Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mesembrine is an alkaloid found in the plant Sceletium tortuosum (commonly known as kanna), which has been used traditionally in South African indigenous medicine. The Khoisan people have chewed, smoked, or brewed kanna for centuries as a mood enhancer and to relieve stress and anxiety. The traditional use of Sceletium tortuosum for anxiety and mood support is well documented ethnobotanically, though it is important to note that this knowledge is primarily based on anecdotal and cultural reports.

Scientifically, mesembrine is known to act as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in vitro, which is a mechanism shared by several pharmaceutical antidepressants and anxiolytics. However, direct clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of mesembrine or kanna extracts for treating anxiety in humans is limited. A few small-scale human studies and animal models have suggested potential anxiolytic effects, but these are preliminary and not sufficient for strong scientific endorsement.

In summary, the use of mesembrine for anxiety is rooted primarily in traditional practices, with a modest but growing body of scientific interest. The overall evidence rating is 2/5, reflecting the traditional foundation and preliminary scientific support, but a lack of robust, large-scale clinical trials.

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