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Talk:Kanna: Difference between revisions
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The active compounds in kanna are mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and tortuosamine. It is believed that mesembrine and mesembrenone are responsible for the majority of kanna's effects. | The active compounds in kanna are mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and tortuosamine. It is believed that mesembrine and mesembrenone are responsible for the majority of kanna's effects. | ||
Chemistry of Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) | |||
Kanna contains a variety of alkaloids, which are responsible for its psychoactive effects. The primary bioactive compounds are mesembrine-type alkaloids, along with other secondary metabolites. | |||
1. Mesembrine Alkaloids (Primary Active Compounds) | |||
Mesembrine – A serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) and mild phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor. It has a high affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT), with a K<sub>i</sub> value of 1.4 nM, meaning it strongly inhibits serotonin reuptake. It also inhibits PDE4 at a much weaker level (K<sub>i</sub> = 7,800 nM) (Smith et al., 1998). | |||
Mesembrenone – Functions as both an SRI and a PDE4 inhibitor, though it is weaker at serotonin reuptake inhibition than mesembrine (K<sub>i</sub> = 27 nM for SERT). However, it more potently inhibits PDE4, with a K<sub>i</sub> value of 470 nM, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and cognitive-enhancing effects (Gericke & Viljoen, 2008). | |||
Mesembrenol – A metabolite of mesembrine that is thought to contribute to Kanna’s anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects. Specific pharmacological data on mesembrenol are limited. | |||
Tortuosamine – A lesser-known alkaloid found in Kanna. Its precise pharmacological properties are not well studied, but it is suspected to play a minor role in Kanna's psychoactive profile (PubChem). | |||
2. Additional Compounds | |||
In addition to mesembrine alkaloids, Kanna also contains: | |||
Flavonoids – Antioxidant compounds with potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. | |||
Tannins – Polyphenolic compounds that may affect taste and bioavailability. | |||
Saponins – Plant-based glycosides with potential immune-modulating properties. | |||
[[User:Planlos69|Planlos69]] ([[User talk:Planlos69|talk]]) 09:49, 30 January 2025 (UTC) | |||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
{{pharmacology}} | {{pharmacology}} | ||
The main psychoactive effects of kanna are a result of its action as a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor ([[ | The main psychoactive effects of kanna are a result of its action as a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor ([[SRI]]), a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphodiesterase-4_inhibitor PDE4 inhibitor], and a monoamine releasing agent. <ref>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874115302348?via%3Dihub</ref>. | ||
The VMAT2 upregulation produced by kanna is a compensatory response produced by stimulants such as cocaine and methylphenidate <ref>https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16897597/</ref>. However, some online users have misinterpreted the findings of VMAT2 upregulation from kanna as evidence of being a different type of stimulant. This is false, and monoamine releasing agents upregulate VMAT2 as a compensatory mechanism, involved in tolerance. VMAT2 upregulation is evidence that a compound acts similar to monoamine releasers like cocaine and methylphenidate <ref>https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6757793/</ref> | |||
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Pharmacology | |||
Mechanism of Action | |||
Kanna primarily works by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft. This leads to mood enhancement, anxiolysis, and mild euphoria. | |||
Additionally, the PDE4 inhibition by mesembrenone may contribute to neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and cognitive benefits (Lima et al., 2022). | |||
Pharmacokinetics | |||
Half-life: Not well-documented, but estimated to be 4–6 hours based on anecdotal reports. | |||
Bioavailability: | |||
Oral & sublingual: High | |||
Intranasal: Moderate | |||
Inhaled (smoked/vaporized): Low | |||
More research is needed to determine the exact metabolic pathways and elimination rates of mesembrine alkaloids in humans. | |||
[[User:Planlos69|Planlos69]] ([[User talk:Planlos69|talk]]) 09:49, 30 January 2025 (UTC) | |||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
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*'''[[Psychedelics]]''' - Although anecdotal reports are scarce, what can be found seems to indicate an unexpectedly strong synergistic experience which results in increased [[cognitive euphoria|cognitive]] and [[physical euphoria]], [[increased music appreciation|appreciation for music]] as well as enhanced [[tactile enhancement|tactile effects]] and an increased likelihood of entering in to [[laughter fits]]. The likelihood for [[anxiety]] becomes greatly reduced and some visual effects such as [[drifting]] become less prominent - visual effects such as [[colour enhancement]], [[depth perception distortions]], [[perspective distortions]] and [[after images]] become more pronounced. There are unique visual effects from this combination, however, which seem to be unique to the combination and are unlikely to be experienced when psychedelics or kanna are taken on their own. A unique body high is also present with this combination, although this can come at the expense of specific effects which are known to arise from more stimulating psychedelics such as [[perception of bodily lightness]]. The headspace of this combinations has a higher level of lucidity than the psychedelic on its own will typically provide which could make the experience less likely to offer the same level of profound insight that psychedelics on their own are known to provide. Cognitive effects such as [[immersion enhancement]], [[empathy, affection and sociability enhancement]], [[novelty enhancement]] and feelings of [[unity and connectedness]] are much stronger with this combo whilst [[memory suppression]], [[thought loops]] and [[increased libido|libido enhancement]] may become less intense. This combination should be used only in safe temperature secure settings due to the increase in body temperature that kanna can cause | *'''[[Psychedelics]]''' - Although anecdotal reports are scarce, what can be found seems to indicate an unexpectedly strong synergistic experience which results in increased [[cognitive euphoria|cognitive]] and [[physical euphoria]], [[increased music appreciation|appreciation for music]] as well as enhanced [[tactile enhancement|tactile effects]] and an increased likelihood of entering in to [[laughter fits]]. The likelihood for [[anxiety]] becomes greatly reduced and some visual effects such as [[drifting]] become less prominent - visual effects such as [[colour enhancement]], [[depth perception distortions]], [[perspective distortions]] and [[after images]] become more pronounced. There are unique visual effects from this combination, however, which seem to be unique to the combination and are unlikely to be experienced when psychedelics or kanna are taken on their own. A unique body high is also present with this combination, although this can come at the expense of specific effects which are known to arise from more stimulating psychedelics such as [[perception of bodily lightness]]. The headspace of this combinations has a higher level of lucidity than the psychedelic on its own will typically provide which could make the experience less likely to offer the same level of profound insight that psychedelics on their own are known to provide. Cognitive effects such as [[immersion enhancement]], [[empathy, affection and sociability enhancement]], [[novelty enhancement]] and feelings of [[unity and connectedness]] are much stronger with this combo whilst [[memory suppression]], [[thought loops]] and [[increased libido|libido enhancement]] may become less intense. This combination should be used only in safe temperature secure settings due to the increase in body temperature that kanna can cause | ||
*'''[[Cannabis]]''' - Kanna is reported to have strong synergy with [[cannabis]]. Commonly reported effects from this combination are intense [[euphoria]], less [[anxiety]], and intensified [[hallucinations|visual effects]]. The [[appetite enhancement|appetite enhancing]] effects of cannabis are greatly reduced whilst feelings of [[time distortion]] are greatly enhanced. The [[depth perception distortions]] that kanna often cause at high doses are much more likely to present themselves with this combination and with greater intensity. [[Suggestibility enhancement]], [[novelty enhancement]], [[increased sense of humor|humor enhancement]] and [[increased music appreciation|music enhancement]] from both compounds are enhanced greatly. It should be noted that this combination can feel very psychedelic with the ways that these enhancments manifest themsleves. | *'''[[Cannabis]]''' - Kanna is reported to have strong synergy with [[cannabis]]. Commonly reported effects from this combination are intense [[euphoria]], less [[anxiety]], and intensified [[hallucinations|visual effects]]. The [[appetite enhancement|appetite enhancing]] effects of cannabis are greatly reduced whilst feelings of [[time distortion]] are greatly enhanced. The [[depth perception distortions]] that kanna often cause at high doses are much more likely to present themselves with this combination and with greater intensity. [[Suggestibility enhancement]], [[novelty enhancement]], [[increased sense of humor|humor enhancement]] and [[increased music appreciation|music enhancement]] from both compounds are enhanced greatly. It should be noted that this combination can feel very psychedelic with the ways that these enhancments manifest themsleves. The sedating effects from the cannabis may lessen the stimulatory effects of kanna but the [[empathy, affection and sociability enhancement|prosocial effects]] of kanna can cover up the more introverted aspects of the cannabis high. Effects not often seen from either compound such as [[magnification]], [[thought disorganization]],[[thought loops]], [[ego inflation]], mild [[visual disconnection]] and [[diffraction]] can occur when they are combined together. Caution should be used with this combo as the experience can be overwhelming at high doses of each due to a rather unique body high in which the [[perception of bodily heaviness|head and torso feel heavy]] but [[perception of bodily lightness|limbs feel lighter]] as well as dramatically enhanced increases in the [[auditory enhancement|auditory]], [[visual acuity enhancement|visual]], tactile and [[olfactory enhancement|olfactory]] effects of each compound. This combination also increases the length of intoxication rleative to the comnsumption of either compound on their own. | ||
*'''[[Caffeine]]''' - Kanna is reported to have synergy with [[caffeine]], resulting in stronger [[stimulation]] with [[anxiety suppression|decreased anxiety]] and [[irritability]]. Other effects include an increased likelihood of [[cognitive euphoria]] and [[increased music appreciation]], both effects tending to be rather inconsistent when caffeine is consumed on its own. [[Tactile enhancement]] and [[visual acuity enhancement]] become quite prominent. It should be noted that both compounds are known to [[increased heart rate|increase heart rate]] and so caution should be used in determinig how often one uses these substances together and at what dose. Those with a weak heart should avoid this combination entirely. The [[empathy, affection and sociabilty enhancemnent|prosocial]] effects of kanna are more pronounced with this combo although the empathy and affection aspects are reduced. | *'''[[Caffeine]]''' - Kanna is reported to have synergy with [[caffeine]], resulting in stronger [[stimulation]] with [[anxiety suppression|decreased anxiety]] and [[irritability]]. Other effects include an increased likelihood of [[cognitive euphoria]] and [[increased music appreciation]], both effects tending to be rather inconsistent when caffeine is consumed on its own. [[Tactile enhancement]] and [[visual acuity enhancement]] become quite prominent. It should be noted that both compounds are known to [[increased heart rate|increase heart rate]] and so caution should be used in determinig how often one uses these substances together and at what dose. Those with a weak heart should avoid this combination entirely. The [[empathy, affection and sociabilty enhancemnent|prosocial]] effects of kanna are more pronounced with this combo although the empathy and affection aspects are reduced. | ||
*'''[[Substituted amphetamines|Amphetamines]]''' - Kanna has a strong synergy with amphetamines with effects ranging greatly based on its method of administration. Oral administration alleviates the [[stimulation|excess stimulation]], [[irritability]] and [[anxiety]] seen with high doses whilst reversing the [[emotion suppression|emotion suppresing]] effects of lower doses. The [[physical euphoria]] of both compounds is intensified greatly and the [[cognitive euphoria]] seen with higher doses is also greatly intensified. The effects of oral kanna on an amphetamine high can reliably make the experience feel more [[sedation|relaxing]] whilst decreasing (but not eliminating) the [[thought acceleration]] from the amphetamine. Effects that both compounds have in common such as [[brightness alteration]], [[stamina enhancement|increased stamina]] and [[increased music appreciation|music enhancement]] become far more pronounced. This holds true for negative side effects of both compounds as well such as [[increased perspiration]], [[dry mouth]], [[appetite suppression], [[vasoconstriction]], [[temporary erectile dysfunction]], [[difficulty urinating]] and [[frequent urination]], [[abnormal heartbeat]], [[increased heart rate]] and [[increased bodily temperature]], with these last three effects specifically, it should be comnsidered important that this combo is used sparingly. The [[empathy, affection and sociability enahancement|empathogenic effects]] of kanna are greatly enhanced with this combo, as are the [[tactile enhancement|tactile enhancements]] and visual effects such as [[color enhancement]], [[perspective distortions]] and [[depth perception distortions]]. [[Drifting]] from amphetamines is also more likely with the co-adminstartion of kanna although this rarely goes beyond level 2. Unique effects such as [[visual stretching]] and and low level [[visual disconnection]] is possible with this combo as well, especially if consumed during the amphetamine [[offset|comedown]]. | *'''[[Substituted amphetamines|Amphetamines]]''' - Kanna has a strong synergy with amphetamines with effects ranging greatly based on its method of administration. Oral administration alleviates the [[stimulation|excess stimulation]], [[irritability]] and [[anxiety]] seen with high doses whilst reversing the [[emotion suppression|emotion suppresing]] effects of lower doses. The [[physical euphoria]] of both compounds is intensified greatly and the [[cognitive euphoria]] seen with higher doses is also greatly intensified. The effects of oral kanna on an amphetamine high can reliably make the experience feel more [[sedation|relaxing]] whilst decreasing (but not eliminating) the [[thought acceleration]] from the amphetamine. Effects that both compounds have in common such as [[brightness alteration]], [[stamina enhancement|increased stamina]] and [[increased music appreciation|music enhancement]] become far more pronounced. This holds true for negative side effects of both compounds as well such as [[increased perspiration]], [[dry mouth]], [[appetite suppression]], [[vasoconstriction]], [[temporary erectile dysfunction]], [[difficulty urinating]] and [[frequent urination]], [[abnormal heartbeat]], [[increased heart rate]] and [[increased bodily temperature]], with these last three effects specifically, it should be comnsidered important that this combo is used sparingly. The [[empathy, affection and sociability enahancement|empathogenic effects]] of kanna are greatly enhanced with this combo, as are the [[tactile enhancement|tactile enhancements]] and visual effects such as [[color enhancement]], [[perspective distortions]] and [[depth perception distortions]]. [[Drifting]] from amphetamines is also more likely with the co-adminstartion of kanna although this rarely goes beyond level 2. Unique effects such as [[visual stretching]] and and low level [[visual disconnection]] is possible with this combo as well, especially if consumed during the amphetamine [[offset|comedown]]. | ||
*'''[[Alcohol]]''' - Kanna is reported to have strong synergy with [[alcohol]], increasing the [[empathy, affection and sociability enhancement|prococial effects]] of both substances as well as providing a strong sense of [[novelty enhancement]] and [[unity and interconnectedness|appreciation for nature]]. The warm body feelings of kanna are enhanced greatly with this combination, as are typical empathogenic desires for physical effection. Negative drawbacks to alcohol consumption such as [[irritability]] and [[tactile suppression]] are reduced whilst feelings of [[pain relief]], [[muscle relaxation]] and [[motor control loss]] become more pronounced. [[Nausea]] and heartburn may be more of a risk for sensitive individuals and so those with a weak stomach should be cautious with their dosing. The visual effects of kanna are mostly reduced to [[color enhancement]] and a [[visual haze]] as the effects of alcohol seem to negate some of kanna's more hallucinogenic visual effects. It has been shown that SSRIs increase sensitivity to alcohol and may make the compound more neurotoxic than if it were taken on its own. For this reason, it is advised to use this combo sparingly if one should choose to try it | *'''[[Alcohol]]''' - Kanna is reported to have strong synergy with [[alcohol]], increasing the [[empathy, affection and sociability enhancement|prococial effects]] of both substances as well as providing a strong sense of [[novelty enhancement]] and [[unity and interconnectedness|appreciation for nature]]. The warm body feelings of kanna are enhanced greatly with this combination, as are typical empathogenic desires for physical effection. Negative drawbacks to alcohol consumption such as [[irritability]] and [[tactile suppression]] are reduced whilst feelings of [[pain relief]], [[muscle relaxation]] and [[motor control loss]] become more pronounced. [[Nausea]] and heartburn may be more of a risk for sensitive individuals and so those with a weak stomach should be cautious with their dosing. The visual effects of kanna are mostly reduced to [[color enhancement]] and a [[visual haze]] as the effects of alcohol seem to negate some of kanna's more hallucinogenic visual effects. It has been shown that SSRIs increase sensitivity to alcohol and may make the compound more neurotoxic than if it were taken on its own. For this reason, it is advised to use this combo sparingly if one should choose to try it | ||