Mesembrine

Mesembrine
	Above: molecular structure of mesembrine Below: 3D representation of a mesembrine molecule
Clinical data
Drug class	Serotonin reuptake inhibitor; PDE4 inhibitor
ATC code	None;
Legal status
Legal status	US: Unscheduled;
Identifiers
	IUPAC name (3aS,7aS)-3a-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-2,3,4,5,7,7a-hexahydroindol-6-one;
CAS Number	468-53-1;
PubChem CID	394162;
ChemSpider	349381;
UNII	P5X28MLQ1Z;
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID50947774 ;
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C17H23NO3
Molar mass	289.375 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
	SMILES CN1CC[C@@]2([C@H]1CC(=O)CC2)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)OC)OC;
	InChI InChI=1S/C17H23NO3/c1-18-9-8-17(7-6-13(19)11-16(17)18)12-4-5-14(20-2)15(10-12)21-3/h4-5,10,16H,6-9,11H2,1-3H3/t16-,17-/m1/s1; Key:DAHIQPJTGIHDGO-IAGOWNOFSA-N;

Mesembrine is an alkaloid primarily derived from the plant Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as kanna. This compound is noted for its psychoactive properties, particularly as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which contributes to its potential use in treating mood disorders and anxiety. Mesembrine has garnered interest in both traditional medicine and modern pharmacology, where it is explored for its effects on enhancing mood and cognitive function.

Kanna itself has a long history of use by indigenous peoples in southern Africa, who utilized it for its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving effects, often consuming it in various forms such as teas or chews.

Mesembrine has also been identified in Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, Delosperma echinatum, and Oscularia deltoides.