Skip to content

Kanna

Kanna is a plant from South Africa that has a long history of use as a traditional medicine by South African tribes. Kanna is used to improve mood, promote relaxation and promote euphoria. Traditionally, the root and leaves of this plant are fermented and chewed. Kanna is also used as a snuff, smoked, prepared as a tea or made into a tincture.

How does kanna work?

Kanna contains chemicals that are believed to act on the brain, causing sedation and drowsiness. However, there is very little reliable scientific information about how kanna might work.

How effective is kanna?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of kanna for anxiety, colic, depression and pain, as well as when used to support alcohol withdrawal and promote relaxation. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of kanna in these applications.

Safety and side effects

There is not enough information available to say whether Kanna is safe and harmless. Some users have reported side effects such as headaches, loss of appetite and depression. There have also been reports of intoxication in people who have used too much kanna or chewed kanna shortly after fermentation.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of kanna during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid kanna.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of Kanna with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of kanna depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for kanna. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Patnala S, Kanfer I. Investigations of the phytochemical content of Sceletium tortuosum following the preparation of "Kougoed" by fermentation of plant material. J Ethnopharmacol 2009;121:86-91.
  2. Smith C. The effects of Sceletium tortuosum in an in vivo model of psychological stress. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;133:31-6.
  3. Smith MT, Crouch NR, Gericke N, Hirst M. Psychoactive constituents of the genus Sceletium N.E.Br. and other Mesembryanthemaceae: a review. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;50:119-30.
  4. Smith MT, Field CR, Crouch NR, Hirst M. The Distribution of Mesembrine Alkaloids in Selected Taxa of Kanna and their Modification in the Sceletium Derived `Kougoed.' Pharm Biol 1998;36:173-9.