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Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa, where it’s been traditionally used for centuries to lift mood, ease stress, and improve focus. Today, modern science is beginning to confirm what indigenous knowledge has long suggested: kanna holds real potential for supporting mental and emotional well-being.
If you’re new to this plant, you might also want to explore how to take kanna safely and effectively before you try it yourself.
Before diving into the benefits, it’s important to understand the research that supports them.
All 10 benefits below are drawn directly from peer-reviewed research on kanna.
Findings highlight both mood and cognitive support, plus anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Kanna’s traditional uses align closely with modern scientific discoveries.
Manganyi et al., 2021 – “A Chewable Cure ‘Kanna’: Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum”
This extensive review compiles both traditional knowledge and modern research, noting kanna’s anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mood-enhancing properties. It also highlights its antimicrobial potential and role in stress modulation.
Read the full text here
New Alkaloid Discovery (Sceletorines A & B)
Recent phytochemical research identified novel alkaloids in kanna, expanding the understanding of its pharmacological potential and reinforcing the biological basis for many of its reported effects.
See the research abstract here
Manganyi et al. (2021) highlight kanna’s anxiolytic activity, meaning it can help reduce anxiety. By acting on serotonin pathways, kanna appears to lower stress-related nervous system activity, allowing users to feel calmer without sedation. This makes it appealing for daytime use when mental clarity is still needed. For more details, see our full guide onkanna for anxiety.
The same review points to evidence of antidepressant-like effects. Kanna’s primary alkaloids, mesembrine and mesembrenone, act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which can elevate mood and promote emotional balance. Learn more in our article on kanna for mood.
Inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, fatigue, and chronic illness. Kanna contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in lab studies, potentially contributing to its mood-stabilizing benefits by supporting overall brain and body health.
Oxidative stress can damage cells, including neurons. Research shows kanna extracts have antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals. This protective effect may contribute to long-term brain health and cognitive function.
Traditional use aligns with modern evidence: kanna helps modulate the stress response. It appears to influence cortisol levels and the body’s physiological stress pathways, producing a calming effect that’s noticeable without dulling mental sharpness. You can read more in our dedicated guide to kanna for stress reduction.
Recent discovery of sceletorines A and B adds to the growing list of kanna’s active compounds. These alkaloids expand the potential scope of kanna’s benefits, suggesting there may be additional therapeutic effects yet to be fully explored.
Multiple studies note that kanna users report feelings of relaxation, emotional openness, and overall well-being. This aligns with its long history as a social herb, traditionally chewed in group settings to encourage connection and peace of mind.
Kanna’s role as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) means it not only boosts serotonin levels temporarily but may also help protect neurons from damage over time. Neuroprotection is particularly important for maintaining healthy mood and cognition as we age.
Research into kanna’s bioactive compounds has uncovered antimicrobial properties, which could add to its value as a medicinal plant. While its primary appeal lies in mood and stress support, these findings highlight its wider biological potential.
For centuries, the Khoisan people of South Africa used kanna for reducing fatigue, improving mood, and enhancing social connection. Modern research validates many of these uses, bridging the gap between ethnobotany and contemporary pharmacology.
Kanna’s mood-supporting effects come largely from its ability to block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This allows serotonin to remain active for longer, which can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of calm.
In addition, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds support overall brain and body wellness.
Start with low doses to gauge your body’s response. For guidance, check out ourkanna dosage guide.
Common forms include capsules, tinctures, teas, and chews.
Avoid combining with prescription SSRIs or other serotonin-based medications.
Speak with your healthcare provider before use, especially if you have a medical condition or take medication.
The benefits of kanna are not just anecdotal—they’re increasingly backed by peer-reviewed science. From mood support and stress relief to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, kanna is emerging as a versatile natural supplement with deep traditional roots.
As research progresses, we may discover even more ways this unique plant can support mental and emotional well-being.
Small daily doses may be safe for many people, but long-term studies are limited. To learn more, read our detailed breakdown: Is kanna safe?
Most users tolerate kanna well, but possible side effects include mild nausea, headaches, or drowsiness—especially at higher doses.
No. While research shows mood-supportive effects, kanna should not replace any prescribed treatment without medical guidance.
Effects may be noticeable within 30–60 minutes for most forms, though timing varies based on dose and delivery method. Learn more about how long kanna lasts.
Capsules or sublingual tinctures offer precise dosing and quick onset, making them popular for mood and stress support. See our guide on the best ways to take kanna.
“Sceletium tortuosum: A review on its phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, biological and clinical activities”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874121007054?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“A Chewable Cure “Kanna”: Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum”https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8124331/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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