Sceletium tortuosum (kanna or kougoed), an indigenous medicinal plant in South Africa, has garnered global attention for its stress-relieving and calming effects. Historically used by native San and Khoikhoi tribes for thirst, fatigue, and healing, it is now recognized for treating anxiety, depression, and psychological disorders. Studies highlight its various biological properties, with isolated alkaloids used in supplements. Recent research focuses on its commercial potential and the isolation of beneficial bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively explores Sceletium tortuosum's pharmaceutical properties, emphasizing its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects. Critical evaluation of bioactivities and bioactive compounds is crucial to affirm kanna's significant role in promoting well-being amid stressful times.
Noted benefits:
Mood Enhancement
Sceletium acts as a natural mood enhancer by improving serotonin function in the brain. It surpasses other serotonin precursors in effectiveness without inducing drowsiness. While some compounds may elevate dopamine levels, serotonin is acknowledged as the primary regulator of mood and overall well-being. Users report feelings of calm, improved overall mood and relaxation.
Cognitive Enhancement
Sceletium's elevation of serotonin levels leads to improved cognitive function, enhancing learning and memory. Additionally, its neuroprotective properties shield the brain from damage. Sceletium fosters the growth and survival of neurons, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the brain from damage and averting age-related cognitive decline or degeneration. The release of serotonin in the brain, facilitated by Sceletium, contributes to heightened mental clarity, alertness, and focus. This aids individuals in maintaining prolonged periods of concentrated attention without succumbing to mental fatigue.
Background:
Chronic lifestyle stress contributes to persistent physiological and psychological conditions, fuelling the development of inflammatory diseases, including diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and depression. The continuous activation of the stress response is known to facilitate the production of inflammatory cytokines, which, when crossing the blood-brain barrier, release neurotoxins, jeopardizing the integrity of the central nervous system. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines negatively impact serotonin signaling and receptor expression. Given the central roles of inflammation and serotonergic signaling maladaptations in neurodegeneration and psychological illness, exploring therapeutic targets in this context is crucial.
As of 2017, there were 792 million worldwide reported to have a mental health disorder. That's 10% of the entire global population. Anxiety disorders, reported as the most prevalent among mental health disorders, exhibit an estimated 12-month prevalence of 11% and a lifetime prevalence of 16% (Kessler et al., 2011). Concurrently, depression affects approximately 4% of the global population (World Health Organisation, 2017). The substantial co-morbidity, where up to 70% of patients with one disorder experience the other during their lifetime (Gorman, 1996), underscores the complex interplay between anxiety and depression.
Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium:
Sceletium plants, particularly S. tortuosum, have been subjects of extensive research due to their rich alkaloid content and traditional uses. The preparation of Sceletium plants through fermentation, known as "kougoed," has gained attention for its higher alkaloid levels compared to dried plant material. However, the complex interactions of phytochemical compounds within the plant pose challenges. Traditional practices highlight Sceletium's mood-elevating, stress-reducing, anti-anxiety, and tranquilizing properties, along with its historical use in treating abdominal pain and toothache.
1) Antimicrobial Properties
Sceletium plants have a long history of traditional use as antimicrobial agents, addressing conditions such as headache, toothache, and respiratory tract issues. Studies attribute these properties to bioactive compounds, particularly mesembrine alkaloids. The rich phytochemical profile of S. tortuosum, including anthraquinones, polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, contributes to its antimicrobial potential.
2) Anti-Stress Properties
Stress, a pervasive condition with severe health implications, has been a target for Sceletium's therapeutic effects. Research indicates that Sceletium plants, especially S. tortuosum, possess anti-stress properties. Studies on both animal and human models demonstrate the plant's ability to alleviate stress-induced responses. The anti-stress effectiveness of Sceletium alkaloids, impacting central enzymes and preventing adrenal steroidogenesis, highlights its potential as a natural solution for stress-related disorders.
3) Anti-Depressant Properties
Depression, a global mental health concern, affects millions of individuals. Sceletium plants, notably S. tortuosum, emerge as promising candidates for alleviating depression. The plant's key compounds, including mesembrine, mesembrenol, and mesembranone, exhibit potent effects on serotonin reuptake inhibition. Clinical studies support the traditional use of Sceletium plants as anti-depressant agents, offering an alternative approach to managing mental health conditions.
4) Anxiolytic Properties
Anxiety disorders, contributing to significant global disability, find potential relief in Sceletium plants. Pharmacological and clinical investigations reveal the anxiolytic properties of S. tortuosum. Experimental models, including zebrafish studies and clinical trials, demonstrate the plant's effectiveness in reducing anxiety. Sceletium plant extracts, administered to stressed participants, showcase anti-anxiolytic potential, further supporting its traditional use for calming effects.
5) Analgesic Properties
Traditional use by Khoi and San tribes as a pain reliever aligns with contemporary studies confirming the analgesic properties of Sceletium plants, particularly S. tortuosum. Mesembrine, a major compound in the plant, is implicated in analgesic activity. Research indicates EEG changes consistent with analgesic effects, positioning Sceletium as a natural alternative to conventional painkillers.
6) Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation, a crucial aspect of the body's response to infection, sees modulation through Sceletium extracts. Cytokine responses and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels demonstrate the plant's anti-inflammatory effects. In vivo studies further confirm the comprehensive anti-inflammatory properties of Sceletium extracts, contributing to its multifaceted biological profile.
7) Chronic Disease
Stellenbosch University conducted a study exploring the potential therapeutic effects of Sceletium tortuosum in delaying chronic disease progression, particularly in the context of obesity and diabetes. Two Sceletium tortuosum extracts, differing in alkaloidal composition, were investigated for their impact on human astrocyte viability and inflammatory responses. The study aimed to understand the potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of these extracts, considering the link between peripheral inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration associated with chronic diseases. The findings suggest that the high-mesembrine extract displayed cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, while the Δ7-mesembrenone-rich extract exhibited potent antioxidant effects. The study highlights the potential of Sceletium tortuosum extracts as preventive supplements or complementary treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions, emphasizing the influence of extraction methods on their mechanisms of action.
Clinical Trials
The effect of the Sceletium tortuosum has, to date, been tested in a few human clinical trials (Nell et al., 2013; Smith et al., 1996; Terburg et al., 2013). In a recent placebo-controlled clinical trial, unsolicited positive comments from individuals supplemented with a commercial Sceletium extract, Zembrin®, included feeling generally “better”, coping well with stressful situations, and improved sleep at night. The study showed that doses of 8mg and 25mg, taken once daily for three consecutive months, were well tolerated by the human body in the context of physical examination and laboratory assessments (haematology, urinalysis and biochemistry) and the recording of adverse events (Nell et al., 2013). However, it was stated that further clinical studies should be conducted to investigate the effects of Sceletium on cognitive function, anxiety and mood. Subsequently, another paper on the same product reported attenuated amygdala reactivity to fearful faces after a single dose of low-mesembrine Sceletium extract (Terburg et al., 2013).
Conclusion
Sceletium plants, particularly S. tortuosum, showcase a diverse range of biological and pharmaceutical properties, making them subjects of increasing scientific interest. From antimicrobial and anti-stress to anti-depressant, anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, the potential applications of Sceletium in traditional and modern medicine are extensive. Continued research, especially with standardized methodologies, is crucial for unlocking the full therapeutic potential of these remarkable plants.
Disclaimer:
The statements above have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or the Food Standards Agency. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. If you're considering using Sceletium, do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid if on SSRI medication. Consult a healthcare professional if unsure about use. Individual results may vary.
Sources: Molecules 2021 26 2557 MDPI Madira Coutlyne Manganyi 1, Cornelius Carlos Bezuidenhout 2 , Thierry Regnier 3 and Collins Njie Ateba 4, University of Stellenbosch Neuro- and immunomodulatory effects of Sceletium tortuosum Bennet_Neuro_2018.pdf