Researchers find that happy plant reduces Work Stress.

Native South Africans from past hundred ago used to chewed a plant they say reduces stress, relieves hunger, sedates and elevates moods. Now the researcher found evidence, now they are gonna commercialize, market it, and plan to sell it over-the-counter worldwide.

Researchers found out that the plant, called sceletium tortuosum, has great potential in it and hopes to it marketing will boost the local economy.

Scientists from American pharmaceutical company working on the project says it doesn't know whether the plant has been approved by US regulators or how soon it may be available to consumers.

On Friday, South Africa's environmental minister traveled to the country's arid southwest where the plant is found to celebrate the issuing of the first license of an indigenous plant to the South African company HGH Pharmaceuticals.

HGH has not registered the product, which they will market as a dietary supplement, in any country, as the company is still compiling scientific and technical data, said Nigel Gericke, director of research at HGH.

"We're positioning (the product) for everyday people who are having a stressful time in the office, feeling a bit of social anxiety, tension or in a low mood," Gericke said.

The plant - known within South Africa as Kanna, Channa or Kougoed - has been used by the San people to reduce hunger, thirst and fatigue and is said to have sedative, hypnotic and mood-elevating effects. It is commonly chewed, but also can be made into tea or smoked.

Ben-Erik Van Wyk, a professor of botany and plant biotechnology at the University of Johannesburg, said he's extensively researched the plant and found no ill effects or evidence of dependency.

"It's a product with huge potential," he said. "Anyone who has chewed it and has experienced the sensation of the plant definitely knows there's something happening."
"So often traditional remedies are looked down upon as old-fashioned and outdated," Van Wyk added. "If this product becomes a huge success, the culture will become more respected and better known."

HGH has an agreement with Morristown, New Jersey-based PL Thomas & Co, which plans to launch the product in 2011, said spokeswoman Paula Nurnberger.

It may be some time before consumers get a chance to try a pill containing the plant's extracts, which they hope to market over-the-counter as Zembrin. Nurnberger said she does not know whether the product has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

- AP Inputs

Researchers find that happy plant reduces Work Stress.