Cascara Sagrada
Also known as: Rhamnus purshiana, Sacred Bark, Chittem Bark, California Buckthorn, cascara
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Cascara sagrada is the dried bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree, used for centuries as a laxative. Its active compounds — called cascarosides — are anthraquinone glycosides that stimulate the colon to move stool along faster. It has been included in constipation formulas alongside other ingredients, but no standalone clinical trials in the provided research confirm how well it works on its own or at what dose.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't detox your body — a clinical trial found a multi-ingredient blend containing cascara sagrada did nothing for body composition, waist size, or blood markers. No evidence it aids weight loss. Not proven safe for children. Not a substitute for fiber, hydration, or lifestyle changes for constipation.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Cascara Sagrada is primarily known for its use as a natural laxative. It contains compounds that stimulate bowel movements, making it useful for occasional constipation relief. However, the evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and primarily based on small clinical trials.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — cascarosides are metabolized by gut bacteria into active compounds in the colon; systemic absorption is limited by design, but long-term effects on gut tissue are a concern
Red Flags to Watch For
- Long-term use linked to mucosal damage in the colon — medical literature explicitly warns against chronic use
- Significant safety concerns flagged for use in children, with researchers recommending against it in pediatric constipation
- Anthraquinone compounds in cascara have shown cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects in lab studies — long-term safety is not established
- Commonly bundled into 'detox' products that have been clinically tested and shown to do nothing
- The FDA removed cascara sagrada from its list of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) OTC laxative ingredients in 2002 — a major regulatory red flag
- Abdominal pain and discomfort reported even in short-term combination studies
Products Containing Cascara Sagrada
See how Cascara Sagrada is used in these analyzed products:
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: 2026-04-06