May enhance cognition slightly and offer neuroprotective benefits.
6. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Likely related to PDE4 inhibition. May reduce physical inflammation and offer mood-stabilizing benefits [1].
7. Dopamine/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibition (at high doses)
Contributes slightly to stimulation and motivation in higher doses.
8. CB1 (Cannabinoid Receptor) Inhibition
Kanna may interact with the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting CB1 receptors. This could contribute to its antidepressant and appetite-suppressing effects.
FAQ: Kanna Basics & Usage
What is sceletium tortuosum?
The scientific name of kanna. It is a succulent plant traditionally chewed (as fermented “kougoed”) or made into teas. Today, it’s available in capsule form, gummies, extract powders, tinctures, and tea cuts. Check out the kanna tea guide.
What does kanna feel like?
Kanna may produce calming and mood-lifting effects that can range from tranquil to mildly euphoric. It enhances touch, sociability, libido, and music enjoyment.
How do I take kanna?
Sublingual: 20–30mg extract or 100mg fermented powder, effects in 20–40 mins, lasts ~4 hrs
Oral: 200mg fermented powder or ~60mg extract, effects in 30–60 mins, lasts 4–6 hrs
Kanna side effects?
Possible side effects include nausea, mild headache, pupil dilation, sweating, or sleep disruption. Anxiety or dizziness can occur with high doses.
Can I take kanna daily?
Yes, when used responsibly. Some develop tolerance or mild dependence at higher doses. Always start low.
Will kanna show up on drug tests?
Kanna is not typically included in standard drug testing panels, and there are no known cases of it triggering a positive result. However, drug tests can vary, and we cannot guarantee individual outcomes. If you are subject to testing, consult your employer or testing provider before use.
Can I combine kanna with other substances?
Kanna should NOT be combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or serotonin-releasing substances. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining kanna with other supplements or medications.
Is kanna safe?
Toxicity: Kanna has been shown to be safe in clinical trials for up to 6 months of use [1]. It has a long history of traditional medicinal use with no major reports of toxicity. Animal studies support its safety even at extremely high doses [2].
Addiction Potential: Kanna is not considered addictive [3]. It does not create drug-seeking behavior in clinical models. However, consistent high-dose use may lead to mild dependence or withdrawal symptoms—comparable to antidepressants.
Withdrawal: Most research suggests withdrawal is rare and mild [4]. When it does occur (typically from daily high-dose use), symptoms can include fatigue, low mood, and anxiety.
Side Effects: Some users may experience headaches, nausea, appetite suppression, or mild anxiety—especially with high doses or intranasal use.
Summary
Kanna is a complex and fascinating plant with both traditional and modern relevance. Its safety profile is strong, and its effects range from calm focus to emotional openness and mild euphoria. The experience depends heavily on dosage, strain, and the specific alkaloids present. Whether you’re looking for a natural mood lifter, a social softener, or a daily ritual for nervous system support, kanna may be worth exploring—responsibly and mindfully.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement. Read full disclaimer.
Also be mindful to research the legal status of kanna in your country.
Brand Note: If you’re exploring kanna products, look for transparency around alkaloid content—especially mesembrine vs mesembrenone—as they produce different effects. Some products aim for mood and motivation, others for calm and anxiety relief. Explore the list of trusted vendors here – where to buy kanna.
Sources
[1] Murbach, T. S., et al. A toxicological safety assessment of a standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin®) in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2014.
[2] Van der Walt, S. Development and evaluation of a medicated chewing gum containing Sceletium tortuosum. Diss. North-West University, 2018.
[3] Loria, M. J., et al. Effects of Sceletium tortuosum in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014.
[4] Gericke, N., and Viljoen, A. M. Sceletium—a review update. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2008.
[5] Coetzee, D. D., et al. High-mesembrine Sceletium extract is a monoamine releasing agent. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016.
[6] Chiu, S., et al. Dual targeting of PDE4 and serotonin reuptake inhibition by Sceletium tortuosum. Int J Complement Alt Med, 2017.
[7] Terburg, D., et al. Effects of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin) on the human amygdala. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2013.
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