Nutra Health is a South African nutraceutical company specialising in Sceletium tortuosum — an indigenous botanical with clinically recognised benefits for mood, stress and cognitive performance.
We combine ethical biotrade, phytochemical standardisation and international compliance to deliver trusted food-grade supplements for both local and global markets.
Core Capabilities
Sceletium tortuosum
Sceletium tortuosum, also known as Mesembryanthemum tortuosum or Kanna, is a succulent endemic to South Africa, traditionally used by the Khoi and San people as a relaxant, entheogen, and mood enhancer. Historical records trace its use back to the 4th century AD, with written documentation from the 17th century and praise from 18th-century explorer Peter Kolben, who called it “the greatest cheerer of the spirits”.
Common names include: Kanna, Channa and Kougoed (literally “chewed thing” in Afrikaans).
Pharmacological Profile & Nootropic Potential
Sceletium tortuosum is both a nutraceutical (for mood and stress) and a nootropic (for cognitive enhancement). Its bioactivity is primarily attributed to a group of alkaloids known as the mesembrine-type alkaloids, including:
- Mesembrine
- Mesembrenone
- Mesembrenol
- Mesembranol
These alkaloids act as:
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) — particularly mesembrine
- Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors — notably mesembrenone
These dual mechanisms underpin its anxiolytic, antidepressant, and cognitive-enhancing effects.
Standardization & Alkaloid Variability
Not all Sceletium products are created equal. The alkaloid content varies significantly based on:
- Species (e.g., S. tortuosum vs S. crassicaule)
- Region of cultivation
- Processing methods (e.g., fermentation can alter alkaloid ratios)
Standardized extracts (e.g., Zembrin®) contain:
- 0.35–0.45% total alkaloids
- ≥60% mesembrenone + mesembrenol
- ≤20% mesembrine
- ≥5% mesembranol
This standardization is critical for ensuring clinical efficacy and safety, especially given the psychoactive potential of mesembrine-rich preparations.
Regulatory & Ethical Compliance
Nutra Health operates with full transparency across biodiversity, trade, and food safety frameworks.
Through our science-led, ethically grounded approach, Nutra Health is redefining the role of indigenous botanicals in modern wellness. With Sceletium at our core, we are committed to advancing evidence-based natural solutions for global health.
Nutra Health Pty Ltd
Capricorn Park, Muizenberg, Western Cape, South Africa