Kanna: The Remarkable Plant Taking the West by Storm

You've probably heard of MDMA, but do you know about Kanna? This remarkable plant from South Africa is gaining popularity across the Western world. And there's good reason for that - Kanna has a lot to offer.

Last updated: April 2026
This guide is regularly updated with the latest insights.

This guide goes deeper into the mechanism than a standard introduction: from mesembrine and PDE4 inhibition to the interaction of four alkaloids in Kanna.

The Origins of Kanna

Long before we discovered Kanna, the San and Khoikhoi peoples of South Africa were already using this plant. They chewed the leaves during long hunting trips and social gatherings. Its scientific name is Sceletium tortuosum, but in this guide, we'll simply call it Kanna.

The first Western mentions of Kanna date back to the early 17th century. In 1610, trading ships en route to Asia were instructed to search for Kanna at the Cape of Good Hope. The plant was described as a mild stimulant that improved mood and was considered Africa's answer to ginseng - although Kanna works quite differently.

The Effects of Kanna: Active Compounds

Kanna's leaves contain special compounds that work together synergistically. The main player is mesembrine, an alkaloid that works in two ways in your brain. First, it increases the amount of available serotonin - a neurotransmitter that influences mood, sleep, and appetite. Additionally, mesembrine inhibits an enzyme called PDE4. PDE4 is an important enzyme in your body that regulates inflammatory processes, memory, and mood. By inhibiting this enzyme, Kanna can reduce inflammation and enhance cognitive function. This makes Kanna particularly interesting to scientists, as PDE4 inhibitors might help with various conditions.

Scientists have discovered that Kanna is one of the most complex ethnobotanical plants in the world, containing at least 32 different chemical compounds. A particularly interesting substance is mesembrenone, which acts as both a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a PDE4 inhibitor. This dual action might prevent users from quickly developing tolerance to Kanna's effects, unlike many substances that only affect serotonin.

But there are more players involved. These alkaloids work together with mesembrine:

• Mesembrenone: this enhances mesembrine's effects and creates a calmer feeling
• Mesembrenol: this contributes to the relaxing effects and can help improve sleep
• Tortuosamine: scientists are still studying exactly what this compound does, but it appears to contribute to the calming effects

All these compounds work together in what scientists call the 'entourage effect.' Similar to cannabis, the combination of all compounds together produces a stronger effect than each compound individually.

Different Forms of Kanna

The Natural Form

When using the dried plant, for example as tea, the effects are usually mild. People often feel:

• Happier and more relaxed
• Mental clarity
• Better able to concentrate
• More energetic, but without nervousness

Kanna Extracts

Stronger forms of Kanna, such as extract powders and liquid extracts, are very popular. The effects can be quite powerful. Users often notice:

• A significant improvement in mood
• Enhanced social interaction
• Increased energy at lower doses
• Deep relaxation at higher doses

Some people compare the effects of extracts to a mild form of MDMA. But remember: Kanna is distinctly different and not a replacement for other substances.

The History of Kanna

South African tribes have been using Kanna for centuries. They called it 'kougoed', which simply means 'chewing stuff'. Hunters took it on long expeditions to stay alert. It also played an important role in festivals and rituals.

An interesting historical detail is the traditional preparation method. After harvesting, the plant was ground and fermented before use. This fermentation process changed the plant's chemical composition: mesembrine levels decreased while mesembrenone levels increased, likely influencing the character of the effects.

Indigenous communities also used Kanna medicinally. They treated various ailments including nausea, stomach pain, headaches, and other complaints. It was considered a versatile remedy that could alleviate both physical and mental issues.

The Kanna Plant

Kanna is a hardy plant perfectly adapted to South Africa's climate. It's a succulent - a plant that stores water in its leaves. It grows close to the ground and produces small yellow or white flowers. The leaves become thick and fleshy when the plant matures.

Scientific Research on Kanna

Scientific interest in Kanna is growing rapidly. Researchers are particularly studying how mesembrine works in our brains. It appears this compound works differently from classical antidepressants. There's also increasing evidence that Kanna can reduce inflammation in the body. This is due to its effect on PDE4.

Researchers are currently focusing on Kanna's role in stress and concentration problems. They're also trying to understand why some people respond more strongly to Kanna than others. This likely relates to small differences in our brains.

Safe Use of Kanna

Kanna is relatively safe, but keep these points in mind:

• Always start with a low dose
• Don't use Kanna if you're taking antidepressants (especially SSRIs / MAOIs)
• Don't combine Kanna with plants like caapi, harmala, passion flower, or yohimbe
• Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Be cautious with strong extracts

Useful Facts About Kanna

Where to Buy Kanna

Want to try Kanna yourself? At Next Level, we only offer high-quality Kanna products that really work. From tea to powerful extracts - there's something for everyone. Lower doses provide an energetic, social boost, while higher doses induce deep relaxation, perfect for meditation. View our complete Kanna collection here.

In Conclusion

Kanna's popularity continues to grow, and for good reason. Perhaps Kanna could be a valuable addition to your life too. Whether you're interested in the mild effects of the natural plant or curious about the stronger extracts - start slowly, listen to your body, and only buy pure Kanna from a reliable source.

Last updated: April 2026 | Next Level Smart Shop