Common names: Tortuose fig marigold (Eng.);, kougoed, tandtrekbos (Afr.); kanna (Khoi)
Introduction
Sceletium plants are climbers or creepers. The slender branches become thick and only
slightly woody with age. Water cells are conspicuous on the leaves that have recurved tips
and 3 to 5 major veins. Kanna flowers are very shortly pedicellate (almost sessile) and of
medium size (20 to 30 mm diameter). Petals are white to pale yellow, pale salmon or pale
pink. The calyx has four or five sepals. Fruit are 10 to 15 mm in diameter and open when wet
(hygrochastic). It is easily recognized by the persistent dry leaves that become
skeletonized. In dry periods, these dry leaves enclose the young leaves protecting them from
harsh environmental conditions. Ranging from Namaqualand to Montagu through to
Aberdeen and commonly occurs in quartz patches and is usually found growing under
shrubs in partial shade.
The generic name Sceletium is derived from the Latin sceletus, referring to the prominent
leaf veins that persist as the skeleton-like structure of the dry leaves.
Specific name tortuosum means ‘twisted’ or ‘tortuous’.
The genus contains 8 species and is classified in the subfamily Mesembryanthemoideae.
The Afrikaans common name kougoed means ‘something to chew’
Traditional Uses
Traditionally, this medicinal plant is mainly masticated (chewed) or smoked and used for the
relief of toothache, abdominal pain, and as a mood-elevator, analgesic (painkiller),
hypnotic, anxiolytic (relieves anxiety), thirst and hunger suppressant, and for its
intoxicating/euphoric effects. Sceletium tortuosum is currently of widespread scientific interest due to its clinical potential in treating anxiety and depression, relieving stress in healthy individuals, and enhancing cognitive functions. These pharmacological actions
are attributed to its phytochemical constituents referred to as mesembrine-type alkaloids.
Sceletium tortuosum contains mesembrine and the related alkaloids mesembranol and
mesembranone. Mesembrine is known for its effects on the central nervous system. The
compounds also act as serotonin-uptake inhibitors, and in specified doses act as anti-
depressants, minor tranquilizers and anxiolytics used in the treatment of mild to moderate
depression, psychological and psychiatric disorders where anxiety is present, major
depressive episodes, alcohol and drug dependence, bulimia nervosa, and obsessive-
compulsive disorders (U.S.Patent 6 288 104). Smith et al. (1996) review the data
about Sceletium accumulated over 300 years; they record the original folk methods for
preparing Kougoed and document its psychoactive properties by reporting on the
experiences of several test subjects.
Scientific Research
Twenty-five alkaloids belonging to four structural classes viz: mesembrine, Sceletium A4,
joubertiamine, and tortuosamine, have been identified from S. tortuosum, of which the
mesembrine class is predominant. The crude extracts and commercially available
standardized extracts of S. tortuosum have displayed a wide spectrum of biological activities
(e.g. antimalarial, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-HIV, neuroprotection, enhancement
of cognitive function) in in vitro or in vivo studies. This plant has not yet been studied in a
clinical population, but has potential for enhancing cognitive function, and managing anxiety
and depression.
Ecology
Sceletium tortuosum is insect pollinated. Seed dispersal occurs during rain events by means
of hygrochastic fruit capsules that open when wet allowing seed to escape.
Growing Sceletium tortuosum
Sceletium tortuosum is an opportunistic species with a lifespan of approximately 3 to 5
years. Out of their natural habitat in the Succulent Karoo, plants of Sceletium tortuosum are
easy to cultivate. Under controlled conditions plants are best kept potted on a sunny
windowsill in porous somewhat loamy soil. Their active growth takes place in autumn, winter
and spring, with a rest period during summer when plants should not be watered.
Propagation is by cuttings or seed. Cuttings take readily in sand whereas seeds do not
always germinate easily. In nature, Sceletium tortuosum is generally found under bushes,
where they get good sunlight for at least part of the day, on the windowsill, plants will flower
readily, provided they get sufficient sunlight (Van Jaarsveld, pers comm.).
Sources:
1. https://sceletiumtortuosum.co.za
2. Pza.sanbi.org/sceletium-tortuosum
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34333104/
Comentarios