WHAT IS KANNA?

Botanical identity

Kanna is a common name most often associated in commerce with Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br., a succulent in the ice-plant family, Aizoaceae. Current Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew taxonomy treats Sceletium tortuosum as a synonym of the accepted name Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. Both names therefore appear in botanical and commercial references.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute lists kanna and kougoed among the plant’s common names. Because common names can be applied inconsistently, a responsible label should identify the scientific name used for the ingredient.

Origin and historical context

Kew records the species as native to South Africa’s Cape Provinces. South African botanical sources document a long history associated with Khoisan communities and note that the plant entered colonial botanical records during the seventeenth century. Historical records should be presented with respect for the communities connected to that knowledge.

Traditional practice is cultural and historical context. It does not establish that a modern powder, capsule, or standardized extract has a proven medical effect.

Common terminology

Kanna, kougoed, and Sceletium

These names appear in historical, botanical, and retail contexts. They are not a substitute for a complete scientific identity statement on the label.

Succulent and aerial parts

“Succulent” describes a plant adapted to retain water. “Aerial parts” refers generally to material collected above ground. When plant part matters to a specification, the label or supporting records should identify it more precisely.

Fermented and unfermented

Historical and commercial sources may distinguish processed or fermented material from unfermented material. The word “fermented” should be treated as a manufacturing description; it does not by itself establish identity, composition, or quality.

Mesembrine-type alkaloids

This is a scientific grouping used for constituents reported in Sceletium research. If a retail product makes an alkaloid-percentage claim, the report should define which compounds are included, the analytical method, units, and the batch tested.

Standardized extract

“Standardized” should identify the measured constituent or marker and its stated range. The term is incomplete when the standard, units, and testing context are not provided.

Common product formats

• Dried botanical material: cut or milled plant material identified by weight.
• Botanical powder: finely milled material sold loose or placed in capsules.
• Tea or botanical blend: a multi-ingredient format requiring a complete ingredient list and clear identity for each component.
• Capsules: a delivery format that should disclose botanical and other ingredients, capsule material, and contents.
• Dry or liquid extract: a processed format that needs defined concentration or standardization language.

Product format does not establish species identity. Review the scientific name, plant part, ingredients, net contents, and batch documentation together.

How to read a product label

Begin with the identity statement. Because accepted taxonomy and commercial usage may show different names, a clear label can help by presenting the scientific name consistently and, when useful, noting a recognized synonym.

• Look for Sceletium tortuosum or the accepted Kew name Mesembryanthemum tortuosum.
• Identify the plant part and whether the material is described as fermented or otherwise processed.
• Read the complete ingredient list, including other botanicals and capsule materials.
• Distinguish package net contents from serving-related information.
• Check how any extract ratio or alkaloid percentage is defined.
• Find the responsible company, storage directions, and batch or lot number.

For products represented as dietary supplements, FDA guidance describes label elements such as the statement of identity, net quantity, nutrition labeling where applicable, ingredient list, and the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.

How to review batch details, laboratory reports, and COAs

Use the COA to answer specific questions about the tested sample. First confirm the report belongs to the product and lot in front of you. Then identify the test panel, analytical method, units, and reporting limits.

• Match the report’s lot or sample number to the package.
• Check the laboratory, report date, and report identifier.
• Confirm the botanical or product name and sample form.
• Determine whether the report addresses identity, selected constituents, or specified contaminants.
• For alkaloid claims, identify which compounds were included in the total.
• Check method references, units, reporting limits, and any stated specification.
• If accreditation is claimed, verify that the relevant testing falls within the lab’s accredited scope.

ISO/IEC 17025 is used to assess laboratory competence, impartiality, and consistent operation. It adds context about the laboratory system; it does not turn a report for one sample into a result for a different batch.

Questions to consider before purchasing

• Is the scientific identity stated clearly?
• Does the label explain plant part, processing, and format?
• Are extract ratios or constituent percentages defined?
• Are all ingredients and net contents visible before purchase?
• Is batch-specific documentation available and current?
• Does the COA match the lot on the package?
• Can the seller answer identity and documentation questions without relying on vague marketing claims?
• Are adult-use and storage directions easy to find?

Storage and responsible handling

Follow the product-specific storage directions. Keep kanna products in their original labeled containers, secured against excess moisture, heat, and direct light. Store them away from children and pets, and do not combine different lots in one package. Retaining the original label preserves the connection to ingredient and batch information.

Sources and further reading