What Are Alkaloids? A Closer Look at Kanna’s Active Compounds

Alkaloids are natural compounds found in many plants, and they often affect the brain and body. These compounds usually contain nitrogen and have strong effects, even in small amounts. You’ve probably heard of caffeine, morphine, or nicotine. All of them are alkaloids.
In the case of Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum), the key active compounds are alkaloids that affect mood, stress, and focus. Let’s take a closer look at how they work.
What Makes Kanna Work?
Kanna works because of its unique alkaloids, especially those known as mesembrine-type alkaloids. These include mesembrine and mesembrenone. Together, they affect how your brain handles serotonin and inflammation, both of which are important for mood and mental clarity.

1. Mesembrine: Natural Support for Mood
- How it works: Blocks the reabsorption of serotonin (like an SSRI)
- What it does: Lifts mood, reduces anxiety, and promotes calmness
Mesembrine is the most studied alkaloid in Kanna. It acts as a natural serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which means it helps increase serotonin levels in the brain. As a result, many people report feeling more relaxed and emotionally balanced when using Kanna extract. Unlike pharmaceutical antidepressants, mesembrine’s effects are typically milder and come with fewer side effects [source].
2. Mesembrenone: For Focus and Resilience
- How it works: Dual action, boosts serotonin and blocks PDE4 enzymes
- What it does: Supports memory, reduces brain fog, and fights stress
Mesembrenone is another powerful alkaloid found in Kanna. It not only helps raise serotonin levels, but also blocks an enzyme called PDE4, which plays a role in inflammation and brain function. Because of this, mesembrenone is often linked to improved focus, better memory, and a sense of mental clarity [source].

Why These Alkaloids Matter
Thanks to mesembrine and mesembrenone, Kanna can boost your mood and mental performance at the same time. These two alkaloids work well together. While mesembrine helps with emotional balance, mesembrenone sharpens focus and reduces stress.
As a result, many people use Kanna to:
- Feel calmer during stressful days
- Stay clear-headed without feeling sedated
- Improve their emotional and mental resilience
This combination makes Kanna a unique plant in the world of natural wellness.
What Does the Research Say?
So far, studies have shown strong potential for Kanna alkaloids:
- Mesembrine has a high binding strength to serotonin transporters, supporting its mood-enhancing role [source].
- Mesembrenone supports better thinking and learning by increasing levels of cAMP, a key brain messenger [source].
- Kanna extracts have shown anti-anxiety and calming effects without drowsiness in early lab tests [source].
This growing evidence suggests that Kanna could be a safe, natural option for those looking to support mental well-being without heavy pharmaceuticals.
The Power Behind Kanna’s Effects
Kanna’s impact on the mind comes from its unique alkaloids, especially mesembrine and mesembrenone. These two compounds work in harmony to promote calmness, focus, and emotional strength.
Whether you use Kanna for occasional stress or daily support, its natural alkaloids offer a balanced and science-backed way to feel better and think clearer.
👉 Try Kanna Gummies – Cherry 250 mg for a convenient and delicious way to experience these effects.