The Neuro Balance supplement enhances the body’s natural mood regulation and stress response by increasing serotonin levels and promoting relaxation. It supports cognitive function and overall well-being, aiding the body’s innate ability to manage stress and improve emotional stability.

The full formulation of the Neuro Balance supplement, which includes Ashwagandha, GABA, L-Theanine, MCT oil powder, and Fulvic Acid, synergistically supports mental clarity, reduces anxiety, enhances cognitive function, and boosts overall resilience, aiding the body’s natural healing processes.

What is Sceletium?

Sceletium: Origin and Uses

Sceletium, commonly known as Kanna, is a succulent plant indigenous to South Africa. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family and is scientifically referred to as Sceletium tortuosum. The plant has a long history of use among the indigenous San and Khoikhoi people, who have utilized it for its mood-enhancing properties for centuries.

The name “Sceletium” is derived from the skeletal appearance of the plant’s leaves after drying, which is a distinctive feature. The plant thrives in arid regions, particularly in the Western and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa, where it grows in sandy soils and rocky terrains.

Sceletium is primarily known for its psychoactive properties. The plant contains several alkaloids, with mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol being the most prominent. These alkaloids interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors, contributing to its mood-altering effects.

Traditionally, the plant was fermented and chewed, smoked, or used as a snuff to induce feelings of relaxation, reduce anxiety, and alleviate stress.

In modern times, Sceletium has gained popularity as a natural remedy for enhancing mood and cognitive function. It is often marketed as a dietary supplement in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and teas. The plant’s anxiolytic and antidepressant properties make it a valuable tool for managing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Additionally, Sceletium is believed to enhance focus, improve concentration, and promote a sense of well-being without the sedative effects commonly associated with other mood-enhancing substances.

Research on Sceletium is ongoing, with studies suggesting its potential for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Its safety profile is generally considered favourable, with few reported side effects when used in recommended dosages. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating Sceletium supplements into one’s routine, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.

Uses of Sceletium

• Adaptogen: Sceletium acts as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. This is largely attributed to mesembrine and mesembrenone, which modulate the stress response by balancing neurotransmitter levels and supporting adrenal gland function. Mesembrine (C17H23NO3) enhances serotonin levels, reducing the physical and emotional impact of stress. The alkaloids in Sceletium support the body’s ability to maintain calm during stressful conditions, promoting resilience.
• ADHD Support: Sceletium may help manage symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to its ability to modulate dopamine and serotonin levels. The alkaloids mesembrine and mesembrenone enhance focus and attention by optimizing neurotransmitter balance, which can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD.
• Anxiolytic: Sceletium’s anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties are primarily due to mesembrine, mesembrenone, and tortuosamine. These alkaloids help modulate the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of calmness. The inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) by mesembrine and mesembrenone further enhances its anxiolytic effects. Mesembrine acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, increasing the availability of serotonin, thereby alleviating anxiety.
• Antidepressant: Mesembrine and mesembrenone provide significant antidepressant effects by acting as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors. These alkaloids enhance mood by increasing serotonin levels and reducing depressive symptoms. Mesembrine’s biochemical action includes increasing serotonin and dopamine availability, which are critical for mood regulation. This makes Sceletium an effective natural antidepressant.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory effects are primarily due to mesembrine, mesembrenone, and quercetin. These compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulate the immune response, reducing inflammation and associated pain.
• Appetite Suppression: Mesembrine and mesembrenone contribute to appetite suppression by modulating serotonin pathways that influence hunger signals, helping to reduce appetite. The alkaloids influence the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger and satiety, making Sceletium useful for weight management.
• Bipolar Disorder Management: Sceletium’s mood-stabilizing properties, primarily due to mesembrine and mesembrenone, can be beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorder. These alkaloids help stabilize mood fluctuations by balancing serotonin and dopamine levels, which are crucial for maintaining emotional stability.
• Cardioprotective Effects: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin and kaempferol also contribute to cardiovascular health by protecting the heart and blood vessels from damage, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Cognitive Enhancement: The cognitive enhancement properties of Sceletium are linked to mesembrenol and mesembrine, which support neuroplasticity and enhance learning and memory. These compounds increase the availability of serotonin and dopamine, key neurotransmitters involved in cognitive processes. Mesembrine and mesembrenol improve mental clarity and focus by modulating the release and reuptake of neurotransmitters.
• Cognitive Function: Mesembrenol and mesembrine are the main compounds supporting cognitive function. They act on serotonin and dopamine pathways, improving mental clarity, focus, and overall cognitive performance.
• Colic: Sceletium has been historically used to relieve colic. The calming effects of its alkaloids, such as mesembrine and mesembrenone, help soothe the digestive tract and reduce discomfort. These alkaloids act on the nervous system to alleviate the spasms and pain associated with colic.
• Detoxification: Chlorophyll in Sceletium supports the body’s detoxification processes by binding to and neutralizing toxins, promoting their elimination from the body.
• Digestive Health: Sceletium has traditionally been used to treat digestive issues such as colic and bloating. Its calming effects on the nervous system also help relax the digestive tract, improving digestion and reducing discomfort. The anti-spasmodic properties of the alkaloids contribute to soothing the gastrointestinal system, reducing cramps and spasms.
• Energy and Stamina: Sceletium boosts energy and stamina by improving the efficiency of neurotransmitter systems involved in energy production. This is primarily due to the adaptogenic and mood-enhancing properties of mesembrine and mesembrenone. These compounds enhance physical performance and reduce fatigue by optimizing the balance of neurotransmitters.
• Enhanced Neurotransmission: The alkaloids in Sceletium enhance neurotransmission by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. This supports better communication between neurons, improving overall brain function and mental clarity.
• Endocrine System Support: Sceletium helps regulate the endocrine system by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones. This is beneficial for maintaining hormonal balance and supporting the overall function of the endocrine glands.
• Fever Reduction: Sceletium has been used traditionally to reduce fever. The anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties of its alkaloids, such as mesembrine and mesembrenone, help lower body temperature and alleviate fever symptoms. These compounds help modulate the body’s response to infection, reducing fever.
• Hormonal Balance: Sceletium can help balance hormones by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones. This is beneficial for individuals with hormonal imbalances that affect mood and stress response.
• Immune System Support: The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol in Sceletium support the immune system by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. These compounds help strengthen the immune response and protect against infections. Quercetin (C15H10O7) and kaempferol (C15H10O6) exhibit strong antioxidant properties, protecting cells from free radical damage and supporting overall immune health.
• Improved Sleep: Mesembrine and mesembrenone improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through their effects on serotonin and other neurotransmitters. The calming influence of these alkaloids helps induce restful sleep by modulating the sleep-wake cycle.
• Increased Neuroplasticity: The cognitive-enhancing properties of mesembrenol and mesembrine support increased neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and form new connections. This is important for learning, memory, and overall cognitive health.
• Infection Combat: Sceletium has been traditionally used to combat infections. The antimicrobial properties of its alkaloids and flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, help protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. These compounds strengthen the immune system and enhance the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Mood Enhancement: The primary active compounds responsible for mood enhancement are mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembranol, and tortuosamine. These alkaloids enhance mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain through serotonin reuptake inhibition and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition. Mesembrine’s action on serotonin and dopamine pathways boosts overall mood and well-being.
• Mood Stabilization: Beyond enhancing mood, Sceletium’s alkaloids help stabilize mood fluctuations. This is beneficial for individuals with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. The balance of serotonin and dopamine levels plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional stability.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Mesembrine and mesembrenone protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, preventing neurodegenerative diseases and maintaining overall brain health. These alkaloids help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders by protecting neural tissue.
• Pain Relief: Tortuosamine and quercetin contribute to the pain-relieving properties of Sceletium. Tortuosamine has mild analgesic effects, while quercetin’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain associated with inflammation. These compounds work together to alleviate pain and discomfort effectively.
• Schizophrenia Management: Sceletium’s alkaloids, particularly mesembrine and mesembrenone, may help manage symptoms of schizophrenia by modulating dopamine and serotonin levels. These neurotransmitter-modulating effects can help reduce symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
• Stress Reduction: Mesembrine and mesembrenone are the key alkaloids involved in stress reduction. They modulate neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, to help alleviate stress and promote relaxation. The adaptogenic properties of these alkaloids enhance the body’s resilience to stress.
• Support for Mental Health Disorders: Beyond its general mood-enhancing effects, Sceletium has potential therapeutic benefits for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia due to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels and reduce stress.

Properties of Sceletium tortuosum

• Adaptogenic Properties: Sceletium acts as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. This adaptogenic effect is largely attributed to mesembrine and mesembrenone, which help modulate the stress response by balancing neurotransmitter levels and supporting the adrenal glands.
• Anti-Depressant Effects: Mesembrine and mesembrenone are the main alkaloids providing anti-depressant effects. They act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, enhancing mood and reducing depressive symptoms by increasing serotonin levels.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory effects are primarily due to mesembrine, mesembrenone, and quercetin. These compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulate the immune response, reducing inflammation and associated pain.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Sceletium contains compounds with antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This supports its traditional use in treating infections and promoting overall health.
• Antioxidant Activity: The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol in Sceletium provide strong antioxidant activity, neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
• Anxiolytic Effects: Sceletium is known for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, primarily due to the presence of mesembrine, mesembrenone, and tortuosamine. These alkaloids help modulate the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of calmness. The inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) by mesembrine and mesembrenone further contributes to its anxiolytic effects.
• Appetite Suppression: Mesembrine and mesembrenone contribute to appetite suppression by modulating serotonin pathways that influence hunger signals, helping to reduce appetite.
• Cardioprotective Effects: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin and kaempferol also contribute to cardiovascular health by protecting the heart and blood vessels from damage, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Cognitive Enhancement: The cognitive enhancement properties of Sceletium are linked to mesembrenol and mesembrine, which support neuroplasticity and enhance learning and memory. These compounds increase the availability of serotonin and dopamine, key neurotransmitters involved in cognitive processes.
• Cognitive Function: Mesembrenol and mesembrine are the main compounds supporting cognitive function. They act on serotonin and dopamine pathways, improving mental clarity, focus, and overall cognitive performance.
• Detoxification: Chlorophyll in Sceletium supports the body’s detoxification processes by binding to and neutralizing toxins, promoting their elimination from the body.
• Digestive Health: Sceletium has traditionally been used to treat digestive issues such as colic and bloating. Its calming effects on the nervous system also help relax the digestive tract, improving digestion and reducing discomfort.
• Energy and Stamina: Sceletium can also help boost energy and stamina by improving the efficiency of neurotransmitter systems involved in energy production. This is primarily due to the adaptogenic and mood-enhancing properties of mesembrine and mesembrenone.
• Enhanced Neurotransmission: The alkaloids in Sceletium enhance neurotransmission by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. This supports better communication between neurons, improving overall brain function and mental clarity.
• Hormonal Balance: Sceletium can help balance hormones by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones. This is beneficial for individuals with hormonal imbalances that affect mood and stress response.
• Immune System Support: The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol in Sceletium support the immune system by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. These compounds help strengthen the immune response and protect against infections.
• Improved Sleep: Mesembrine and mesembrenone help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through their effects on serotonin and other neurotransmitters.
• Increased Neuroplasticity: The cognitive-enhancing properties of mesembrenol and mesembrine support increased neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and form new connections. This is important for learning, memory, and overall cognitive health.
• Mood Enhancement: The primary active compounds responsible for mood enhancement are mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembranol, and tortuosamine. These alkaloids enhance mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain through serotonin reuptake inhibition and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition.
• Mood Stabilization: Beyond enhancing mood, Sceletium’s alkaloids help stabilize mood fluctuations. This is beneficial for individuals with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. The balance of serotonin and dopamine levels plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional stability.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Mesembrine and mesembrenone have neuroprotective effects, which protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. This is particularly important in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and maintaining overall brain health.
• Pain Relief: Tortuosamine and quercetin contribute to the pain-relieving properties of Sceletium. Tortuosamine has mild analgesic effects, while quercetin’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain associated with inflammation.
• Skin Health: The antioxidant properties of quercetin and kaempferol contribute to skin health by protecting against oxidative damage and reducing inflammation. This can help prevent skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
• Stress Reduction: Mesembrine and mesembrenone are the key alkaloids involved in stress reduction. They modulate neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, to help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
• Support for Mental Health Disorders: Beyond its general mood-enhancing effects, Sceletium has potential therapeutic benefits for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, due to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels and reduce stress.
• Traditional Medicine for Various Ailments: Sceletium has been historically used for colic, fever, and infections, acting as a general tonic. The combined effects of its alkaloids and flavonoids contribute to its traditional uses. In traditional medicine, Sceletium was chewed or made into a tea to relieve digestive issues, reduce fever, and combat infections. The calming and mood-enhancing properties of its alkaloids were also utilized to alleviate stress and improve mental well-being. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties supported overall health and recovery from various ailments.

What is in Sceletium?

Vitamins

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine supports energy metabolism and nervous system function. It is essential for converting nutrients into energy and maintaining healthy nerve function. Approximately 0.1 mg per 100 grams, which is about 0.0001% of the plant’s dry weight. Thiamine also plays a crucial role in preventing beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavin is essential for energy production and cellular function, supporting the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. About 0.2 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0002% of the plant’s dry weight. Riboflavin is also vital for maintaining healthy skin and eyes and plays a role in the prevention of migraines.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Niacin is important for metabolic processes and DNA repair, helping convert food into energy and repair DNA. Roughly 0.5 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0005% of the plant’s dry weight. Niacin is also used therapeutically to manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Pyridoxine is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and immune function, essential for brain health and immune system function. Around 0.3 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0003% of the plant’s dry weight. Vitamin B6 is also critical for hemoglobin production and may help in the prevention of anemia.
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair, supporting cell division and tissue growth. About 0.1 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0001% of the plant’s dry weight. Folate is essential during pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant contributing to overall antioxidant capacity, supporting immune function and skin health. Typically around 1-2 mg per 100 grams of dry weight, which is about 0.001-0.002%. Vitamin C is also necessary for collagen synthesis and helps in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Minerals

• Calcium: Calcium is essential for bone health and various cellular processes, supporting bone density and muscle function. Present at about 20-30 mg per 100 grams, or 0.02-0.03% of the plant’s dry weight. Calcium also plays a role in blood clotting, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
• Copper: Copper supports iron metabolism and neurological function, essential for red blood cell formation and maintaining healthy nerves. Around 0.1 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0001% of the plant’s dry weight. Copper is also involved in the synthesis of collagen and the function of the immune system.
• Iron: Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, essential for haemoglobin formation and overall energy levels. Present in small amounts, around 1-2 mg per 100 grams, or 0.001-0.002% of the plant’s dry weight. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, characterized by fatigue and weakness.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, supporting over 300 enzymatic reactions. Present at around 10-20 mg per 100 grams, or 0.01-0.02% of the plant’s dry weight. Magnesium is also crucial for bone health and the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
• Manganese: Manganese is involved in bone formation and metabolism, essential for enzyme function and bone development. Approximately 0.5 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0005% of the plant’s dry weight. Manganese also plays a role in wound healing and the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.
• Phosphorus: Phosphorus is important for energy metabolism and bone health, essential for ATP production and skeletal health. About 15-25 mg per 100 grams, or 0.015-0.025% of the plant’s dry weight. Phosphorus is also a component of cell membranes and nucleic acids.
• Potassium: Potassium is key for cellular function and cardiovascular health, supporting fluid balance and muscle contractions. Present at about 40-50 mg per 100 grams, or 0.04-0.05% of the plant’s dry weight. Potassium is also important for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.
• Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant trace element that protects cells from oxidative damage and supports thyroid function. Present at around 0.05 mg per 100 grams, or 0.00005% of the plant’s dry weight. Selenium also plays a role in immune function and the prevention of certain cancers.
• Zinc: Zinc supports immune function, essential for DNA synthesis, immune response, and wound healing. Present at about 1 mg per 100 grams or 0.001% of the plant’s dry weight. Zinc is also important for normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Amino Acids

• Isoleucine: Isoleucine supports muscle metabolism and immune function essential for protein synthesis and energy production. Around 0.3 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0003% of the plant’s dry weight. Isoleucine is also involved in haemoglobin production and regulating blood sugar levels.
• Leucine: Leucine is important for protein synthesis and metabolic regulation, helping regulate blood sugar levels and stimulate muscle growth. Approximately 0.5 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0005% of the plant’s dry weight. Leucine also plays a role in wound healing and the production of growth hormones.
• Lysine: Lysine is crucial for protein synthesis and collagen formation, supporting tissue repair and enzyme production. Roughly 0.4 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0004% of the plant’s dry weight. Lysine is also important for calcium absorption and the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.
• Methionine: Methionine is an essential amino acid involved in detoxification and metabolism, important for protein synthesis and other vital compounds. About 0.2 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0002% of the plant’s dry weight. Methionine also plays a role in liver health and the production of cysteine and taurine.
• Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is a precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine, aiding mood regulation and essential for other amino acids and neurotransmitter production. About 0.2 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0002% of the plant’s dry weight. Phenylalanine is also involved in the production of melanin and the regulation of pain.
• Threonine: Threonine is important for protein balance, supporting immune function and liver health. Approximately 0.2 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0002% of the plant’s dry weight. Threonine is also necessary for collagen and elastin formation, essential for healthy skin and connective tissues.
• Tryptophan: Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, contributing to mood-enhancing effects, and is important for serotonin and melatonin production. Present in small amounts, typically around 0.1-0.5 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0001-0.0005% of the plant’s dry weight. Tryptophan is also used in the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.
• Valine: Valine supports muscle metabolism and tissue repair and is essential for muscle growth and energy production. Around 0.3 mg per 100 grams, or 0.0003% of the plant’s dry weight. Valine also maintains mental vigour, muscle coordination, and emotional calm.