Compound Monograph
Mesembrenol
Mesembrenol is a mesembrine-type alkaloid found in kanna (Sceletium tortuosum).
Classification
Mesembrenol is a mesembrine alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (3)
Mesembrenol is a naturally occurring mesembrine alkaloid, found in Kanna, Ice plants and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Mesembrenol is one of the mesembrine-type alkaloids present in kanna (Sceletium tortuosum), the South African succulent traditionally used for its mood-lifting and calming effects. It belongs to the same family as mesembrine and mesembrenone and is one of the constituents standardised extracts of kanna are measured against, though it has been studied much less than mesembrine itself.
Toxicity & Safety
Kanna and its alkaloids are generally considered well tolerated at traditional doses. Because the group has been associated with serotonin-related activity, caution is advised when combining kanna with serotonergic medicines. Mesembrenol on its own has not been characterised in detail.