Share

Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana)

RELATED TERMS

Aloe, aloe-emodin, amerikanische faulbaumrinde, amerikanische faulbaum, anthracene glycosides, anthranoid, anthraquinone, anthroid, anthrone C-glycosides, Artemisia scoparia, ayapin, bearberry bark, bearwood, bitter bark, California buckthorn, carminic acid, casanthranol, cascara buckthorn, cascara fluid extract aromatic, cascara liquid extract, cascararinde, cascara sagrada, cascara sagrada (dried bark), cascara sagrada extract, cascara sagrada fluid extract (bitter cascara), cascarosides, cassia, cassia senna, chittem bark, coffee tree, dihydroxy-anthraquinones, dihydroxy-anthrones, dihydroxy-dianthrones, dogwood bark, emodin, fimbriatone, Frangula purshiana, nepodin, parietin, Persian bark, phytoestrogens, Polygonaceae, purshiana bark, pursh's buckthorn, Rhamnaceae (family), Rhamni purshianae cortex, Rhamnus purshiana, rhein, rheum, sacred bark, sagrada bark, Sagradafaulbaum (German), vegetable laxatives, wahoo plant, xanthoria elegans, yellow bark.

BACKGROUND

Cascara is obtained from the dried bark of Rhamnus purshianus (Rhamnaceae), both a medicinal and poisonous plant. It is found in Europe, western Asia, and in North America from northern Idaho to the Pacific coast in mountainous areas. In Spanish, cascara sagrada means "sacred bark," perhaps because this woody shrub has provided relief for several constipated individuals. Cascara has been used as a tree bark laxative by Native American tribes and Spanish and Mexican priests since the 1800s. The cascara sagrada bark is aged for a year so that the active principles become milder, as freshly dried bark produces too strong a laxative for safe use.

Cascara possesses purgative, toxic, therapeutic, and tonic activity. It is most commonly used as an anthraquinone stimulant laxative for bowel cleansing. Stimulant and cathartic laxatives are the most commonly abused laxatives and have the potential for causing long-term damage.

EVIDENCE TABLE

Conditions

Uses
disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Grade*

Bowel cleansing

Early studies have examined the use of cascara for bowel preparation. Evidence is insufficient to suggest effectiveness over conventional treatments for this indication.

C

Constipation

Cascara sagrada is widely accepted as a mild and effective treatment for chronic constipation. However, limited data is available. Additional study is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

C

*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

TRADITION

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Abdominal pain, anal fissures, analgesic (pain reliever), antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral (herpes simplex virus II and vaccinia virus), cholagogue (promotes bile flow), dyspepsia (upset stomach), emetic (induces vomiting), flavoring agent, gallstones, hemorrhoids, immunosuppression, leukemia, liver disease, spleen problems, sunscreen, urinary stones.

DOSING

disclaimer: The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cascara. Traditionally, 20-30 milligrams per day of the active ingredient, hyroxyanthracene derivatives, has been used. This is calculated as cascaroside A, from the cut bark, powder, or extracts. Doses of 300-1,000 milligrams dried bark have also been given at bedtime for constipation. The cascara liquid extract is often given in a dose of 2-5 milliliters three times daily. Traditionally, 4-6 milliliters of aromatic fluid extract have been administered at bedtime for constipation. As a tea, cascara has been given for constipation including a dose of 1 cup of tea, which can be made by steeping 2 grams of finely chopped bark in 150 milliliters of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, and then straining. The appropriate amount of cascara is the smallest dose that is necessary to maintain soft stools.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cascara in children, and use is not recommended. Traditionally, 1-3 milliliters of aromatic fluid extract (typically one half of the adult dose) daily in children two years and older has been used. For the dried bark preparation, 150-500 milligrams daily has been used.

SAFETY

disclaimer: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to cascara or the Rhamnaceae family. Cascara sagrada exposure has resulted in occupational asthma and rhinitis. Symptoms of allergy may include contact urticaria ("hives") or rash.

Side Effects and Warnings

Cascara was formerly approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective, but this designation was removed in 2002 because of a lack of supporting evidence. When taken by mouth, cascara can commonly cause mild abdominal discomfort, colic, and cramps. Long-term use may lead to potassium depletion, albuminuria (albumin in the urine above a specified level indicating potential kidney damage), hematuria (blood in the urine), disturbed heart function, muscle weakness, finger clubbing (enlargement), and cachexia (extreme weight loss). It is purported that the bark of cascara must be aged for one year or heat-treated to remove harsh constituents, which may produce severe vomiting, intestinal cramping, and/or spasms.

Cascara sagrada bark is noted in the German Commission E Monographs to be associated with potassium loss. Patients taking cascara sagrada bark for more than one to two weeks may experience hypokalemia. Signs and symptoms include lethargy, muscle cramps, headaches, paresthesias, tetany (painful muscular spasms and tremors), peripheral edema, polyuria (excessive urination), breathlessness, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Use cautiously in children due to the risk of electrolyte loss, specifically low levels of potassium.

Mild abdominal discomfort, colic, gastric melanosis (abnormal deposits of melanin), cholestatic hepatitis, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), portal hypertension (high blood pressure), cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cathartic (produces bowel movement) colon have been reported with chronic use of cascara and other anthraquinone laxatives. In some cases, chronic use may also cause pseudomelanosis coli. Pseudomelanosis coli (pigment spots in the lining of the large intestine) is believed to be harmless, usually reverses with discontinuation, and is not directly associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal adenoma or carcinoma.

Cascara may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Use cascara cautiously in elderly patients. Weakness, discoordination, and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing) may be exacerbated in elderly patients as a result of significant electrolyte loss when stimulant laxatives are used repeatedly to evacuate the colon. Be aware cascara may hasten the passage of all oral medications through the gut, thereby inhibiting their action.

Avoid using cascara in people with nausea or vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, or acute intestinal inflammation. This includes people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and appendicitis. It is also contraindicated for people who have ulcers, and abdominal pain of unknown origin. Be aware that prolonged use of cascara may lead to dependence on laxatives for stools and tolerance.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cascara is thought to be excreted into breast milk and may cause diarrhea. Avoid use in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

INTERACTIONS

disclaimer: Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

Cascara may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin©) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix©), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin©, Advil©) or naproxen (Naprosyn©, Aleve©).

Cascara may inhibit the absorption of digitalis glycosides, such as digoxin, and decrease their effects on the heart. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

Cascara has been used as a laxative and laxative-induced diarrhea may result in decreased absorption of isoniazid or sulfisoxazole.

Use of cascara with other laxatives may theoretically cause electrolyte and fluid depletion. Theoretically, concomitant use of cascara with diuretics (agents that increase urine flow), corticosteroids (steroids), or potassium depleting drugs may cause excessive loss of potassium.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Cascara may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

Theoretically, concomitant use of cascara with diuretic herbs and supplements may cause excessive loss of potassium. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that increase the flow of urine, or have diuretic effects.

Cascara may inhibit the absorption of digitalis glycosides, such as foxglove, and decrease their cardiac (heart) action. Cascara may also interact with squill. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

Theoretically, concomitant use of cascara along with potassium depleting herbs, such as horsetail, may increase the risk of potassium depletion. Use of stimulant laxatives or licorice with cascara may also increase the risk of potassium depletion.

Cascara induces increased speed of intestinal emptying, which theoretically may result in decreased absorption of vitamin K.

ATTRIBUTION

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

  • Borkje B, Pedersen R, Lund GM, et al. Effectiveness and acceptability of three bowel cleansing regimens. Scand J Gastroenterol 1991;26(2):162-166. View abstract
  • Borrelli F, Mereto E, Capasso F, Orsi P, Set al. Effect of bisacodyl and cascara on growth of aberrant crypt foci and malignant tumors in the rat colon. Life Sci 9-7-2001;69(16):1871-1877. View abstract
  • Chen HC, Hsieh WT, Chang WC, et al. Aloe-emodin induced in vitro G2/M arrest of cell cycle in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2004;42(8):1251-1257. View abstract
  • Food and Drug Administration, HHS. Status of certain additional over the-counter drug category II and III active ingredients. Final rule. Fed Regist 2002;67(90):31125-31127. View abstract
  • Hangartner PJ, Munch R, Meier J, et al. Comparison of three colon cleansing methods: evaluation of a randomized clinical trial with 300 ambulatory patients. Endoscopy 1989;21(6):272-275. View abstract
  • Huang Q, Shen HM, Ong CN. Inhibitory effect of emodin on tumor invasion through suppression of activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappaB. Biochem Pharmacol 7-15-2004;68(2):361-371. View abstract
  • Jung H.A, Chung HY, Yokozawa T, et al. Alaternin and emodin with hydroxyl radical inhibitory and/or scavenging activities and hepatoprotective activity on tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Arch Pharm Res 2004;27(9):947-953. View abstract
  • Kuo PL, Lin TC, Lin,CC. The antiproliferative activity of aloe-emodin is through p53-dependent and p21-dependent apoptotic pathway in human hepatoma cell lines. Life Sci 9-6-2002;71(16):1879-1892. View abstract
  • Lai GH, Zhang Z, Sirica AE. Celecoxib acts in a cyclooxygenase-2-independent manner and in synergy with emodin to suppress rat cholangiocarcinoma growth in vitro through a mechanism involving enhanced Akt inactivation and increased activation of caspases-9 and -3. Mol.Cancer Ther 2003;2(3):265-271. View abstract
  • Liu JB, Gao XG, Lian T, et al. [Apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells induced by emodin in vitro]. Ai.Zheng. 2003;22(12):1280-1283. View abstract
  • Marchesi M, Marcato M, Silvestrini C. [Clinical experience with a preparation containing cascara sagrada and boldo in the therapy of simple constipation in the elderly]. G.Clin.Med. 1982;63(11-12):850-863. View abstract
  • Mereto E, Ghia M, Brambilla G. Evaluation of the potential carcinogenic activity of Senna and Cascara glycosides for the rat colon. Cancer Lett 3-19-1996;101(1):79-83. View abstract
  • Nadir A, Reddy D, Van Thiel DH. Cascara sagrada-induced intrahepatic cholestasis causing portal hypertension: case report and review of herbal hepatotoxicity. Am.J.Gastroenterol. 2000;95(12):3634-3637. View abstract
  • Stern FH. Constipation—an omnipresent symptom: effect of a preparation containing prune concentrate and cascarin. J Am Geriatr Soc 1966;14(11):1153-1155. View abstract
  • Tramonte SM, Brand MB, Mulrow CD, et al. The treatment of chronic constipation in adults. A systematic review. J Gen.Intern.Med 1997;12(1):15-24. View abstract
disclaimer: Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2011 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. disclaimer: While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. disclaimer: The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)



Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE