CHEMISTRY

The mood-elevating action of sceletium is caused by a number of alkaloids including mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol and tortuosamine which interact with the brain’s dopamine and serotonin receptors. Mesembrine is a major alkaloid present in Sceletium. Mesembrine has been demonstrated to be a potent serotonin releasing agent and a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, meaning that it regulates one of the brain’s most important neurotransmitters.

This receptor-specific activity, and receptor activities also found on nicotinic, dopamine and nor-adrenaline sites certainly validate the traditional mood-elevating uses, and suggest additional therapeutic and wellness potential.

By isolating this and other bio-chemically active compounds, researchers are now confirming what many people have known for many hundreds of years – that Sceletium has a remarkable ability to effectively treat symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Mesembrine is an alkaloid which is derived from the Sceletium tortuosum plant and is now being acknowledged as a key active component in the ability of the plant to produce beneficial effects when ingested.   The alkaloids mesembrenone, mesembrenol and tortuosamine are also present, and bring their own slightly different, but also very positive effects. 

Fermenting Kanna (as per its traditional use) increases mesembrenone and decreases mesembrine.