Kanna Liquid 1:1 Extract | Sceletium tortuosum

Alcohol-Free Sceletium Tortuosum Extract

Sceletium tortuosum, known as Kanna or Kougoed, is a succulent plant native to the arid regions of South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape provinces. The San hunter-gatherers and Khoikhoi pastoralists of the region have worked with this plant for generations as part of their traditional practices. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests Kanna use goes back hundreds of years, with early Dutch settlers documenting trade in the plant during the 17th century.

Plant Chemistry and Traditional Preparation

The primary alkaloid of interest in Sceletium tortuosum is mesembrine, alongside mesembrenone and mesembrenol. These mesembrane alkaloids are structurally unique to the Sceletium genus and have been well-documented in ethnobotanical and phytochemical literature. Traditionally, the plant material undergoes a fermentation process that alters the alkaloid ratios, converting mesembrenone into mesembrine. This traditional processing step is crucial to the plant's traditional use profile.

This 1:1 extract is alcohol-free, using a vegetable glycerine base that makes it water-soluble and sugar-free. The glycerine extraction captures a broad range of the plant's water-soluble compounds while keeping the product accessible to customers who avoid alcohol-based preparations.

For Your Product Selection

Kanna is one of the fastest-growing botanical categories in the European market. The alcohol-free format broadens appeal to customers who avoid alcohol-based tinctures for personal or dietary reasons. As a South African botanical, Kanna offers geographical diversity alongside the predominantly South American and Asian products in your smartshop assortment. The liquid extract is a convenient complement to Kanna powder and solid extract formats.