Ashwagandha im Labortest: Gefährlicher Hype? | Markt WDR

Ashwagandha – also known as winter cherry – is actually a remedy from traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It's currently experiencing a surge in popularity as a purported miracle cure for stress, sleep disorders, and burnout – ashwagandha is now the world's best-selling herbal supplement. But how safe are commercially available products really? In the lab, we're examining five common ashwagandha products for heavy metals and critical ingredients such as withaferin A – a marker for above-ground plant parts that has been linked to potential liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and thyroid problems. We'll answer: 🫚How does ashwagandha really work for stress, anxiety, and sleep problems? 🫚What role does the root play in traditional Ayurvedic medicine? 🫚What risks do lifestyle supplements from drugstores, online shops, and Amazon pose? 🫚What do the lab results reveal about the quality and safety of the tested products? 🫚Why do experts warn against self-medicating with ashwagandha without medical supervision? Note: Dietary supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment. For conditions such as sleep disorders, stress, or burnout, always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional and do not take ashwagandha supplements on your own. Why do experts warn against self-medicating with ashwagandha without medical supervision? ... Chapter Overview: 00:01 – Ashwagandha: Ancient medicinal plant, new social media hype 00:37 – Ayurveda Clinic Kassel: Traditional use of ashwagandha 01:12 – Uses for stress, sleep disorders, and exhaustion 01:48 – Toxic plant parts: Why only the root is used 02:24 – Influencers promise: Ashwagandha against stress & burnout 03:00 – Our sample: Five ashwagandha preparations in a lab test 03:49 – Prof. Keßler: Criticism of the dietary supplement hype 04:18 – Why ashwagandha preparations should be medically supervised 04:59 – Warnings & international regulation (Germany, Denmark, Poland, India) 05:47 – Lab results: Heavy metals, ingredients & withaferin A 06:23 – Risky plant parts: Liver, hormones, thyroid 06:56 – Statement from Kräuterhaus Sanct Bernhard and Consequences 08:03 – Conclusion -------------- Note: This video is a collaboration between the WDR program "Markt" and @Quarks Studio Q. It was first broadcast on TV on July 1, 2026. Consumer content from all ARD broadcasters is compiled here on this channel. 😊 By the way: Since MARKTCHECK is part of ARD, you can download this video for free over Wi-Fi and watch it offline on the go! ---------------- 📢 What experiences have you had with dietary supplements like Ashwagandha? Share them in the comments! 🔔 If you enjoyed the video, please give it a like and subscribe to ARD Marktcheck for more exciting investigations. Subscribe here:    / @marktcheck   👋 WELCOME TO Markt from WDR! You're probably already familiar with the exciting consumer tips from our colleagues at Markt NDR and Markt WDR, SUPER.MARKT rbb, Servicezeit WDR, Voss & Team, buy better, ECHT?, and FYI – Our research, your advantage. At Markt WDR you'll find ✔ ... independent tests and reviews, ✔ ... practical tips for everyday life, and ✔ ... the most important information to protect you from current scams and consumer traps! Authors: Nadine Hidding, Torge Hidding Image source: Adobe Stock | Azay Photography, PhotoHunter AI was partially used to create the thumbnail. ... ►    • Das System Ringana: Undercover beim „Fresh...   ►    • DAS bringt mir Selbstoptimierung mit Bioha...   ►    • Life Coaching: Hilfe oder Abzocke? Mein Se...   ►    • Wir checken drei “gesunde” Fertiggerichte ...   ►    • Die Wahrheit hinter Influencer-Produkten v...   --------------------- ► More current information on our homepage: https://marktcheck.ard.de ► More practical everyday tips and tricks on our Facebook page:   / ard.marktcheck   ► We look forward to your comments – but please observe our netiquette: https://www.swr.de/netiquette ► Our legal notice: https://www.swr.de/impressum/ ► Our privacy policy: https://www.swr.de/datenschutz #ashwagandha #ashwagandhasupplements #ashwaganda