Sceletium tortuosum

Kanna / Kougoed

Sceletium tortuosum, known as kanna or kougoed (meaning ‘something to chew’), is a succulent plant found in the arid regions of the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape of South Africa. The Khoikhoi and San peoples have chewed fermented Sceletium for millennia as a mood elevator, stress reliever, and thirst quencher during long hunts.

The plant contains mesembrine alkaloids — primarily mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol — which act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Modern research confirms anxiolytic and antidepressant effects with a favourable side-effect profile. The traditional fermentation process converts the plant’s alkaloids, enhancing potency and palatability.

Chemical Constituents

Mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, tortuosamine, pinitol, chelidonic acid.

Traditional Method

Plants are harvested, crushed, and fermented in closed bags for 3–7 days. The fermented material is then sun-dried and chewed as a quid, or powdered and taken as snuff. Modern preparations include capsules, tinctures, and teas.