What are the benefits of Sceletium extract?
The leaves of the plant may be chewed or made into a tea, juice, or dietary supplement. Sceletium supplements are often used to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as to improve memory and thinking skills. However, their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include a headache or upset stomach. Past and present indigenous uses of sceletium species [25] include use for: enhancing sociability, and as a euphoriant or intoxicant.A concentrated mesembrine extract of Sceletium tortuosum may exert antidepressant effects by acting as a monoamine releasing agent. As such, mesembrine likely plays a dominant role in the antidepressant effects of kanna.The plant is a member of the Mesembryanthemaceae family [10]. In addition, Sceletium is well-known as “Kanna, Channa, and Kougoed”, meaning something to chew or is chewable. The plant is traditionally known for its ability to elevate mood, reduce stress, tension, anti-anxiety and its tranquilizing properties [10].Traditionally, Sceletium tortuosum has been chewed, snuffed, and smoked, but it can also be ingested in the form of tea. The indigenous Khoikhoi and San communities have used this plant for its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties.
What is Sceletium good for?
Sceletium tortuosum is currently of widespread scientific interest due to its clinical potential in treating anxiety and depression, relieving stress in healthy individuals, and enhancing cognitive functions. Sceletium supplements are often used to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as to improve memory and thinking skills. However, their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include a headache or upset stomach.Furthermore, Sceletium tortuosum decreases amygdala activity and increases serotonin availability and may thus reduce anxiety.Sceletium tortuosum has a long history of use in South Africa for improving mood, well-being, physical endurance, and some cognitive functions; however, validation based on modern clinical testing is limited.
Is Sceletium addictive?
One of the critical considerations in the study of Sceletium tortuosum is its addiction potential. Historical and ethnobotanical evidence suggests that the plant is used in low doses for well-being by indigenous communities, with no apparent dependence or addiction issues reported. The plant is a member of the Mesembryanthemaceae family [10]. In addition, Sceletium is well-known as “Kanna, Channa, and Kougoed”, meaning something to chew or is chewable. The plant is traditionally known for its ability to elevate mood, reduce stress, tension, anti-anxiety and its tranquilizing properties [10].