Posted by Have you ever heard of kanna? The first time I did, I thought someone had pronounced kratom wrongly. Turns out that kanna and kratom are two different plant-based products that millions of people enjoy using. They both have a long history of traditional use due to their unique ability to affect mood. You can buy any of them online in powder, capsule, or extract form.
But despite their similarities, kanna and kratom come from two very different plants. Their active compounds, effects, and research backgrounds also vary.
Key Takeaways
- Kanna and kratom are different botanicals with different purposes. Kanna is mainly used for mood and stress support, while kratom is commonly used for energy, focus, relaxation, mood enhancement, and wellness support.
- Kratom contains a more complex alkaloid profile. Kanna’s effects are linked to mesembrine alkaloids, while kratom contains more than 40 alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- Research on kratom is more extensive than research on kanna. While both botanicals continue to be studied, kratom has attracted significantly more scientific attention and consumer interest.
- Many users choose kratom because it offers a broader range of reported effects. Beyond mood support, kratom is often used for energy, productivity, relaxation, and discomfort management.
- Kratom has a long history of practical daily use. Workers in Southeast Asia traditionally used kratom leaves to combat fatigue and maintain productivity during physically demanding work.
- Neither product is risk-free. Kanna and kratom may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, digestive discomfort, nausea, constipation, and dependence, which is why responsible use is essential.
Kanna vs. Kratom Comparison Table
| Feature | Kanna | Kratom |
| Scientific names | Sceletium toruosum | Mitragyna speciosa |
| Native region | South Africa | Southeast Asia |
| Main active compounds | Mesembrine alkaloids | Mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and 40 other related alkaloids |
| Traditional uses | Mood support and stress relief | Energy, endurance, and wellness support |
| Common effects | Calmness and mood enhancement | Energy, focus, relaxation, and mood support |
| Research data | Limited human studies | Large and growing research base |
What is Kanna?
Kanna a succulent plant native to South Africa. Its scientific name is Sceletium tortuosum, and indigenous communities have chewed, fermented, or smoked it for centuries.
Many online research findings suggest that Kanna’s effects are due to its main active compounds, the mesembrine alkaloids. They influence serotonin signaling and other pathways linked to mood support and regulation. Most human and preclinical studies have focused on Kanna’s ability to reduce stress, support mood, and enhance cognitive function.
Note that most of the body research is relatively scanty compared to kratom. We strongly recommend that you use it sparingly and start with the smallest dose possible to monitor how your body reacts.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a well-known botanical derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa, and traditionally, farm workers in Malaysia and Thailand would chew the leaves to relieve muscle fatigue and joint pain and boost energy as they worked on farms.
Research shows this botanical has more than 40 different alkaloids, but the main ones are 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. Researchers have also found that kratom’s alkaloid profile interacts with several biological systems, which helps explain its broad range of reported effects.
Thanks to new technologies like ChromaPure extraction, brands like Real Botanicals can extract specific alkaloids in their purest form and sell them as capsules, extracts, tablets, and shots.
Check this guide on the different alkaloids of kratom and their effects.
Should I Use Kanna or Kratom for Mood Support
First thing to note is that both kanna and kratom are widely used by people looking for alternative medicine for mood support.
But these two botanicals approach this goal differently. Most users on forums like Reddit describe kanna effects as calming and uplifting. Much of the existing research we found focuses on stress, anxiety-related symptoms, emotional well-being, and cognitive performance.
Even though studies have reported encouraging findings, researchers continue to call for larger clinical trials before firm conclusions can be drawn.
On the other hand, kratom products are commonly used as a mood enhancement product. Most user reports increased motivation, optimism, sociability, and a greater sense of well-being.
Why Do Many People Choose Kratom over Kanna?
While we appreciate the fact that both botanicals enjoy a huge following, kratom takes the day for several reasons.
Broader Range of Effects
Kanna is mainly associated with mood and stress support. However, kratom offers more benefits like improved focus, energy, mood enhancement, pain relief, and relaxation. For example, 7-OH products offer better pain relief and mood support benefits than Kanna.
Kratom Has A Longer History of Daily Functional Use
Historical accounts show that kratom was commonly used by workers to maintain productivity during long days of physical labor. These practical applications helped shape its reputation throughout Southeast Asia. Today, more than 1.7 million people in the United States alone have used it at least once.
More Product Options
Consumers can find kratom in powders, capsules, tablets, extracts, chewables, beverages, and other formats.
Kanna products are available, but the market remains much smaller. In fact, only a handful of reputable botanical brands sell this product.
Risks and Side Effects of Kanna and Kratom
Don’t let anyone lie to you that kanna or kratom is risk-free. The best kratom brands have a detailed disclaimer which discourages the use of the products for daily support. The disclaimer also clearly states the risks and side effects that you should consider before buying.
The side effects of kanna and kratom include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Digestive discomfort
- Dizziness
- Irritability during off days
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dependence
That said, the side effects are mild if you stick to the recommended dosage and buy from the best kratom vendor, Real Botanicals.
So, Can I Take Kanna and Kratom Together?
Currently, there is very little research examining the combined use of kanna and kratom.
Because kanna appears to affect serotonin-related pathways and kratom contains multiple biologically active alkaloids, consumers should exercise caution when combining the two. We strongly advise anyone taking medications or managing a medical condition to consult a qualified healthcare professional before experimenting with either product. Be sure to check out our blog frequently for new reports and findings on kratom products.