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>>KANNA HARVESTING PRACTICES

Kanna Harvesting Practices – Sceletium tortuosum

An educational guide on optimal harvesting methods, alkaloid distribution, and preparation techniques for Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum).

Introduction

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in southern Africa. Scientific and ethnobotanical studies reveal that alkaloid content varies across plant tissues, influencing the effects observed historically. Understanding which parts to harvest and how to prepare them is valuable for research, botanical study, and educational purposes.

Alkaloid Distribution in Kanna (Dry Weight Basis)

The primary alkaloids in Kanna are mesembrine, mesembrenone, and delta-7-mesembrenone. Their concentrations differ depending on the plant part. The values below are reported as dry weight percentages (DW), the standard in phytochemical research.

Plant Part Mesembrine (% DW) Mesembrenone (% DW) Delta-7-mesembrenone (% DW) Notes
Young Leaves 0.5–1.0 0.1–0.3 0.05–0.2 Mesembrine-dominant
Older Leaves 0.3–0.6 0.2–0.4 0.1–0.3 Slightly more mesembrenone
Young Stems 0.3–0.6 0.2–0.4 0.1–0.3 High total alkaloid yield; harvested in above-ground pruning
Older Stems 0.1–0.3 0.3–0.5 0.2–0.4 Left on the plant when harvesting stems only
Roots 0.1–0.3 0.3–0.5 0.2–0.4 More balanced alkaloid content; collected in whole-plant harvests

This distribution guides harvesting decisions depending on which alkaloids are of interest for study.

How to Harvest Kanna

1. Harvesting Stems and Leaves Only

This method allows the plant to regrow for subsequent harvests. It tends to produce a more mesembrine-rich profile. Leave the last third of the growth closest to the crown intact to prevent stress or potential plant mortality.

2. Harvesting the Full Plant

This traditional method yields higher proportions of mesembrenone and delta-7-mesembrenone, though it kills the plant. When harvesting the whole plant, pull up the roots gently to maximize the amount of plant material collected.

3. Use Clean Cutting Tools

Always use clean, sharp tools to minimize contamination and damage to the plant. This is essential for both selective and full-plant harvests.

4. Wash Plant Material Well

Dunk and rinse the harvest in water until clean, changing the water as necessary.

Preparation Methods

Once harvested, plant material can be prepared in different ways:

  • Crushing and Blending: Breaking down the cell walls by crushing or blending and letting the mixture sit for 24 hours before drying has been observed to produce a desirable alkaloid profile in good concentrations.
  • Traditional Fermentation: Historically, Kanna material was fermented. This alters the alkaloid profile and other physical characteristics. Most studies suggest around one week of fermentation in a container, in the sun, with occasional stirring of the contents prior to drying.
  • Drying: Leaves and stems are dried at moderate temperatures to prevent degradation of alkaloids. Roots require longer drying due to denser tissue.

These preparation techniques are described for educational and research purposes only and do not constitute instructions for consumption.

Conclusion

Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) displays variable alkaloid concentrations depending on plant part, age, and harvest method. Understanding these differences is critical for research, botanical study, and preservation of traditional knowledge. Selective harvesting, clean techniques, and careful preparation ensure high-quality material for study while allowing for sustainable plant populations.

References & Further Reading

  • Faber RJ, Laubscher CP, Rautenbach F, Jimoh MO (2020). Variabilities in alkaloid concentration of Sceletium tortuosum in response to different soilless growing media and fertigation regimes in hydroponics. PubMed Central — PMC7670209.
  • South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI): Sceletium tortuosum species profile.
  • Gericke, Brendler, et al. Reviews on Sceletium phytochemistry and traditional use.

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