The herb Kanna(Sceletium tortuosum) was used by African hunters, among others, before their hunting expeditions. It enabled them to better control anxiety and gain greater confidence in their actions, which was extremely useful during hunting. However, fighting for food is not the only situation in which Kanna can help. With Kanna supplements , you can also support yourself on a daily basis when, for some reason, you notice a mild increase in anxiety that you want to get rid of quickly.
- Kanna and anxiety reduction - clinical trial results
- Kanna biochemically acts like drugs used in anxiety disorders
- Summary
Kanna and anxiety reduction - clinical trial results
The anti-anxiety effects of Kanna extracts have been well documented in human studies. The most notable is a study published in 2013 in Neuropsychopharmacology. It was conducted on 16 people using fMRI of the brain while performing relevant tests.
The study mainly focused on observing the activity of the amygdala and its connected structures. This small area of the brain is responsible for controlling emotions, anxiety and aggression.
The results showed that the amygdala's reactivity to fearful faces under conditions of low perceptual load was attenuated after just a single dose of 25 mg of Kanna extract. Further analysis of connectivity in the emotion matching task showed that coupling between the amygdala and hypothalamus was also reduced.
These results showed a moderating effect of Kann on circuits in the human brain that respond to threat. They provide evidence that inhibition of 5-HT reuptake and inhibition of PDE4 by Kann's constituents may have anti-anxiety potential by attenuating the reactivity of circuits in the brain that control feelings of fear. Kann makes the amygdala body less reactive to stimuli.
Particularly in the last decade, a number of interesting clinical studies have emerged using standardized extracts of Sceletium tortuosum. Evidence of anti-anxiety and mood-enhancing effects is mounting. Researchers indicate that trials on larger groups of patients are still needed.
Kanna biochemically acts like drugs used in anxiety disorders
Drugs that inhibit serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) are often used not only for depression, but also for anxiety disorders of various kinds. Some of the Kanna alkaloids have exactly the same effect and affect serotonin levels at synapses in the same way. In the case of Kanna, he sees a potential synergy with the other main mechanism of action, namely phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition. The reason for this is the observation that classic SSRIs increase PDE4 activity, and thus may paradoxically reduce their effectiveness. Inhibition of PDE4 may, in this case, support the proper effect on serotonin.
Researchers conclude that Kann's dual mechanism of action of simultaneous serotonin reuptake inhibition and PDE4 inhibition produces a rapid anti-anxiety effect.
Anxiety is often accompanied by stress. Kanna alkaloids have also been shown to target certain enzymes in the adrenal cortex steroid synthesis pathway and reduce glucocorticoid synthesis. Inhibiting cortisol production may be a desirable effect in people with excess stress and anxiety.
Summary
Kanna supplements for anxiety reduction are a great choice for both emergency and daily use during harder times in life. It is often chosen as a natural alternative to medication when specific pharmacotherapy is not yet indicated. Thanks to its rapid action, Kanna also makes it possible to assess a person's sensitivity to serotonin manipulation.
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