Kanna: The Ancient South African Botanical That's Changing Modern Drinks

You've probably heard of kava. Maybe even blue lotus. But if you haven't yet encountered kanna, you're about to discover one of the most fascinating botanicals in the functional beverage space — and one with a history that stretches back thousands of years.

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa's Cape region. Used by the indigenous Khoisan peoples for centuries, it's now gaining global attention as researchers and formulators recognize its potential for mood support, social enhancement, and stress management.

Here's everything you need to know about kanna — from its ancient origins to its modern applications in drinks like Drink Gio.

What Is Kanna?

Kanna (pronounced "KAH-nah") is a low-growing succulent in the Aizoaceae family. Its scientific name, Sceletium tortuosum, comes from the skeletal appearance of its dried leaves, which reveal a lattice of veins when the fleshy parts decompose.

The first written account of kanna use dates to 1662, recorded by Dutch colonial administrator Jan van Riebeeck, though archaeological and ethnobotanical evidence suggests its use extends back thousands of years before European contact.

The Khoisan peoples traditionally prepared kanna by fermenting the plant material — a process they called "kougoed" (Afrikaans for "something to chew"). The fermented preparation was chewed, smoked, or made into teas and tinctures.

How Does Kanna Work?

Kanna contains more than 25 alkaloids, with mesembrine-type alkaloids being the most pharmacologically significant. These compounds interact with the brain's serotonin system in a fascinating way.

The Serotonin Connection

Mesembrine, the primary active alkaloid, acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) — similar in mechanism (though much milder in effect) to certain pharmaceutical antidepressants. It also interacts with the PDE4 enzyme, which plays a role in cognitive function and mood regulation.

In practical terms, this means kanna may help:

• Support a positive mood
• Promote a sense of social ease and confidence
• Take the edge off everyday stress
• Enhance focus and mental clarity

Importantly, kanna's effects are generally described as subtle and grounding rather than intoxicating. Users often report feeling more "themselves" — more open, more present, more at ease — rather than altered.

Traditional Uses: A Heritage of Connection

For the Khoisan peoples, kanna was deeply woven into social and spiritual life. It was used:

• In social gatherings — to ease tension and promote communal bonding
• Before challenging situations — to instill calm confidence
• In healing ceremonies — as part of traditional medicine practices
• For everyday well-being — as a daily tonic for mood support

This social dimension is particularly relevant to modern use. Kanna wasn't historically a solo substance — it was shared, communal, connective. That spirit carries forward into how it's used today.

Modern Research on Kanna

While research is still evolving, several studies have investigated kanna's potential:

Mood and Stress

A 2013 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that a standardized kanna extract (Zembrin) reduced amygdala reactivity to threatening stimuli. The amygdala is the brain's fear and stress processing center, suggesting kanna may help modulate the stress response at a neurological level.

Cognitive Function

Preliminary research indicates that kanna may support cognitive flexibility and executive function. A randomized controlled trial showed improvements in cognitive-set flexibility and executive function after 3 weeks of supplementation with kanna extract.

Safety Profile

Clinical studies using standardized extracts at recommended doses have generally reported kanna to be well-tolerated. However, because of its interaction with serotonin pathways, individuals taking SSRIs or MAOIs should consult a healthcare provider before using kanna products.

Kanna vs. Kava: What's the Difference?

Here's the thing: kanna and kava are better together than apart. Kanna provides the upward lift — mood, sociability, presence. Kava provides the downward ease — relaxation, warmth, stress relief. Combined, they create a balanced experience that's simultaneously energizing and calming.

This is exactly the principle behind Drink Gio's formulation. By combining kanna, kava, and blue lotus in a single can, you get the full spectrum: mood lift from kanna, body ease from kava, and sensory warmth from blue lotus.

How to Experience Kanna

Kanna is available in several forms:

• Capsules and powders — standardized extracts, typically 25-50mg of mesembrine
• Tinctures — sublingual drops for faster onset
• Teas — traditional preparation, milder effects
• Functional beverages — the most convenient and enjoyable format

If you're new to kanna, a functional beverage like Drink Gio Margarita is the easiest way to try it. The dose is precisely calibrated, the flavor masks any bitterness, and the complementary botanicals enhance the experience. Start with one can and see how you feel.

Sustainability and Sourcing

Wild kanna populations face pressure from overharvesting, making responsible sourcing critical. Reputable brands use cultivated kanna from ethical farms in South Africa, supporting local communities while protecting wild populations.

At Drink Gio, ingredient quality and sustainability aren't marketing talking points — they're foundational to how we formulate. Every botanical in our cans is sourced with care and dosed with precision.

The Bottom Line on Kanna

Kanna is one of the most promising botanicals in the functional beverage space. Its unique mechanism of action — gentle serotonin support rather than sedation — makes it ideal for social situations where you want to feel more confident, more present, and more connected.

Combined with kava and blue lotus in a ready-to-drink format, kanna becomes part of something greater: a genuinely new way to socialize. Not a replacement for alcohol, not a compromise — a deliberate upgrade.

Ready to feel the difference? Try Drink Gio and discover what South Africa's most treasured botanical can do for your next evening out.