Last verified: 17 days ago
Cascara Sagrada
Also known as: Rhamnus purshiana, sacred bark, chittem bark, cascara buckthorn
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Herbal laxative bark with limited clinical evidence and notable safety concerns for long-term use.
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What it does
Cascara sagrada is the dried bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree, used traditionally as a stimulant laxative. Its active compounds — called cascarosides — are anthraquinone glycosides that...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
What the Science Says
Cascara sagrada is the dried bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree, used traditionally as a stimulant laxative. Its active compounds — called cascarosides — are anthraquinone glycosides that stimulate the colon to move stool along. It has been used in combination products for constipation relief, though it has not been studied well on its own in rigorous clinical trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't detox your body — no evidence supports this claim. Won't improve body composition or waist size. Not proven safe for children. Not a long-term solution for constipation. No evidence it improves gut microbiome balance.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May help relieve constipation when combined with fiber, but evidence is limited and mostly from combination products.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Contains cascarosides that stimulate colon movement to promote bowel activity.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — the cascarosides are metabolized by gut bacteria into active compounds in the colon; systemic absorption data from provided studies is not available
Red Flags to Watch For
- Long-term use linked to potential mucosal damage and colon toxicity according to reviewed literature
- Significant safety concerns flagged for use in children — not recommended in pediatric populations
- Often found in multi-ingredient 'detox' blends where its individual effects cannot be isolated
- Cytogenotoxic effects observed in laboratory models — caution warranted
- FDA removed cascara sagrada from OTC laxative status in 2002 due to insufficient safety data
Products Containing Cascara Sagrada
See how Cascara Sagrada is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cascara Sagrada do?
Herbal laxative bark with limited clinical evidence and notable safety concerns for long-term use.
What is the effective dose of Cascara Sagrada?
No established dose
Is Cascara Sagrada safe?
Long-term use linked to potential mucosal damage and colon toxicity according to reviewed literature
What doesn't Cascara Sagrada do?
Won't detox your body — no evidence supports this claim.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25