Although Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) has a long history of traditional use in South Africa, research on its role in contemporary wellness is in early stages. To expand on this knowledge, KA! Empathogenics commissioned an independent 30-day study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of KA!’s Kanna supplements in supporting emotional balance and overall quality of life. The study was run in partnership with independent researchers and provides practical, evidence-based insights into how KA!’s formulations perform in real-world use.

Study authors and design

This study was designed and executed by Stephanie Karzon Abrams, Clin.Pharm., Neuropharmacologist & Consultant, in collaboration with People Science.

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of Kanna, a natural empathogen, on participants' quality of life during KA! Empathogenics' 30-Day Journey Into the Heart. KA! Empathogenics is a Kanna supplement company inspired by nature and the healing wisdom of indigenous communities. Kanna is a natural empathogen and psychoactive (but not psychedelic) plant that has been used in South Africa for thousands of years to reduce stress, increase focus, and promote emotional openness without the cognitive changes associated with psychedelics.⁽¹⁾ A psychoactive substance influences the brain and alters mood, perception, or behavior, but not all psychoactive substances cause hallucinations or altered states of consciousness.⁽²⁾

KA!’s supplement is expertly crafted by scientists to maximize the healing effect of its synergistic, full-spectrum, life-giving ingredients, which in addition to kanna, include extracts of acmella flower and snow lotus. KA! also uses precursor alkaloids to synergistically elevate and prolong the function of the other phytochemicals in their proprietary formulation.

The 30-Day Journey Into the Heart is an initiative hosted twice a year by KA! Empathogenics, designed to integrate KA! into participants' daily routines for 30 days by taking KA! Chews and/or Tincture daily. They are supported by mindful practices and activations as well as a Q&A WhatsApp with the founder and chief scientist, fostering personal growth, emotional well-being, and deeper connections with oneself and others. This research aimed to assess how KA! supplement affects participants' mental and emotional health through validated quality of life measures and comprehensive data collection.

The study involved baseline and post-trial surveys to compare participants' well-being before and after the 30-day trial. Results indicated significant improvements in stress reduction (71%), decreased feelings of overwhelm (57%), and alleviated sadness (49%), with 63% of participants reporting an overall improvement in their quality of life. These findings may suggest that Kanna, specifically in KA! supplements,  when used consistently over time, has the potential to support mental health and emotional balance. Further research is needed to explore Kanna’s broader societal applications.

Methodology

The study followed a survey-based design with baseline and post-trial assessments after 30 days. An initial entry survey collected detailed demographic information, health history, mental health status, lifestyle habits, and current use of medications or supplements from participants. It also collected data about spiritual practices, rituals, and experience with Kanna. After 30 days of daily KA! supplement use, an exit survey was administered to evaluate changes in wellbeing, quality of life, and mental health.

Participants were asked questions based on validated quality of life scales to ensure data reliability. These questions were specifically designed to capture a deep understanding of each individual's experience throughout the trial. The study partnered with People Science, a technology-enabled clinical research company, and used their HIPAA-compliant software to collect and securely manage data, ensuring participants' privacy.

All participants were provided with informed consent forms, fully explaining their rights and the ability to withdraw from the study at any time. Ethical standards and scientific rigor were maintained throughout the research process.

Participants

The participant cohort consisted primarily of middle-aged, college-educated, Caucasian women, with an average age of 44 (+/- 11 years). A large portion (31%) worked in healthcare, and most self-identified as spiritual or wellness enthusiasts. The majority were unpartnered, childless, and employed part-time or more. Most participants had prior experience with other psychoactive medicines, although Kanna was a new experience for nearly all.

Results

After 30 days of consistent KA! use, 63% of participants reported an improvement in their overall quality of life, with significant impacts noted in:

• Stress reduction (71%)
• Reduced feelings of overwhelm (57%)
• Decreased sadness (49%)

None of the participants reported feeling worse. Additionally, participants noted that the sense of community fostered by KA’s "KA-mmunity" during the trial provided an added layer of support and contributed to stress relief and emotional connection.

The study also highlighted that many participants (30%) did not have a specific morning routine prior to the trial. The introduction of Kanna helped establish new rituals centered on mindfulness and personal reflection.

Discussion

The findings suggest that KA! Kanna supplement may be a beneficial tool for stress management, emotional balance, and personal growth. The plant’s ability to reduce stress and promote emotional openness—without the more intense effects of psychedelics—makes it an appealing option for those looking to integrate mental health support into their daily lives. Additionally, the creation of a community around the kanna blend use proved to be valuable in helping participants feel more connected to others, addressing a common modern struggle.

This study's design and the use of validated scales enhance the reliability of the data. However, given the relatively small and demographically specific cohort, further research is needed to assess how Kanna could benefit a broader, more diverse population.

Conclusion

The 30-Day Journey Into the Heart demonstrated that KA! Kanna supplement has the potential to improve quality of life, reduce stress, and foster emotional balance in participants. While the results are promising, further research is required to explore Kanna’s broader application in mental health and societal well-being. This study underscores KA Empathogenics’ commitment to advancing plant-based wellness through rigorous scientific research and transparent consumer practices.

References

1. Smith, C., & Van Wyk, B.-E. (2008). Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum): Ethnopharmacology and therapeutic applications. In this review, the authors describe Kanna as a psychoactive plant used by indigenous South African communities to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. It notes that Kanna has mood-enhancing properties without inducing hallucinations typically associated with psychedelics. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119(3), 653-660). DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.031
   
2. Julien, R. M., Advokat, C. D., & Comaty, J. E. (2010). A Primer of Drug Action: A Comprehensive Guide to the Actions, Uses, and Side Effects of Psychoactive Drugs. This textbook provides a detailed explanation of how psychoactive substances affect the brain by altering mood, perception, or behavior. It clarifies that not all psychoactive substances induce hallucinations or altered states of consciousness, and instead, many can affect cognition and emotion in more subtle ways. (Worth Publishers)
   
3. Manganyi MC, Bezuidenhout CC, Regnier T, Ateba CN. A Chewable Cure "Kanna": Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum. Molecules. 2021 Apr 28;26(9):2557. doi: 10.3390/molecules26092557. PMID: 33924742; PMCID: PMC8124331.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8124331/