Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent native to South Africa with a long history of traditional use. Modern research has begun testing its alkaloids in controlled settings. This post summarizes a pilot study on short-term Sceletium tortuosum supplementation and mood after unaccustomed resistance exercise.
Background
Research on Sceletium tortuosum has focused on its mesembrine-type alkaloids and their activity in the central nervous system. Published work has explored two mechanisms: inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4), which is linked to cAMP signaling in neural tissue, and modulation of serotonin reuptake. Earlier studies reported mood-related effects in healthy adults; exercise contexts had not been studied much.
Study design
Sixteen untrained women, average age about 21, were randomly assigned to Sceletium tortuosum (25mg daily for three days) or a placebo, double-blinded. Baseline measurements covered perceived soreness, elbow range of motion, mood via an abbreviated Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire, and plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a muscle-damage marker. Participants then performed an eccentric bicep-curl protocol to fatigue on the non-dominant arm. Supplementation began after the exercise and continued through a 48-hour follow-up.
What the study found on mood
Mood scores worsened from baseline to 48 hours in both groups, but the drop was significantly larger in the placebo group. At 48 hours, mood was better in the Sceletium group, with a large effect size. The authors' conclusion: short-term supplementation may help preserve mood after unaccustomed, intense exercise.
The other measurements
Perceived soreness rose in both groups but was lower in the Sceletium group, and range of motion was better preserved. LDH rose equally in both groups, and total repetitions declined equally — so the differences showed up in how participants felt, not in the damage marker or in performance.
Limits
This was a pilot: a small sample of young, healthy women, one exercise type, three days of supplementation. No side effects were reported. Larger and longer studies would be needed before drawing broad conclusions.
The full study is available at MDPI.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
