Sceletium vs Crocus cartwrightianus

Succulent groundcover of South Africa; leaves and stems used by San and Khoikhoi peoples for mood enhancement and anxiety relief for thousands of years.

Wild ancestor of saffron crocus; stigmas used similarly to cultivated saffron in Greek folk medicine.

mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembranol, tortuosamine, alkaloids

crocin, crocetin, safranal, flavonoids

Mood enhancement and stress relief by San and Khoikhoi peoples, Anxiety and depression historically, Hunger and thirst suppression on long journeys, Sacred plant in Khoisan tradition

depression, anxiety, vision support, menstrual disorders

Serotonin reuptake inhibition research, Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, PDE4 inhibition

antidepressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant

25–50 mg standardized extract daily; traditionally chewed fresh

30mg standardized extract daily

Concurrent antidepressants or SSRIs (serious interaction), Pregnancy, Anxiety disorders paradoxically

pregnancy (high doses), anticoagulants

Serotonin syndrome risk with concurrent SSRIs, Mild euphoria, GI upset

GI upset, headache