Evidence supporting the use of: Mesembrine
For the body system: Serotonin

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mesembrine is an alkaloid primarily found in the plant Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as kanna. Traditionally, kanna has been used in South Africa for mood enhancement and stress relief. The interest in mesembrine for serotonin system support stems from its documented action as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in preclinical studies. In vitro assays have shown that mesembrine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, thereby potentially increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft, which is a mechanism shared by many pharmaceutical antidepressants.

However, the direct scientific evidence in humans is limited. Most of the data are derived from laboratory and animal studies, with only a handful of small-scale human studies or case reports available. These studies suggest potential benefits for mood and anxiety, but robust clinical trials evaluating mesembrine or kanna extracts for supporting the serotonin system are lacking. Safety and efficacy profiles remain largely undetermined in larger populations.

In summary, while there is a plausible pharmacological basis and some preliminary evidence supporting mesembrine's activity on the serotonin system, the overall quality and quantity of scientific evidence is modest, justifying a mid-low rating. More rigorous human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for serotonin system support.

More about Mesembrine
More about Serotonin

Other body systems supported by Mesembrine

Brain
Nerves
Serotonin
Specific Neurotransmitters

Products containing Mesembrine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.