A medicinal succulent finding modern use as an antidepressant - Sceletium spp. Figure 1 . S. tortuosum The tribes of Africa used Sceletium tortuosum as a mood-altering product since prehistoric times, also being known as “Kanna, Channa, and Kougoed”, meaning something to chew. One early explorer called S. tortuosum ‘the greatest Clearer of the Spirits, and the noblest Restorative in the World’. The plant is traditionally known for its ability to elevate mood, reduce stress, tension, anti- anxiety and its tranquilising properties [1]. S. tortuosum is widely known for promoting a sense of well-being. The plant improves mood, having potent anti-depressant properties.It also has notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Alkaloids are the major constituents responsible for it's medicinal effects. It is a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor, similar to antidepressants like Prozac, but with novel mechanisms of action that add a therapeutic synergy to it's effects, most notably pro-cognitive benefits. It seems to have low toxicity and low abuse potential. That said, caution is advised with regard to potential interactions with other pharmaceuticals and in self-treating any mental health conditions. It's modern use therapeutically has been slowly explored, with case studies and preliminary modern research emerging on it's use for mental health conditions. Some users have noted that is has a superior effect to modern pharmaceuticals for treatment of mood issues, often with less pronounced side effects. Clinically, case studies have demonstrated increased attention, focus, and motivation while a patient with “a baseline mood of depression alternating with anxiety” felt “more focused, more engaged, and not so socially distant” after ten days [2]. There has been some suggestion of potential anti-addictive activity, particularly with reductions in drinking. The traditional preparation involves crushing and fermentation of the plant material, which alters the profile of alkaloids in the plant material and alters it's pharmacological effects. Other Sceletium spp. have also found use in a similar way, including Sceletium emarcidum which although having a slightly different alkaloid profile, seems to retain efficacy. References: [1] Manganyi MC, Bezuidenhout CC, Regnier T, Ateba CN. A Chewable Cure "Kanna" (2021) Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum. Molecules. 28;26(9):2557. https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fmolecules26092557 [2] Gericke, Nigel. (2018). Kabbo’s !Kwaiń: The Past, Present and Possible Future of Kanna. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328942189 _Kabbo's_Kwain_The_Past_Present_and_Possible_Future_of_Kanna 1