Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is an ancient South African plant that can be chewed, taken in capsules or tea, tinctured, or smoked. It is thought to produce mood enhancement, calm euphoria, and anxiety reduction.
Kanna’s alkaloids mesembrenone and tortuosamine inhibit serotonin reuptake, which leads to increased levels of this neurotransmitter. Enhanced serotonin levels pave the way for relaxation and calmness.
What is Kanna Extract?
Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as kanna, is a succulent plant from South Africa that has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving effects. It contains the alkaloid mesembrine, which is responsible for its therapeutic properties. Kanna supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and tinctures. The tincture form is typically preferred because it allows for quick absorption and is more effective than other forms of kanna, such as tablets.
When buying kanna supplements, look for those made from pure ingredients and free of fillers or additives. Also, look for a supplement that contains a high concentration of mesembrine. The more mesembrine in the product, the stronger the effects will be. Lastly, be sure to buy from a reputable vendor that provides third-party lab testing for quality and purity.
APOLLO’S HEGEMONY Genous is an effective and reliable kanna supplement that has been manufactured in a HACCP-certified facility using the best production standards. This dietary supplement contains 50mg of standardized kanna extract and is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and sugar-free. Additionally, it is peanut-free, sesame-free, shellfish-free, yeast-free, and egg-free, making it a great option for most diets. The fast-acting kanna chews offer a convenient and discreet way to reduce stress and anxiety, and the patented extraction process ensures consistently high levels of potency and quality.
How to Take Kanna Extract
Kanna has a long history of use among indigenous tribes in South Africa, where it’s regarded as a brain tonic and mood enhancer. It’s also a popular ingredient in nootropic supplements and has become a staple at plant-medicine retreats, where it helps participants get in touch with their inner emotions. It’s not hallucinogenic or habit-forming, and its main role is to reduce state anxiety, which is the type of high-stress event that makes your heart race, your mind churn, and your breathing accelerate. This effect is believed to be a result of kanna’s mesembrine alkaloids inhibiting the serotonin transporter and the enzyme phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), both of which reside in the amygdala, the part of the brain that’s responsible for emotional response.
Kanna can be consumed as a supplement in capsules and tinctures. Some people also chew it or smoke it (though smoking isn’t recommended due to its harmful effects on the lungs). For best results, it’s suggested that you start with a small dose and gradually increase your serving size until you reach a comfortable microdose level. This will help you avoid side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and jitters.
You can purchase kanna from various online stores. Choose a company that offers clear dosage instructions and recommendations. Also, look for a product that’s free from harmful contaminants. Many companies will have a FAQ section on their websites that answers common questions, so check this before you place your order.
You should try kanna regularly for at least four weeks for the most effective results to gauge your reaction. “That’s generally when people seem to see a big shift in their mood, particularly in terms of anxiety and depression,” says Latreille.
If you already take SSRI or MAOI drugs, which are also known to affect serotonin levels, you should consult your doctor before using kanna since it may interact with these medications. Likewise, it’s not recommended to consume it during pregnancy or lactation.
Side Effects of Kanna Extract
Many people feel the calming effects of kanna extract for anxiety within an hour or two of taking it. Others notice improved sleep and decreased stress levels within a week or two. Kanna is also a rich source of antioxidants that help support healthy blood pressure, heart health, and immune function.
This plant is a time-honored brain tonic in traditional South African wellness practices and is now gaining popularity in the West for its mood-enhancing benefits. Mental health professionals are intrigued by its calming and anxiety-easing properties, which may be partly due to its effect on serotonin.
The active compounds in kanna, mainly mesembrenone and mesembrine, act as both serotonin reuptake inhibitors and releasers. They enhance the neurons’ activity in the attention and memory processes and boost cognitive functioning and learning. The alkaloids in kanna, which are also natural phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, activate receptors for GABA, natural opioids, cholecystokinin, and melatonin. These neurotransmitters have been shown to calm the mind and reduce stress while at the same time increasing grounded energy and reducing hedonic hunger (eating beyond the point of fullness).
Kanna is not a psychedelic and does not change one’s thinking or sense of time and emotion. However, like other psychoactive plants, it does pass the blood-brain barrier and affects the brain. It is a milder alternative to MDMA, a psychedelic drug that is popular among partygoers. It is not as potent and does not have the same risk of addiction.
Although the anti-anxiety and mood-enhancing effects of kanna are well known, it is important to consult a qualified medical practitioner before starting any new supplements or herbs. It is recommended that you avoid this herb if you are taking any medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other drugs that interact with the nervous system.
If you are interested in trying kanna extract to relieve your symptoms of anxiety, we recommend APOLLO’S HEGEMONY Genous, which is made from high-quality organic ingredients and is produced under rigorous standards. This supplement is easy to use and contains 30mg of standardized kanna extract.
Benefits of Kanna Extract
Kanna is a powerful mood-enhancing and stress-relieving supplement. It can be found in a variety of forms, including capsules, powders, and tinctures. When choosing a kanna supplement, look for one that is made from pure ingredients without added contaminants. It should also contain a high concentration of the active compound, mesembrine.
In a recent study, 25 mg daily doses of kanna extract significantly improved cognitive set flexibility and executive function compared to a placebo. These results suggest that kanna may have potential as a neuroprotective and antidepressant herbal medicine [42].
When taken sublingually, kanna tinctures (liquid extracts) deliver the most rapid onset of effects, as they are quickly absorbed by the bloodstream. This method of consumption is also convenient and portable, making it easy to take on-the-go. Common experiences reported by kanna tincture users include feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and increased sociability. It is important to note that individual experiences can vary.
The Amazing Botanicals Kanna Extract Tablets are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable and effective stress-relieving supplement. These tablets are free from fillers and additives and have a potency of up to 200x. In addition, they are gluten-free, vegan, and made in a HACCP-certified facility using the highest production standards.
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