zembrin benefits

What Are Kanna Extract: Zembrin Benefits & Side Effects?

Zembrin is an herbal supplement from nature. Zembrin has attracted attention in recent years for its potential to promote mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.

Zembrin is also said to have antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects without causing significant side effects.

This guide will explore the various Zembrin benefits, its potential side effects, and guidelines for safe usage.

Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.

What Is Zembrin?

Zembrin, a patented extract from the Sceletium tortuosum plant, also known as Kanna, possesses remarkable mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties.

It was once used by the San and Khoikhoi peoples and later by Europeans for mood purposes. It is now attracting attention for its potential to reduce stress and anxiety. [1]

This succulent plant, indigenous to South Africa, has been traditionally utilized by native peoples for centuries due to its exceptional qualities.

The unique alkaloids found in the plant have been studied extensively.

They are believed to contribute to its beneficial effects on mood and stress levels.

Research with 16 participants showed that Zembrin reduced feelings of fear and stress. They responded less to fearful faces when they received the 25mg dose.

They reduced connectivity between brain areas associated with anxiety. This suggests that Zembrin may help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. [1]

Not only does Zembrin have a long history of traditional use, but it has also gained recognition in modern science for its potential as a natural remedy.

Its cultivation and extraction processes are carefully controlled to ensure the highest quality and purity of the final product.

With its rich heritage and proven efficacy, Zembrin is a fascinating botanical extract that intrigues researchers and provides individuals with a natural way to support their well-being.

How Does Zembrin Work?

Zembrin exhibits a dual inhibition effect on PDE4 and 5-HT reuptake (axitamins play crucial roles in mental health, influencing mood, emotions, and overall neurological function).

This mechanism makes it a unique compound in its ability to modulate the intricate workings of the brain, helping to reduce anxiety and relieve symptoms of depression.

In a comparative study conducted with a placebo, Zembrin demonstrated decreased functional connectivity between the amygdala and thalamus during the pairing of threatening facial expressions.

This suggests that Zembrin may reduce the response of the underlying threat system in the subcortical risk circuit, helping to mitigate anxiety-related symptoms.

These groundbreaking findings provide initial evidence of Zembrin's remarkable ability to modulate the brain's threat system and underscore the need for further investigation into its potential clinical applications.

The concept of dual reuptake inhibition of PDE4 and 5-HT holds significant promise for the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression, offering new hope for individuals seeking relief from these debilitating conditions.[1]

What Are Zembrin Benefits? Natural Way for Mood And Stress

Release Anxiety and Depression

benefits of zembrin for anxiety and depression

In traditional usage, Sceletium tortuosum was consumed to alleviate stress and anxiety. Zembrin, as a concentrated plant extract, is believed to offer stress-reducing effects.

By modulating neurotransmitter activity, Zembrin promotes a sense of calm and well-being, providing relief from everyday stressors.

Research suggests that it reduces anxiety and depression symptoms by decreasing amygdala reactivity and altering amygdala–hypothalamus connectivity.

This mechanism targets the subcortical threat circuit, providing rapid relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Overall, Zembrin shows promise as a treatment option for anxiety and depression. [1]

Elevate Mood

zembrin may help to improve mood

It achieves this by interacting with the brain's serotonin system, a crucial component in regulating mood.

Through its unique mechanism of action, Zembrin promotes a sense of relaxation, which has been reported by many users to uplift their mood, creating a positive and harmonious state of well-being.

There has been research examining the effects of Zembrin on intelligence and mood.

Results showed that Zembrin, at a dose of 25mg daily for 3 weeks, improved attention span and executive function and produced positive effects on mood and sleep. [2]

Promote Calm

Research has shown that Zembrin can promote calmness and reduce symptoms of depression, as shown by enhancing alpha brain waves in the brain while also reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.

This suggests that Zembrin may assist in maintaining a relaxed and peaceful state of mind. [4]

The serotonin system, a complex network of neurotransmitters, receptors, and enzymes, plays a vital role in promoting feelings of happiness, well-being, and relaxation.

It is responsible for regulating various physiological and psychological processes in the body.

Regulators of this system, such as Zembrin, have been found to have profound effects on mood and emotions.

Zembrin, with its calming properties, affects the serotonin system, helping to create a feeling of peace and relaxation. [2]

Enhance Cognition

Zembrin has been shown to significantly improve cognitive function, with a particular focus on executive function and mental flexibility, even in healthy individuals.

The research on the mental advantages of Zembrin highlights its potential to revolutionize preclinical Alzheimer's dementia prevention programs, starting as early as midlife and extending throughout adulthood.

By harnessing the power of nutraceuticals, Zembrin offers a promising avenue for promoting brain health and optimizing cognitive performance for a lifetime. [5]

Weight Management

Experts in the field increasingly recognize the importance of cognitive support in long-term weight management programs.

Research suggests that cognitive support can reduce psychological stress, improve executive function, and encourage healthy habits, helping to maintain weight loss and control weight. [6]

By incorporating Zembrin into these programs, individuals can experience an enhanced sense of mental well-being and focus, making the journey toward successful weight loss feel more attainable and sustainable.

This natural cognitive support can provide the extra boost needed to overcome challenges and achieve lasting results.

Zembrin Side Effects

Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin) extract is considered safe and well-tolerated.
In a study, no significant blood pressure, pulse, temperature, or weight changes were observed in the group receiving Zembrin, indicating its overall safety profile.

Moreover, when treating emergent adverse events (TEAEs), the Zembrin group experienced only transient gastrointestinal discomfort (9.5%), which resolved spontaneously.

It's important to note that this discomfort was not directly associated with Zembrin, as evaluated by the clinician.

This study aligns with a recently published randomized controlled trial (RCT) that further supports the safety of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin).

The trial found a lower incidence of side effects in the Zembrin group compared to the placebo group, emphasizing its favorable tolerability.

Overall, the occurrence of TEAEs classified as "mild" and "moderate" was relatively low, indicating the well-tolerated nature of Zembrin.[2]

Zembrin Uses and Recommended Dosage

side effects and recommended dosage of zembrin

Zembrin has been used to improve mood, including reducing anxiety and depression and also improving sleep.

Since ancient times, Zembrin has been used as a chewing gum and medicine, and gradually, it was used as a psychotropic drug in tincture form. [7]

Currently, Zembrin can be used in capsule and powder form. If you take it in capsule form, you will quickly know your dose and can take it with you every day.
Both doses of extract Zembrin (8 mg and 25 mg) were well tolerated by healthy human subjects when taken once daily for 3 months. [3]

Any functional food has a specific dosage, which, if exceeded, can cause unhealthy side effects.

With Zembrin, the safe dosage is 25 - 50 mg daily. A remarkable thing from the past until now is that when using fermented Zembrin, chewing for 15 minutes will bring the best results. [8]

Conclusion

In short, Zembrin is a natural supplement that boosts mental health, reduces stress, and has the potential to improve sleep quality.

It can help you gain energy for a new day and improve your health significantly. You should take about 25 to 50 mg per day. Many studies have proved its benefits.

However, if you exceed the recommended dosage, it can still cause harmful side effects. Use it correctly to get the best Zembrin benefits.

References

  • [1] Terburg, D., Syal, S., Rosenberger, L. A., Heany, S., Phillips, N., Gericke, N., Stein, D. J., & Jack van Honk. (2013). Acute Effects of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin), a Dual 5-HT Reuptake and PDE4 Inhibitor, in the Human Amygdala and its Connection to the Hypothalamus. Neuropsychopharmacology, 38(13), 2708–2716. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2013.183
  • [2] Chiu, S., Gericke, N., Farina-Woodbury, M., Vladimir Badmaev, Raheb, H., Terpstra, K., Antongiorgi, J., Bureau, Y., Cernovsky, Z., Hou, J., Sanchez, V., Williams, M., Copen, J., Mariwan Husni, & Goble, L. (2014). Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Study of Cognition Effects of the Proprietary ExtractSceletium tortuosum(Zembrin) Targeting Phosphodiesterase-4 in Cognitively Healthy Subjects: Implications for Alzheimer’s Dementia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/682014
  • [3] A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Extract Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin) in Healthy Adults | The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (2021). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2012.0185
  • [4] Dimpfel, W., Gericke, N., Suliman, S., & Chiegoua Dipah, Gwladys N. (2016). Go 4mailburst. Go4mailburst.com. http://eprints.go4mailburst.com/id/eprint/116/1/NM_2016090914580597.pdf
  • [5] Chiu, Simon, et al. “Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Study of Cognition Effects of the Proprietary ExtractSceletium Tortuosum(Zembrin) Targeting Phosphodiesterase-4 in Cognitively Healthy Subjects: Implications for Alzheimer’s Dementia.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2014, 2014, pp. 1–9, https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/682014. Accessed 9 Dec. 2021.
  • [6] Haywood, D., Lawrence, B. J., Baughman, F. D., & Mullan, B. A. (2021). A Conceptual Model of Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance: The Importance of Cognitive, Empirical and Computational Approaches. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 635–635. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020635
  • [7] Terburg, D., Syal, S., Rosenberger, L. A., Heany, S., Phillips, N., Gericke, N., Stein, D. J., & Jack van Honk. (2013). Acute Effects of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin), a Dual 5-HT Reuptake and PDE4 Inhibitor, in the Human Amygdala and its Connection to the Hypothalamus. Neuropsychopharmacology, 38(13), 2708–2716. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2013.183
  • [8] Wilfried Dimpfel, Gericke, N., Suliman, S., & Gwladys N. Chiegoua Dipah. (2016). Psychophysiological Effects of Zembrin®Using Quantitative EEG Source Density in Combination with Eye-Tracking in 60 Healthy Subjects. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, 3-Armed Study with Parallel Design. Neuroscience and Medicine, 07(03), 114–132. https://doi.org/10.4236/nm.2016.73013
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Author

Ralph S. Albert, with over 10 years of expertise in nutrition and research, now heads the Research division at Vinatura Supplements. His dedication and extensive knowledge ensure top-quality articles on nutrition and health, collaborating with a skilled team. He has successfully completed The VINATURA Expertise Research Training Program, underscoring his commitment to Vinatura's mission. Ralph has also published numerous articles and conducted valuable research in the field, making him a trusted resource for individuals on their wellness journey.

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