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Medicine of the future: Researchers unlock the secrets of the sleepberry!
Research in Hanover is decoding the active ingredients of nightshade plants in order to develop new medications, including cancer treatments.
Medicine of the future: Researchers unlock the secrets of the sleepberry!
What can a small plant that often thrives in the shade do for our health? A research team led by Prof. Dr. Jakob Franke from Leibniz University Hannover has looked into exactly this. The employees have decoded the formation of steroids, so-called withanolides, which come from plants in the nightshade family. These include, among others, the physalis, the datura and the sleeping berry, also known as ashwagandha. [Hannover.de](https://www.hannover.de/Service/Presse-Medien/Hannover.de/Aktuelles/Wirtschaft-Wissenschaft-2025/Nacht Schattengew%C3%A4chse-als-Basis-f%C3%BCr-Arzneimittel) reports that these findings can have great importance for drug development, for example for cancer treatment.
What is behind the withanolides? These steroids have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. The sleepberry (Withania somnifera) is particularly known for its stress-reducing and sleep-promoting properties. The researchers decoded the genome sequence of these plants in order to understand the metabolic pathway. A specific area in the genome was identified that is responsible for the formation of withanolides. These findings could represent a crucial step in the production of new drugs.
Development of a high potency extract
In today's world, when stress and sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common, Ashwagandha offers a promising solution. The product “Organic Ashwagandha KSM-66” from Scheunengut is now available on the Internet and attracts attention thanks to its special production. It is a 12-fold concentrated extract that is obtained exclusively from the roots of the ashwagandha bush. The withanolides content is 5% per capsule. According to Shop-Apotheke, the daily dose of two capsules costs less than 35 cents and they should be taken with enough liquid.
But what are the advantages of this product? Compared to commercially available powder, it is significantly more effective. Numerous studies prove the antioxidant properties of the extract, without any additives such as anti-caking agents or preservatives. The manufacturer recommends storing the product cool, dry and protected from light to maintain quality.
Ashwagandha – A look at the science
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, has a history in traditional Indian medicine that goes back thousands of years. The plant contains a variety of active ingredients such as steroid lactones, flavonoids and alkaloids. The main areas of application range from stress management and support for sleep disorders to strengthening fertility. Interestingly, the positive effects on the production of sex hormones should be emphasized. Pharmawiki states that the plant remedy has adaptogenic properties and thus contributes to vitalization.
Despite its numerous benefits, its use should be approached with caution, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Side effects such as indigestion are also possible. Nevertheless, it is difficult to characterize the full range of side effects, so cautious dosing is advisable.
The latest research results from Hanover, in combination with the proven uses of the sleepberry, could help Ashwagandha take a permanent place in modern medicine and everyday health care in the future. Who wouldn't want to reap the benefits of this little plant?