Montmorency tart cherries are an amazing natural source of the sleep hormone, which plays a key role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. This particular tart cherry variety contains exceptionally high amounts of melatonin and can therefore positively contribute to sleep quality . In this article, you'll learn why Montmorency tart cherries are so unique, what other health benefits they offer, and how you can benefit from their high nutrient content —whether as juice, concentrate, or other forms.
The most important things in brief
Melatonin is a natural messenger substance that is involved in the regulation of sleep.
Plants also produce this substance , which can be absorbed through consumption
The sour cherry variety Montmorency is known for its particularly high content of sleep hormone
In the form of sour cherry juice concentrate, Montmorency sour cherries offer the highest amount of melatonin along with other valuable nutrients
What is melatonin?
The sleep hormone (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a biologically active substance produced in the pineal gland of humans and animals that performs a variety of functions. It is also synthesized in various plant parts, such as fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. In plants, the bioactive substance acts as a messenger substance , formed under certain conditions and regulating various processes (1).
The body's natural production of sleep-promoting substances can be impaired by unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive caffeine consumption, and the use of certain medications that suppress melatonin production. In addition to reducing these factors, natural melatonin production can be supported by consuming melatonin-rich foods (2, 3).
What function does melatonin perform in the human body?
The best-known and most important function of the sleep hormone is the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle . Melatonin is secreted primarily at night , and its release depends on the duration of darkness. In this way, it prepares the body for the nighttime rest phase and sleep.
As already mentioned, the sleep hormone is synthesized and secreted in the pineal gland. This process depends on two precursors of melatonin. First, the amino acid tryptophan is absorbed from the bloodstream and converted into serotonin . Melatonin is then produced from serotonin by the enzymes serotonin N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase (4).
Peak blood melatonin levels can typically be measured between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. and are approximately 60 to 70 pg/mL. However, these values are individual and can vary greatly from person to person. Under normal circumstances, the rhythm and concentration released remain relatively constant within an individual (5).
However, the hormone is not only involved in sleep regulation, but also in numerous other functions in the human body. These include the regulation of body temperature, the immune system, blood clotting, and blood sugar levels (4).
Cherry PLUS Silence capsules contain the unique nighttime formula based on our popular Original Cherry PLUS Montmorency tart cherry powder. With 600 mg of highly concentrated Montmorency tart cherry per capsule, ashwagandha extract, L-tryptophan, vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium, it supports a restful night.
What function does the sleep hormone fulfill in plants?
Melatonin also plays an important role in the immune system in plants. Its release increases during stress such as extreme temperature fluctuations, drought, toxins, or fungal infections. Furthermore, the release of melatonin activates other proteins and enzymes that strengthen the plant's defenses against pathogens and can neutralize harmful oxidation processes (1).
In addition, the sleep hormone is crucial for maintaining the functions of various enzymes and receptors . These are responsible for communication between cells and play an important role in the plant's response to external influences as well as in the distribution of nutrients within the plant.
A key function of melatonin is to regulate plant growth and the development of roots, flowers, and fruits. Furthermore , melatonin also influences fruit ripening , even after harvest. Thanks to melatonin's antioxidant properties, chlorophyll is better preserved, and leaves retain their green color longer (6).
How much melatonin do Montmorency tart cherries contain?
Natural sources of melatonin include various fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Sour cherries are considered a fruit particularly rich in melatonin. Today, 74 varieties of sour cherries are known (7), which, in addition to melatonin, are considered particularly healthy due to their numerous other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols (8).
Of these numerous varieties, one has proven particularly valuable due to its high melatonin concentration: the Montmorency sour cherry. It contains 13.46 ng/g of melatonin, followed by the Balaton sour cherry, which also contains a relevant but significantly lower amount at 2.06 ng/g (3). Sour cherries also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which serves as a precursor for the formation of melatonin (9).
The Montmorency sour cherry can be traced back to an old French variety, "Chateau de Moreille," which is over 400 years old . This sour cherry variety is now mainly cultivated in Michigan, USA . Since other sour cherry varieties contain lower amounts of health-promoting compounds, it is advisable to take a closer look at the origin of the fruit when purchasing sour cherry products (8). Due to their sour taste, sour cherries are often used in various products that are often sweetened. However, valuable nutrients are lost during this type of processing. In contrast , sour cherry juice and concentrate, when carefully prepared, offer the highest levels of melatonin and other valuable nutrients (10).
What other foods are rich in melatonin?
Melatonin levels vary not only from plant to plant, but also between different parts of the same plant. For example, flowers and leaves of a plant often contain different amounts of melatonin. Furthermore, melatonin levels can vary depending on the growing region within the same plant species, influenced by factors such as temperature differences and soil pH (2). The following table lists some foods, in addition to tart cherries, that are high in the sleep hormone.
Groceries |
part of the plant |
Amount of melatonin in ng/g |
Black pepper |
Sheet |
1093 |
turmeric |
root |
120 |
almond |
core |
39 |
strawberry |
fruit |
11.3 |
pomegranate |
fruit |
5.5 |
St. John's wort |
blossom |
4 |
Tab. 1: Melatonin content in selected plants (11)
Conclusion
Montmorency tart cherries are an excellent natural source of melatonin , thus naturally supporting the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. With their high content of valuable nutrients and antioxidants, they offer numerous health benefits. They reach their full potential especially in tart cherry juice concentrate and are an ideal addition to a balanced diet. Rely on the power of Montmorency tart cherries and naturally improve your sleep quality!
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