There are constantly new research studies being conducted on Sceletium. It is a medicinally important genus due to its amazing potential for mood enhancement and as a treatment for anxiety and depression. We have highlighted below 3 exciting studies that have been or are being conducted with Sceletium species.
- Earlier work led by Prof Carine Smith (Dept Medicine, Stellenbosch University) suggested that the monoamine releasing effect of mesembrine (one of the major alkaloids in Sceletium) facilitate the anxiolytic effect of Sceletium. This has now been successfully illustrated in intact, living organisms. A model using zebrafish larvae to quantify anxiety-like behaviour has been used to show that Mesembrine – at concentration proportional to the amount contained in a proven therapeutic dose of Sceletium – is the only tested Sceletium alkaloid with significant anxiolytic capacity in this model.
- Kaylan Reddy recently concluded his PhD study at Stellenbosch University on authentication of Sceletium. The PhD study provides a platform for using unique chemotypic and genetic trends across the genus.
Kaylan used a multidisciplinary approach including analytical methods, Feature based molecular networking and DNA barcoding. Chemical analyses reveal a trend of variable alkaloid production at elevation differences at an intra-species level (S. tortuosum) and DNA barcoding allows the identification of populations within the species by bioregion.
The study not only unravels some of the intricacies of the Sceletium genus but has also pioneered the establishment of a comprehensive analytical platform that integrates ecological, genetic, and chemical perspectives in the context of medicinal plants.
- There are ongoing studies at Stellenbosch University, the results of which have not been published yet. Prof. Marietjie Stander is looking at adulteration of Sceletium products with other plant material and determining whether Sceletium itself contains low levels of compounds that may be concentrated in the extraction process. The second is under the leadership of Prof. Nox Makunga, aiming to sequence the whole Sceletium genome. More on these topics once the results are public…