Compound Monograph
Mesembrenone
Mesembrenone is a mesembrine-type alkaloid of kanna with reported PDE4 and serotonin-transporter activity.
Classification
Mesembrenone 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)
Mesembrenone is a naturally occurring mesembrine alkaloid, found in Kanna, Ice plants and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Mesembrenone is one of the principal mesembrine-type alkaloids of kanna (Sceletium tortuosum). Alongside mesembrine, it is among the constituents most often credited with the plant’s traditional mood-lifting and calming effects, and laboratory studies have reported activity at the serotonin transporter and as an inhibitor of the enzyme PDE4. It is frequently one of the markers used to standardise kanna extracts.
Toxicity & Safety
Kanna and its alkaloids are generally regarded as well tolerated at traditional doses. Because mesembrenone shows serotonin-transporter activity, combining kanna with serotonergic medicines such as SSRIs or MAO inhibitors is best approached with caution. Its safety in isolation has not been formally characterised.