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Kanna

Also known as: Kanna, Channa, Kougoed, Sceletium Tortuosum

Overview

Sceletium tortuosum is a herb known as Kanna which is traditionally known as a psychoactive herb. It is not known to be hallucinogenic nor habit forming but is taken prior to stressing events such as hunting for its cognitive effects. Limited evidence does not suggest any improvement in reaction time or many parameters of cognitive performance such as memory although there may be an attenuation of state anxiety. State anxiety refers to the increase in anxiety experienced during a high stress event and administration of Kanna prior to these events may reduce how much anxiety is experienced and thus the deleterious effects of anxiety on performance. While the mechanisms as to why Kanna exerts these effects is not conclusively known, it is known to influence the amygdala of the brain and is known to also have inhibitory effects on both the serotonin transporter as well as an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase 4; both of these proteins existing in the amygdala. While there is not enough evidence to currently recommend Kanna, its main role of reducing state anxiety appears promising and there are a few other claims which remain untested.

Benefits

Kanna is known to influence the amygdala of the brain, which is central to emotional processing. It has inhibitory effects on both the serotonin transporter and phosphodiesterase 4, both of which are present in the amygdala. These actions may contribute to its potential effects on reducing state anxiety.

How it works

Kanna is primarily associated with the potential benefit of reducing state anxiety, particularly in high-stress situations. While there are claims of other benefits such as cognitive enhancement and antidepressive effects, these remain largely untested.

Side effects

Currently studies using Kanna have used the brand name Zembrin® at doses of 8-25mg prior to cognitive testing. This brand name is a 2:1 concentration of Kanna based on dry weight and is considered equivalent to 16-50mg of the dry weight of the plant itself. Kanna has been studied as oral administration but traditionally the leaves have been chewed and saliva swallowed for similar effects. Optimal frequency of dosing is currently not known.